Veena Raghavan on sat 30 dec 06
John,
What a great handout. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I had no trouble
downloading it.
Happy New Year.
Veena
In a message dated 12/30/2006 10:17:47 PM Eastern Standard Time,
hesselberth@MINDSPRING.COM writes:
>
> ftp://ftp.frogpondpottery.com/DigitalHandout.pdf
>
> The above URL is case sensitive so either click on it or copy and
> paste it into your browser to be sure you get to the correct place.
> You also need to make sure your firewall is set to allow ftp downloads.
>
> In any case, that handout should give you a good start on using a
> light tent, fluorescent floods and a digital camera.
VeenaRaghavan@cs.com
Dina Barnese on sat 30 dec 06
Hello Clayarters,
I'm sending this again because it didn't make it to the list the first
time...
I've been lurking here for a couple of years, enjoying your posts and
learning a lot. I'm finally coming out of the shadows since I've set
up my home studio and am producing work on a more regular basis.
My name is Dina and I live in Flagstaff, AZ, work at NAU full-time,
and am a part-time potter. I was a fine arts major in Ceramics at NAU
for a few years but as my career was progressing at work I realized
that I didn't want the pressure of producing ceramics for a living,
but rather wanted it as a hobby. So, that is what I'm doing and I love
it. In my career-type work, I am a manager in the IT department and a
court mediator in Maricopa and Coconino counties. OK. Enough about me...
My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking most
of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera? Should I
even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull out the old
35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the
easier the better!
Thanks a lot.
Dina
David Berg on sat 30 dec 06
Here is a link to some good articles by John Hesselberth that
helped me get started photographing my work.
http://www.frogpondpottery.com/articles/article.html
David
David Berg
dberg2@comcast.net
david@bergstoneware.com
http://bergstoneware.com/
On Dec 30, 2006, at 10:12 AM, Dina Barnese wrote:
> Hello Clayarters,
> ...
>
> My question has to do with photographing my work. ...
> Dina
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
Brenda Funk on sat 30 dec 06
Dina,
I took the plunge and bought a table top light box, as well as the light
stands and two 500w full spectrum bulbs. I couldn't be happier with the
quality I'm getting now, as compared to trying to shoot in other (not
controllable) conditions. Here's a link to where I got mine:
http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/
I also spent fifty bucks for a sheet of background paper that fades from
almost white to charcoal gray. I don't remember where, but it was from a
website, and they are pretty easy to find.
I bought a cheap 3 X 3 card table and the tabletop studio fits right on top.
Yes, definitely do digital photography, for a couple of reasons. You can
take multiple images, view in Photoshop, and then upload to a source like
Gammatech to have slides made from your digital images. Unlike film, where
you must actually snap multiple film images,(and hope for good quality) a
digital file means you can make as many slide copies as you need, using just
the images that are the best quality.
The second reason is that more and more shows are going to on-line entry,
where you upload your digital images to their evaluation site, or some shows
are asking for a photo CD to be sent.
Brenda
In Cleveland - where's the snow??? (Not that I'm complaining)
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Dina Barnese
Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 10:13 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Introduction and a Q on photographing work
My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking most
of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera? Should I
even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull out the old
35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the
easier the better!
Thanks a lot.
Dina
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Sue Beach on sat 30 dec 06
Dina,
I am no expert on this but I have been taking pretty good photos for years, so
thought I'd give you my 2 cents. There are several people on ClayArt who are
very knowledgeable about this and have some good simple systems. But this is
what works for me.
I use a digital camera for my pottery shots. My husband bought me some gray
photographers backdrop paper & I drape that up the wall & over the table & set
the pot on that. I try to maximize the room lighting & minimize the camera
attached flash 'cause the flash causes shadows & hot spots.
For Christmas, my husband bought me a nifty little outfit called "Photo Studio
in a Box." I have been using it this weekend and love it. Basically it is a
box made of diffuser material & a drape of background. It comes with 2 photo
lights. You set it up on a table, shine the lights thru the diffuser sides, put
the pot inside & take your picture. You might look into one of these. Won't
work for big pieces, but is really nice for medium to small pots.
Sue Beach
Muncie, IN
Quoting Dina Barnese :
> Hello Clayarters,
>
> I'm sending this again because it didn't make it to the list the first
> time...
>
> I've been lurking here for a couple of years, enjoying your posts and
> learning a lot. I'm finally coming out of the shadows since I've set
> up my home studio and am producing work on a more regular basis.
> My name is Dina and I live in Flagstaff, AZ, work at NAU full-time,
> and am a part-time potter. I was a fine arts major in Ceramics at NAU
> for a few years but as my career was progressing at work I realized
> that I didn't want the pressure of producing ceramics for a living,
> but rather wanted it as a hobby. So, that is what I'm doing and I love
> it. In my career-type work, I am a manager in the IT department and a
> court mediator in Maricopa and Coconino counties. OK. Enough about me...
>
> My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking most
> of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
> don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
> portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera? Should I
> even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull out the old
> 35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the
> easier the better!
>
> Thanks a lot.
> Dina
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
Marcia Selsor on sat 30 dec 06
On Dec 30, 2006, at 9:12 AM, Dina Barnese wrote:
> Hello Clayarters,
>
> I'm sending this again because it didn't make it to the list the first
> time...
>
> My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking
> most
> of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
> don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
> portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera? Should I
> even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull out the old
> 35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the
> easier the better!
>
> Thanks a lot.
> Dina
>
>
There has been a lot of discussion here about light boxes. I have
one. You can get one from
www.porters.com
I have also used paper backdrops for larger pieces shooting both
indoors and out.
When I was shooting my large slab pieces, I'd hang them on a nail
through the paper under a porch roof on the shady side of the house
to avoid reflection
and shadows.
