Takin’ pictures can be one of the most daunting things I have to do for this business. That’s because I can create a set up which works (eventually after trial and error), but the next time I try it, I might not get the exact same results. Hence, I wind up having to shoot the majority (or as much as possible) all in the same day/time frame.
For the past coupla weeks, I’ve been working on those close up shots I mentioned earlier. I figured since Genevieve asked about “photography tips,” I’d take a second to post what this set up looks like.
I’m using Lowell Tota lights, which are incadescent lights. Therefore, all visable outdoor light sources need to be blocked. You can see in this first pic that I’ve covered over one of two windows in my office:
Surrounding the table there are four lights. Two of them are 700 watt lights which are equidistant from one another. Both are pointing to the ceiling because direct light that it NOT diffused is just wayyy too harsh for photographing just about anything that requires delicate shadows. A third light is pointed toward the work and has a diffuser on it to create gentle shadows in one direction. If I didn’t use this light, the swatch I’m taking a picture of would appear very flat and lifeless. Plus, for a crocheter, being able to see stitch definition is the key. The last 500 watt light was an added part of the set up. Normally I use three lights, but I needed additional light in the room because the pics were still too dark (I know, you’re thinking, “How is that possible with all that wattage to get dark pictures?” This ain’t nothin’. I promise. You should see the set up in the studio from our LA Trip!) I wind up plugging 2 of these into outlets in the office, one in the hallway, and I run an extension cord down the hallway and down the stairs to the living room. Otherwise, the lights go out, which has happened on occassion in the past.
The large foamcore board behind the table acts as a bounce for the light with the diffuser. Light that makes its way to the bounce will be bounced back into the shadows created from the light. This makes the shadows more gentle as opposed to harsh. Sometimes I grab a smaller piece of foamcore and rest it on the table as the bounce (if the larger one isn’t cutting it).
