DIY photographic lightbox/light tent

[bwana]

So my weekend project was to make a light box (http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=982&size=big&cat=503) - any suggestions as to what sort of bulbs might be suitable for photography? I'd like to keep the heat down as much as possible inside the box.

This is a shot using the three 11w cool white energy savers. [-]http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=981&limit=recent[/-]

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php/photo/1084

[Goobie]

what's wrong with your current bulb selection? looks like they worked just great?

[bwana]

I suppose I should have posted a picture from [-][/-]before I adjusted the white balance (http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=984&size=big&cat=503) in Aperture but then again I suppose that part is easy to automate.

I built the box because I have to take photos of a couple hundred samples for a catalogue. I get the feeling that in this case building the box is going to be loads more fun that the actual photography :)

[Fudzy]

I think the lights should be on the outside and shine through the sides/back of the box. What material was used on the walls of the box?

[Fudzy]

I was right, check this:

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

[bwana]

I think the lights should be on the outside and shine through the sides/back of the box. What material was used on the walls of the box?I saw that design when I was looking around but opted for the internal lighting for now - I can always cut out the sides of the box (foam board) and replace it with thin paper if I change my mind (and get a decent flash too ;))

EDIT - this is the concept I based mine on - http://www.ourmedia.org/node/253481

[Goobie]

From what I can see there is nothing wrong with your contraption, so why change it. You mainly need a large diffused light source to get a soft shadowless product shot that is bright enough to get a nice depth of field, but since you are shooting from a tripod even that isn't a requirement as long timer shots isn't an issue. I would simply do the necessary colour balance correction on the camera and the rest in Photoshop. The only issue I can think of, is the shape of the light, ie, what the reflected light source looks like in shiny reflective products; the curly tubes from a energy saver isn't very attractive.

In a post-film-post-incident-light-meter world everything can be corrected in photoshop.

[texo]

I had a similar project to do (photograph a large number of products for a website) and built the light tent as explained here:

Muslin Light Tent (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent/)

[bwana]

Think I'll try adding another lamp but I'm actually pretty pleased so far.

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=988&size=big&cat=503
In a post-film-post-incident-light-meter world everything can be corrected in photoshop.Aint that the truth. :D
I had a similar project to do (photograph a large number of products for a website) and built the light tent as explained here:

Muslin Light Tent (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent/)I was thinking about adding muslin to the top but I've since realised that it can be used in a portrait orientation or landscape and I'm not too keen on losing that flexibility.

[Wynsam]

Do a custom white balance reading for repeatability so that you get the same colour cast on every shot. You then save this and use it for every shot. Are you shooting on your Cannon?

If you have subtle differences between shots the eye picks it up very quickly when the product shots are displayed next to each other or in sequence. Looks tacky and unprofessional.

[Wynsam]

I see the 400D does have a manual setting for WB. Thats the way to go.

[bwana]

I see the 400D does have a manual setting for WB. Thats the way to go.Indeed it does - thanks for the suggestion :)

[bwana]

Added a couple more bulbs and sorted out a mount as well as a way to easily do the white balancing. :)

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1084&size=big&cat=503

[Wynsam]

What did you do for the white balance?

[bwana]

What did you do for the white balance?That page in the centre of the box has a peculiar pattern on it that apparently represents 18% grey.

[Wynsam]

As in a gray card? I have never seen one, I imagined them to to be a solid colour.

[bwana]

As in a gray card? I have never seen one, I imagined them to to be a solid colour.Usually they are but apparently the black and white pattern also simulates it. Also I have to think that because it is simply solid black and white its dead easy to duplicate as long as you get the pattern correct.

[Pooky]

Making one now.

Here's a guide on how to make an inexpensive one: http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Inexpensive-Photography-Lightbox

When I'm done I will upload some shots. :)

I think everyone should make one and we can compare shots and try interesting things.

[<moLe>]

looks interesting to say the least..let me guess you are quite bored this holiday?

[Pooky]

looks interesting to say the least..let me guess you are quite bored this holiday?

Wel that, and I have been wanting to make one for quite some time.

It's finished, just need to upload some shots.

[bwana]

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php/photo/1084

** . . goes off to find related thread. **

[Pooky]

Here's a test shot: http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=8751&cat=500

[koffiejunkie]

There are some cool ideas over at DIY Photography (http://www.diyphotography.net/).

[bwana]

There are some cool ideas over at DIY Photography (http://www.diyphotography.net/).Some interesting stuff - thanks for the link.

[ponder]

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

[The_Librarian]

Interesting.

Thanks.

One more trick learnt, and filed away for some other day :D