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Post by treehuggerdave on Mar 19, 2009 8:00:52 GMT -8
Hey Dave. ;D I hope you find this. You said you have gotten some tips on better lighting techniques. Would you tell me what kind of bulbs to buy, as I'm looking for better lighting for this photo/mag project. Any help much appreciated - the other Dave
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Post by Fletch on Mar 19, 2009 9:07:48 GMT -8
What I got from Darryl Gassaway who is the West Coast photographer for MCM is that he uses 4 regular 100volt clamp lights. The bulbs he uses are 100watt spiral bulbs that product "Daylight" not "Softwhite". Over the reflector's on the clamp lights he tapes everyday white tissue paper as a diffuser. There is no risk of the paper catching fire as the Spiral bulbs don't give off any heat. The other trick to the producing good quality "Publishable" photographs is the use of an "Infinite" background. Basically, a rolled piece of white paper that is held down at the top and bottom. Darryl uses a PVC pipe frame that can be disassembled. The frame not only acts as an anchor for background but gives you someplace to clamp the lights.
The total expense is minimal. I went to Wally world and bought 4 clamp lights and 6 spiral bulbs for right around $40. I still need to pick up the PVC pipe and fittings and paper. I figure another $30 or so should cover it.
The frame size is up to you depending upon how large the objects you intend to photograph. The advantage of the PVC frame is you can build it so that it is adjustable by adding or removing pieces as you go. The key is obviously is don't glue the pieces together.
Hope that helps.
Dave
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Post by treehuggerdave on Mar 23, 2009 12:37:23 GMT -8
Thanks Dave ;D I'll have to take a trip to see WALLY
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carnut
Junior Member
Posts: 76
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Post by carnut on Mar 26, 2009 21:35:29 GMT -8
At the risk of butting in on this, if I may offer a few suggestions. I did a little of this a few years back (even helped Kurt with photographing his nail polish article for Model Cars). For your infinate background you might want to check out getting a large piece of white poster board. It is just sturdy enough to work, Wally world might have it (they just ablout everything else). If they don't try Michael's or Freddy's. As far as lighting goes it sounds like you have a better setup than what I had to use. You might want to check to see if you have to make any adjustments to your settings on your digital camera for lighting that is if the camera will let you. All of this of course is "Gee I already know that" but I just thought that I would shar a few tid bits.
Mike
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Post by Fletch on Mar 26, 2009 22:39:45 GMT -8
All very good points Mike. The only reason for using a rolled piece of paper is that you don't end up with a seam in the photo. Of course the rolled paper needs to be a heavier artist type paper not something like butcher paper.
I have a light box made from foam poster board. Where the bottom and sides join there is a noticeable seam. This makes lighting a problem as you can't get even light on all sides. The use of the rolled paper allows the light to be dispersed evenly. Allowing for even lighting on all sides and eliminating shadows.
As for camera settings, if possible set the ISO to 64. Setting the lens to Macro to allow the most light into the lens of the camera. Even with most inexpensive digital cameras those adjustments should be available. If you have a digital camera that allows you to change the f-Stop settings of the lens, use f-8. The other thing about the camera is that it needs to be 5 megapixel or better in order to give the best photos and depth of field.
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carnut
Junior Member
Posts: 76
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Post by carnut on Mar 27, 2009 9:47:18 GMT -8
Hey, that sounds great. I would be curious as to how they turn out. Hoping that all will be well illuminated - ha ha ha. Mike
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Post by 1320wayne on Mar 30, 2009 15:53:22 GMT -8
The photo box works with the white foam poster board if you leave the top open and set two flourescent lights across the top to produce your light. This provides plenty of bright light and eliminates any shadows. The other trick to this is after you assemble your box then use some simple tub and tile caulk (white) to fill the seams and smooth it out with a shop rag. If the seams are still showing after that then repaint your photo box with white spray paint and hit it with a semi gloss coat to reduce the shine. This should create the perfect photo booth.
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