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this is about how the card looks in the pictures not the card itself. I made one of the homemade light boxes for taking still pictures. Usually I just take my photo's on the kitchen table with natural light. I would just like to know which one you think photographs better. Could be that I don't have enough light on the box also. Please share both your opinions and experiences. Thanks!
I appreciate everyone's response, I agree but was hoping someone would tell me I didn't waste the time on box, lol! Thankfully no cost was involved because I had everything I needed.
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I thought the first card looked a little washed out...but I like the "clean" affect of nothing behind it.
It would help if I just moved what was behind, but of course I get lazy and don't. I don't use these professionally of course, but I do sell items online and just wanted the best overall look.
I appreciate everyone's response, I agree but was hoping someone would tell me I didn't waste the time on box, lol! Thankfully no cost was involved because I had everything I needed.
I agree with the others, that your light box card is washed out. Did you remember to turn your camera flash off?
LOL, couldn't remember so I did it again and this time, I added another light...so now what do you think? See new thumbnail.
WOW! That made a big difference. I think the colors are much truer in this second version of the light box. I did a side by side by side comparison...and I think this second lightbox version is the best.
;) But that's just me!
__________________ They say house cleaning never killed anyone, but why take the chance?
what if you angle the card toward your light source? worth a try...I tried the box too but I didn't like it! It was a waste of time, but certainly worth the effort to know what works and what doesn't...do you have a daylight lamp? I think that is part of the trick to good photos...but that is JMO!! Good luck finding what works for you!
I, too, think the card on the right (without the lightbox) looks best. It's a nice crisp shot and the colors pop and look accurate to me. Don't ditch your homemade light box just yet though. ;) A couple of thoughts:
The type of bulb you are using makes a difference. (A regular lamp will work fine, as long as your camera can be balanced to compensate for this type of light.) Different lights have different temperatures and produce different color casts. Your picture appears to have a yellow cast in the background, which is likely a product of your bulb. This is where your camera comes in. Does it allow you to make adjustments for white balance? I shoot with a Canon Rebel (XTi) and am able to go into the white balance menu and choose from a host of presets or create my own custom setting. If I was using a regular household lightbulb as my light source I would choose the "tungsten light" setting, and this would make the necessary adjustments for me. A custom adjustment is another possibility. To do this, just take a picture of the light box (empty), making sure that the lights/lamps you use with it are ON, just like they will be when you take the picture of the card. Then use that image do do a custom white balance. With your new setting, proceed with the picture of your card. It should come out great!
If your camera can not be adjusted in this way, I would say using daylight bulbs is your best bet. Of course, if it's a sunny day and you're getting good natural light, you might as well take advantage of it...I really think your natural shot looks excellent.
Hope all that helps more than it confuses! ;)
__________________ Tami Follow your bliss. Find where it is and don�t be afraid to follow it. -Joseph Campbell
I really liked the first one, until I saw the second one. You just can't beat natural light. I've tried everything, believe me! LOL The colors are just truer. (<- is that how you spell that???) I still drag all of my stuff outside to take each pic. It's a pain, but I'm not happy with it any other way. But if it's rainy or nightime, the first one is very good, too. HTH!
I think your lightbox can work if you use a different lightbulb as stated above. Also the location of the card in the box. It looks like it is in front of your light a smidge. I thought of doing a light box....just no place to keep it set up.
__________________ Ann Here is my oily blog! CLICK HERE Certified Copic Instructor - Local ClassesI love cars, stamping and essential oils!
First I want to say, thanks to everyone that has taken the time to both comment and advise...it IS appreciated.
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If I was using a regular household lightbulb as my light source I would choose the "tungsten light" setting, and this would make the necessary adjustments for me. A custom adjustment is another possibility. To do this, just take a picture of the light box (empty), making sure that the lights/lamps you use with it are ON, just like they will be when you take the picture of the card. Then use that image do do a custom white balance. With your new setting, proceed with the picture of your card. It should come out great!
I am almost embarrassed to say that I have the same camera that you do. You would never know it by my pictures, I know, lol! This is great info and when I get back from an errand I will get out my XT-i Field Guide and try to figure this out...sad, huh? I am almost obsessed with making this work. If not...back to my kitchen table!
Please give me your opinions...
