Taking pictures

[awickedscent]

When you take pictures of your products are you leaving the flash on or off? Are you using another source for light?

[Scented]

Depends on the setting, but I think most flashes are too much. If you can cut your flash power by at least 1/2, that might help.

[Crafty1_AJ]

I prefer natural lighting (outdoors) when possible. Diffused, not direct, seems to work best for me.

[Georgia]

I prefer outdoors also, but if I have to use the flash I put my finger over part of the flash. It diffuses it enough that I don't get the line of reflection on the candle.

[BizzyBs]

I believe the best way is either in a light box (easy to make yourself at home) with a couple flood lamps or going outside and using natural light. It helps to be able to touch the photos up with photo software, as well.

[RobinInOR]

I leave the flash off, and am usually in macro mode. Another trick is to tape a piece of paper towel over the flash - that diffuses so it doesn't glare as much.

[Candybee]

When I take indoor pictures I try to light my photo area rather than use flash. Indoors my flash pics results just aren't as good as when I use natural illumination or lighting.

Flash tends to brighten the foreground of the pic and darken the background. The flash effect also doesn't flatter my subjects.

[SoapInTheCity]

I always leave the flash on, but find it best to take pictures either outdoors, or in a darker setting. Because I have a digital camera, I just play around and see what looks best, take a picture, if it has too much glare, I'll erase and try again in another place.

[awickedscent]

Thank you all for your input. Right now I use a photo cube but cant seem to get the blue's to come out right without being overexposed. I think I need to adjust how close the lights are

[Candle Man]

Here are some helpful links for better product photos...

http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/19002.html

http://www.dennisonbertram.com/hackmaster/2005/02/macro-light-box.htm

http://www.rhapsodydolls.com/doll_photography.htm

http://www.ezauctiontools.com/digitial-photo-tips/

http://www.ezauctiontools.com/photographing-jewelry/

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

http://nslog.com/archives/2005/04/05/soft_box_for_photography.php

http://www.silversmithing.com/1photo.htm

http://www.theswitchboards.com/articles_professionalphotos.html

http://www.tabletopstudio.com/

[Candle Man]

Thank you all for your input. Right now I use a photo cube but cant seem to get the blue's to come out right without being overexposed. I think I need to adjust how close the lights are

What type of lights are you using?

I use a 30wtt Daylight Trumpet Fluorescent Bulb in clamp-on reflectors. I get them from Wal-Mart and paid less than $10.00 per bulb. Here is some info about them http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/spiral.html

[Brenda]

One of my goals this summer is to build a light box so I can improve my soap pictures. Thanks for posting all the links, Candle Man! They are very informative. Got a few bookmarked!

[awickedscent]

I have the photo cube with the light setup. I think I am putting my lights to far away on the sides. I am going to take more pics today and see if they come out better.