Best way to photograph your work

[Bryan Cramer]

I am looking for an inexpensive way to photograph my projects. I already have a decent digital camera and printer. What kind of backdrop and lighting could I set up (like a photoboth). I will only be photographing some of my smaller projects, the larger ones will take a special, one time, setup. I docan't have a permanet photoboth (I dont have room).

Thanks

[phil harold]

People make light tents out of white window shades and pvc pipe sort of like this:
232872

There is also portables you can buy, I like this one
http://photoflex.com/products/firststudio-large-liteigloo

search the woodturners forum they are all into "proper lighting"

[Larry Frank]

I think that it depends on what you are going to do with the photos. If you want to take very good pictures so you can sell things or exhibit them, you will want some type of photo booth.

I take pictures of everything that I make so that I have a record of what I have made. I also keep a small digital camera in the shop to take pictures of jigs or setups or steps as I make something. Some of these pictures showing setups have come in real useful when I try to do that same thing again. I also have a spiral notebook that I make notes in or calculations as I build things. I use to write things on scraps of paper but would always lose them. The notes have come in handy especially as I am betting older.

The other thing with pictures is that you can share them with others. I got a better phone with a good camera in it so that I can take pictures and send them to my son who is 1000 miles away. It is a good way to stay in touch.

[Bill Huber]

This is what I set up for small items, you can scale it up to what ever you need.
The thing is you can knock it down and it takes up very little space.

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent

[Kevin W Johnson]

This is what I set up for small items, you can scale it up to what ever you need.
The thing is you can knock it down and it takes up very little space.

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent

Awesome link Bill! That's a nice setup you have.

[Kevin W Johnson]

I am looking for an inexpensive way to photograph my projects. I already have a decent digital camera and printer. What kind of backdrop and lighting could I set up (like a photoboth). I will only be photographing some of my smaller projects, the larger ones will take a special, one time, setup. I docan't have a permanet photoboth (I dont have room).

Thanks

I have a fabric "pop-up" style light tent that I got off ebay. The biggest plus is that it can be folded back up and put in a storage bag, so it takes up no room when stored. I usually just fold it flat and slide it between the desk and file cabinet.

[Kevin Gregoire]

yeah, you can get a photo tent on ebay for cheap in all sizes. small ones for photographing a bookend to big ones that a chair will fit in.
from $10 to $100 and some come with lights and different colored backdrops.

[Bryan Cramer]

Thanks for all the responses! Those tents are such a good idea. I think I will try one.

[Van Huskey]

I like to use a camera, seems like the best tool for the job...:D

You can also search for catalog photography tips and techniques and depending on how small the stuff is a macro lens for closeups of detail and a "ring flash" may be very helpful, but the latter isn't cheap.

[Bill Dufour]

In geology the standard is the light is upper right so shadows point down to the left. This makes it easier for the viewer to determine positive and negative features with no mental gymnastics For whatever reason Locomotives and cars are photographed going 3/4 to the right and either level or slight uphill aspect.
Bill D

[Alan Lightstone]

In geology the standard is the light is upper right so shadows point down to the left. This makes it easier for the viewer to determine positive and negative features with no mental gymnastics For whatever reason Locomotives and cars are photographed going 3/4 to the right and either level or slight uphill aspect.
Bill D

Fascinating, Bill. Never realized any of that.

But holy old post, Batman. :D Beat the 10 year mark.

[Bill Dufour]

Fascinating, Bill. Never realized any of that.

But holy old post, Batman. :D Beat the 10 year mark.
I have no idea why I saw this post. I was not searching. It showed up near the top of the current list. Maybe a scammer posted a response and it got deleted by a mod?
Bill D

[Paul Barksdale]

This is what I set up for small items, you can scale it up to what ever you need.
The thing is you can knock it down and it takes up very little space.

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent

Thanks Bill for sharing good camera collections, I will consider those for professional photography (https://www.corcinoproductions.com/)

[andy bessette]

No need for a light box. All you need is a couple clip-on lights with (preferably) daylight CFL bulbs and a background of either black velvet or white poster-board, etc.

https://i.postimg.cc/mDhRkwfj/boom-end-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/G298RGMw/boom-end-2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Mike Henderson]

Good thread - good pointers. Thanks.

Mike

[Stephen Rosenthal]

Sometimes a trip down memory lane germinates a seed than sparks a new idea.

[Derek Cohen]

For casual/website/forum use, I no longer use my SLR/light tent and instead just use my iPhone11. No special lighting - but do use the spots I have to the best effect I can.

I think that position and perspective is very important. For example, avoid straight-on shots and instead use angles.

Taken today (a box for my BIL) ...

https://i.postimg.cc/ZRgk83Np/6.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/x8bwtCG7/5.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek