Monday Quick-Tip - Lighting

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Lighting small objects doesn't always mean a complicated setup or light coming in from every direction.

Shadows tell our eyes that an object is 3-dimensional. To preserve the 3D perspective of your pieces, try lighting your object from one direction only - bouncing just a little bit of light back using a bright white piece of paper or foam board like this super-simple set up by 0olong I found on Flickr.com:

tiny studio by 0olong via Flickr


What kind of light / lightbox setup do you use? Leave a comment and let us know!



Like this? Read more Indie Business tips at my other blog: http://CreativeArtsConsulting.com/blog

20 Response to "Monday Quick-Tip - Lighting"

Linda B said...

I'm a new follower. This is a great idea that I'll have to try.

Thanks.

Angie said...

A simple idea, but so helpful!
Thanks

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

It is so simple!

IMakeCuteStuff (aka Marlo M.) said...

I know - it is pretty simple. I posted it to illustrate that taking better photos doesn't have to mean buying lots of new equipment if you don't have the resources to do that right now.

That doesn't mean that different equipment never makes a difference. On the contrary - better lighting options gives you much more control over the outcome and minimizes the need for photo manipulation afterward. I'll cover some of my favorite lighting options in upcoming posts too :)

Cyndie Smith Designs said...

Great tips and definitely some new perspective on taking pictures. Can't wait to try the one light method! Thank you!

Cyndie

Holly said...

Great idea! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Great idea! I definitely need some help with revamping my store. Thanks!

LeslieGallery - Tales of an Entrepreneur said...

usually i try to eliminate the shadows. i am looking forward to working with them now, thanks to the great idea

babble on said...

Thanks that is a great idea to try

cindy said...

I have never thought of setting up my photos this way. Can't wait to try it! Thanks.

Haute Goat Cashmere said...

shadows can be your best friend - or your worst enemy... I like the idea of bouncing the light back onto the object with white paper.

Sofisticata said...

Thank you for sharing :)

Unknown said...

Terrific tip! I'm going to have to toy with it. Most of my items are photographed on slate gray or black background, but every once in a while white seems to give an extra punch to the color I can't seem to get any other way.

- Gilliauna

Babbidge Patch said...

such good advice ~ I struggle with creating great photos of my product! Cathy

Susannah {Letter Love Designs} said...

Great! I really appreciate tips like this.

Anonymous said...

I really like the look of a textured background, so I often use old chippy wood or shutters, and take the pictures outside. I need to practice with other types of setups, though. And I really, really need to understand my camera. I have a hard time understanding the manual, but I'm determined to keep working on it.

AutismLoveHope said...

I bought some textured scrapbook paper as a background and it really helped! Also, I did end up buying a really nice DSLR camera (you know, the kind that cost about $500) but in the end, it has paid for itself -- the photo quality is amazing! I have also figured out that photographing outside on a cloudy or overcast day is the best. Direct sun has too many harsh shadows, but the natural diffusion of clouds is perfect! Hope this has helped! You can tell which items of mine in my shop were taken using this method, and which still need to be retaken: www.AutismLoveHope.etsy.com -- good luck to you all! :)

Janie said...

Love your blog. I have lots of reading to do. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us!

Anonymous said...

Hey, thanks for passing this on to more people! Glad you found it helpful. :)

IMakeCuteStuff (aka Marlo M.) said...

Thanks for all the wonderful comments everyone! And thank you most of all to *Oolong* for making your super awesome and simple lighting setup photo available to us via Creative Commons licensing! You rock!

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