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photography & displays

updated sat 31 aug 96

 

Toni Hall on sat 24 aug 96

Dear members,
Help, I'm hooked on the internet and I can't get off. I had such a good
response to my cone 6 black glaze question that I can't resist asking for
more help.
My question has to do with photography. I would like to take slides of
my own work and have them look somewhat professional. I know, I'm not
asking for much ;>. I have a 35 mm Minolta with flash, 200 zoom lens,
polarized filter, and tripod. But I am not sure how to best use that
equipment to get good results with pots (some are dark, some are light). I
am curious about hints any of you might have on lighting and backdrop
(material, color,or setup).
My next question has to do with portable, ware displays. I wondered if
any of you have the perfect answer to a display that is lightweight, easy
to set up, stable, yet has decorative potential. Hey I didn't say these
were easy questions.
Thanks, T. Hall

Don Sanami on sat 24 aug 96

Slide photos. We use a slow film...lower than 100ASA if obtainable... and
shoot at slow speed,preferably by reflected light. Proper filters matched
to the predominant color of object are usfull but not absolutly
necessary.If possible keep all parameters constant.
Sometimes,out-of-doors natural lighting is best if one can control or
eliminate the background. Avoid glitzy effects. ddon&isao

Donald P. Chitwood/Jane Peterson on sat 24 aug 96

>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> My next question has to do with portable, ware displays. I wondered if
>any of you have the perfect answer to a display that is lightweight, easy
>to set up, stable, yet has decorative potential...

Craft Canopy makes a nifty display rack. It is lightweight, easy to set
up, is stable and looks great. It is heavily used here in the Northwest.
What is it?

I'll try to describe:
The base is two tripod sets of metal legs (metal rods that fit into
sleeves). The sleeves are welded to the back of a metal rod 3 stepped top
that also includes the two front legs. Basically, it's a two part metal
frame-work that you put three boards on top off to complete the skeleton of
the display. Cover with cloth, and, voila!, a compact three shelf unit
that displays ware at the heights that your customer will see. If you want
a clearer picture, contact Craft Canopy. They are located in Federal Way,
WA (near Tacoma), 1-800-457-5644. My unit cost about $41 with shipping and
has been a lifesafer for a one woman set-up team at craft shows. They also
sell other craft canopies. (And, no, I have no affiliation with Craft
Canopy what so ever, just like the product.)

Jane Peterson
bones@teleport.com

PJLewing@aol.com on sun 25 aug 96

Toni,
For help with crafts photography, you can't get much better than the book,
"Photographing Your Craftwork" by Steven Meltzer, published by Crafts Report
Press, and available through that magazine (and I'm not just saying that
because I did the illustrations). Steven also has a monthly column on crafts
photography in that excellent publication.
Paul Lewing, Seattle

Don Jones on sun 25 aug 96

>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Slide photos. We use a slow film...lower than 100ASA if obtainable... and
>shoot at slow speed,preferably by reflected light. Proper filters matched
>to the predominant color of object are usfull but not absolutly
>necessary.If possible keep all parameters constant.
>Sometimes,out-of-doors natural lighting is best if one can control or
>eliminate the background. Avoid glitzy effects. ddon&isao

For me, I just handed the whole mess over to a professional. To buy the
proper lights, background, soft box etc. is just as expensive as having a
pro do it( not counting the time and learning curve) Even then it's hard
to find a good photographer. Photographing crafts is one of the most
difficult things to do. You also have to have the space. Clay people
traditionally like to do everything themselves but I gave up on this one.
Don Jones
claysky@indirect.com
finally wet here in Albuquerque