Trying to improve my pictures

[kpaintner]

As I stated in a previous post, I just built a light box in an effort to improve my photography skills. Here are a few random shots of some badges. Please feel free to criticize and/or make suggestions on what I can do to make the pictures better. I am using 60 watt flourescent bulbs...may need to go to 100...still seems a little dark. I am using white cotton t-shirt material on the sides of the box as a diffuser and only have lights on two sides....may need a light on the top also.

[Stu W]

Great to see someone using a home made light box and those are some very good first efforts.

I'm going to pass on to you three little pieces of info I've learned over time.

1. Fluorescent lighting can give you a yellow to light green cast. Yours appears to be on the yellow end. Try incandescent and see what happens.

2. Watch your distance from the light source to the object. Your right side on the DKIG looks a little hot (overexposed) so light perhaps a bit closer to the subject on that side or side panel material thinner allowing more light through.

3. When shooting with two side lights bring them both a few degrees forward of the subject so that light will be cast into any recesses on the face of the subject matter. The shot of the EK1 is an example where details in the center are under illuminated because the light coming in at 90 degrees from the side strikes the high points of the frame and does not then get down to the core surface.

Regards,
Stu

[FIN89]

side panel material thinner allowing more light through

[Stu W]

When you feel comfortable with your set up the next step might be to use colored backgrounds to set off your items and make them "pop".

Here are a couple examples of what I mean.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

For years I have studied the way JR. Meda presents the subjects in his photos. That taught me a lot. You want them to "pop" but not at the expense of being too busy. You want to look at the primary axis of the subject and make sure it flows with the background. For example you would not want a long sword laying across a checkerboard background. Nor do you want a manly man SS helmet displayed on a pink background. Make sure the background compliments the item but does not overpower it and draw the eye away from what it is you wish to show.

I quite enjoy the photographic aspect of the hobby. Perhaps more now than ever.

I'll leave you with a couple more to give you ideas.

Regards,
Stu

[kpaintner]

Stu,
Thanks for the suggestions. Your pictures are incredible. I will try the lights as you suggested. Do you think I need brighter light or thinner material on the sides? I would imagine I will just need to experiment. I agree, I think this will add a new dimension to my collecting

[Stu W]

Stu,
Thanks for the suggestions. Your pictures are incredible. I will try the lights as you suggested. Do you think I need brighter light or thinner material on the sides? I would imagine I will just need to experiment. I agree, I think this will add a new dimension to my collecting

I'd try a set of incandescent bulbs first and check the effect. Then move on one step at a time recording the effects of any changes but most of all keep it fun.

Regards,
Stu

[streptile]

Wow Stu, great pics!