Saturday, July 31, 2010

Tips for Improving Your Product Photos Part 2 of 3!!

LIGHTING

Now that you know how to use your camera to get accurate pictures, you need to learn how to play with lighting to create dramatic photo’s.

Many people prefer natural lighting and will wait for the perfect, sunny day to go outside and take pictures. For me that just doesn’t work with my schedule, and I don’t want to go out in the heat or the cold. So I invested in a light box. A light box helps distribute the lighting evenly so it reduces harsh shadows. You can make your own lightbox easily or buy one fairly cheap on sites like ebay. They come as kits with the lights, and several backdrop options.

Here is a great article on how to make your own box if you would prefer that:

http://www.studiolighting.net/homemade-light-box-for-product-photography/

I have my lightbox on my kitchen island and two table top lights setup on each side of the box. The bulbs are daylight balanced compact fluorescent bulbs. The table top lights can hold 5 bulbs total, and each bulb is 5000k. This type of bulb is low heat and creates a nice natural light. Most setups are 3 main light sources, with 500 watts on the top and then 250 watt bulbs on each side.

Another important note is that other light sources can interfere with the colors in your photos. So it is important to only use the lights for your setup and no others. For instance, my light tent and light sources are on the kitchen island but I never turn on the overhead light in the kitchen while doing the photographs. I learned that tip in the forums a long time ago and I think it is one many don’t know about, but if your light sources are mixed it will affect the colors of your photograph.



You should experiment with where you place your lighting in relation to your product. For instance, when shooting pearls if you place your light on top it will actually help create more dimension. The pearls will appear more round and full with that type of lighting and only one light for pearls.

Did you know you generally shouldn’t you flash with your product photos? The flash tends to create harsh shadows, and reflections that are distracting. Especially when shooting close ups.

The key to getting a photo you love is to have fun and play around with the setup. Take 10 or more photo’s of each item. You will want to use 5 of those for your etsy listing so having a lot to choose from will help. Look at the shadows and reflections. Maybe you want a soft reflection of your piece in the shot, so experiment with that.

Here is a great tip, once you learn the best set up for yourself get a log book out and take notes on all of the details. If you have certain angles for rings, and other angles for necklaces write it all down. This will save you time since you won’t have to experiment every time in the future. Write down where you set the lights, how many lights you were using, where you positioned the camera etc.




The next blog post is going to be longer. It has a TON of information on how to position your items, ideas on props, backgrounds, how to play with angles and create movement. Should be a lot of fun. Please comment on your ideas, and experiences so far with the tips.

THANKS
Janet
http://www.galla15.etsy.com/
http://www.trinketsnwhatnots.com/

21 comments:

  1. Great informational post, Janet! One other thing to take into consideration is the color of the room that your photo "studio" is in. Unless you're working with a completely covered light box, some of the surrounding color can seep into your photos, changing the tones in an unbecoming way! It's even best to wear a white shirt when photographing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much Mystic for your insight :) I hope you will take a look at the 1st part too. I did a post a few days ago on the settings of a camera to help with the tones you may pick up.
    THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice tip! I really need to make a light box! Maybe my DH will do it for me!?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great article and lovely shot of that Swarovski Crystal! You got all the facets perfectly crisp and no glare on them!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for this great information!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Photos are something I'm always working on improving. You've got some great tips!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such great tips, will try these. Thanks for taking the time to share this! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks :) I appreciate all of you reading and commenting!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great tips, thanks you! Gonna try to make one of these lightboxes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you, Galla. I need one also. I've tried to improvise but it really doesn't work as well.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello friend,
    I have followed on Google Friend Connect.
    Let's keep in touch.

    multibrand.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. One of the pains of designing jewelry...taking good pictures. Always presents a challenge. These are some great tips, thanks. Thanks also for stopping by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  13. thanks so much for the tips, need to build my lightbox

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wonderful advice, thanks for the link to the 'how to' make your own light box!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great tips - I need to invest in a light box, and probably a newer camera.

    Jodaycraf/Jodi

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi,
    Here I am again back on your blog
    admiring your photos. WOW!
    I wish that I can do all that.
    Thank you for the valuable tips.

    multibrand.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gorgeous shots! I am thankful my art is flat and I can just scan it - because I am terrible at taking product photos. My mom wants to start selling her jewelry online, though, so I'll definitely point her toward your great advice!

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good info The link to making a light box was good, too.

    Thanks for taking the time to share.

    ReplyDelete