Improve your photos with a simple light box

[Woodmonkey]

I've been wanting to improve my photography of my turning so that I can maybe start trying to sell some stuff online. I decided to build a simple light box, it's basically a cardboard box with 3 sides and the top cut out and then tissue paper taped over the sides and top. A sheet of white card is then placed inside curving up the back, this is the background for your picture, is kind of hard to describe but it looks like this

Then it just needs some spotlights on each side and the top. I'm still experimenting with the best positions for the lamps and settings on the camera as I'm no photographer but the initial results have been a vast improvement on my previous efforts, here's an example

This may be old hat to some of you but I thought I would share in case it might be of use, it's really easy and cheap to make the only real cost is the lighting, I found some cheap spots for a fiver each. Once I have ironed out the bugs I will make a more sturdy version from wood and some white material instead of the tissue paper.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

:idea: If it were made of ply, you could fit GU 10 spot fittings inside at the top. £10 each inc. the LED bulb. For £12 for another pair of bulbs, you could experiment with the light temperature - 0 - 1 - 2 either daylight or blue. You'd still need a free standing one for the shadows, which of course could be LED.

I've a small pocket LED pocket torch which throws a perfect disc of light that would probably get rid of a shadow.

 

[Grahamshed]

Certainly produces good results WM

 

[bugbear]

:idea: If it were made of ply, you could fit GU 10 spot fittings inside at the top. £10 each inc. the LED bulb. For £12 for another pair of bulbs, you could experiment with the light temperature - 0 - 1 - 2 either daylight or blue. You'd still need a free standing one for the shadows, which of course could be LED.

If all your lights are the same, can't you get the same colour effect in the camera? or post production?

BugBear

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Undoubtedly, BB. I don't think that way as my photography is firmly rooted in the past.

 

[KimG]

I use one of these although mine has all the bells and whistle, this one is a bargain for a tenner as you could easily rig up some lighting and get a small back cloth.

 

[andersonec]

Best if you moved your lights away from the box and aim them lights towards the middle or top of the box, that way the light will flood the box with a soft, even light and you may then get rid of the highlights and the double shadow on the item, specially if it a gloss finish, where they are at the moment is still slightly too directional.

Andy

 

[CHJ]

One big advantage in taking regular images is if you have the luxury of a spare room or store space you can leave the tent and lighting set up.
Like most of my efforts theses day, I'm afraid I just settle for adequate on the set-up front. The slaved bounced Flash units and all those must haves have not seen the light of day for years.
Not pretty enough for gallery of best magazine images but need not cost an arm and a leg if you keep your eyes open on a web search.

Gone up a bit since I purchase 10+ yrs ago But still reasonable


Or even this one if you have limited room

 

[Peter Sefton]

Thanks guys I need to improve the photos in the tool shop.
Any ideas for taking good shots of shinny tools. I have a cannon G 12 and not a clue, much better behind a plane or saw.
I like the idea of saving the pennies and making my own box but with so little spare time think I would buy something like Chas has suggested.
Cheers Peter

 

[winemaker]

Need a better Camera first

 

[bugbear]

Need a better Camera first

A Canon G12 is a fine camera; not the best but more than good enough for the shots being discussed.

https://www.flickr.com/cameras/canon/powershot_g12

BugBear

 

[KimG]

A G 12 should be OK as a camera, I have a G 3 that I have taken plenty of decent images with, I'm not familiar with the G 12 mind, I assume it is a later version of the G 3. I was even able to get images of the planets Neptune and Uranus with the G 3

 

[Peter Sefton]

Thanks for your feedback guys, we will get a light box and see how we get on.
Cheers Peter

 

[bugbear]

Thanks for your feedback guys, we will get a light box and see how we get on.
Cheers Peter

You could borrow a clothes airer and a white sheet from 'er indoors to experiment.

http://www.jmart.co.uk/index.php/home-f ... airer.html

BugBear

 

[Peter Sefton]

Sounds like a plan, thanks BB
Cheers Peter