John Glick has posted an elaborate explanation of shooting pots. Find
his site and read that. Very good advice.
As for 35mm or digital. More shows are starting to accept digital
images. So it is up to your preference.
Say hi to Paula Rice when you see her. She is an old friend from
Flagstaff.
Marcia Selsor
http://marciaselsor.com
Linda Blossom on sat 30 dec 06
Dina,
I would suggest getting an EZ Cube. It is a soft
nylon box and you can buy lights to go with it.
Also you can get the black to white background for
it. Go to www.ezcube.com. It is reasonably priced.
I don't have a good reason for using film over
digital. I have a good camera and when my boyfriend
bought me an HP Photosmart 8250 the first picture I
printed was as good as anything I have seen on film.
The printer is on sale right now at Staples for
$69.00.
Linda
portable lightbox that will work well with a digital
camera? Should I
even be using a digital camera for this, or should I
pull out the old
35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good
photographer, so the
easier the better!
Thanks a lot.
Dina
Jo Ann Fugate on sat 30 dec 06
go to www.claytimes.com . They have a good article listed int he archives on how to photograph your work.
Dina Barnese wrote: Hello Clayarters,
I'm sending this again because it didn't make it to the list the first
time...
I've been lurking here for a couple of years, enjoying your posts and
learning a lot. I'm finally coming out of the shadows since I've set
up my home studio and am producing work on a more regular basis.
My name is Dina and I live in Flagstaff, AZ, work at NAU full-time,
and am a part-time potter. I was a fine arts major in Ceramics at NAU
for a few years but as my career was progressing at work I realized
that I didn't want the pressure of producing ceramics for a living,
but rather wanted it as a hobby. So, that is what I'm doing and I love
it. In my career-type work, I am a manager in the IT department and a
court mediator in Maricopa and Coconino counties. OK. Enough about me...
My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking most
of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera? Should I
even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull out the old
35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the
easier the better!
Thanks a lot.
Dina
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
__________________________________________________
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Carl Finch on sat 30 dec 06
At 07:12 AM 12/30/2006, Dina Barnese wrote:
>My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking most
>of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
>don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
>portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera?
You've already had several suggestions about light boxes and setups,
but I'm curious as to why you're getting poor results in good light
right NOW. What camera (brand and model) are you using and how,
exactly, are your pictures "not so great?"
If necessary you could put up some of your work onto Clayart's Flickr
site for suggestions:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clayart/
> Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the easier the better!
IT manager and court mediator? Hey, you're a smart cookie--it's time
to learn how to use that camera!
--Carl
in Medford, Oregon
Laura Berkowitz on sat 30 dec 06
Hi Dina,
Before you purchase any equipment or lighting arrangements, I'd suggest
reading John Glick's series of blog entries on the subject at:
http://web.mac.com/johnglick/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
I think you'll find a wealth of information that might help you. I have.
Laura
William & Susan Schran User on sat 30 dec 06
On 12/30/06 10:12 AM, "Dina Barnese" wrote:
> I've been taking most
> of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
> don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
> portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera? Should I
> even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull out the old
> 35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the
> easier the better!
Whether you shoot digitally or with film, do not shoot in direct sunlight.
If you shoot outside, you want a location with open shade - the shady side
of the house. This way you don't have to worry about harsh shadows and
strong reflections.
You can control the light inside better. A light tent is good but not
absolutely necessary. Seamless paper (roll of white paper will work) works
well for the surface/background, as you do want a neutral background. I've
been using daylight color fluorescents for my digital shooting and have
gotten good results.
If your camera allows, learn how to adjust the white balance and that will
allow greater control and color balance in natural lighting situations.
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
John Hesselberth on sat 30 dec 06
On Dec 30, 2006, at 10:12 AM, Dina Barnese wrote:
> My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking
> most
> of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
> don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
> portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera?
Hi Dina,
I wrote some earlier articles on photographing your work and 2 of the
3 are posted on my web site at the URL David Berg gave in his
response. But they don't really cover digital nor do they make use of
a light tent and fluorescent floods--the system I prefer today.
To that end I put together a handout for members of the Pennsylvania
Guild of Craftsmen that accompanied a short presentation I gave on
the subject last summer. You can download a copy of the handout at
ftp://ftp.frogpondpottery.com/DigitalHandout.pdf
The above URL is case sensitive so either click on it or copy and
paste it into your browser to be sure you get to the correct place.
You also need to make sure your firewall is set to allow ftp downloads.
In any case, that handout should give you a good start on using a
light tent, fluorescent floods and a digital camera.
Good luck.
Regards,
John
dbarnese on sun 31 dec 06
I have a Nikon Coolpix L3 - a low quality camera, methinks. The
biggest problems I have are poor lighting if the picture is taken
indoors, and glare if taken outside. If I take it in the shade
outside, I have to brighten the photo in photoshop. I really think it
is the cheap camera - but having said that, I need to read the
instruction manual to see if I can make some adjustments to it.
Pictures of my work are on my website at
http://oak.ucc.nau.edu/dan5/ceramics - the most recent pictures are at
the bottom of the page and you can see that I have no background and
the sun is shining on the pieces.
I'll be doing a lot of research over the next few weeks!
Thanks
D
--- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, Carl Finch wrote:
>
> At 07:12 AM 12/30/2006, Dina Barnese wrote:
>
> >My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking most
> >of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
> >don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
> >portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera?
>
> You've already had several suggestions about light boxes and setups,
> but I'm curious as to why you're getting poor results in good light
> right NOW. What camera (brand and model) are you using and how,
> exactly, are your pictures "not so great?"
>
> If necessary you could put up some of your work onto Clayart's Flickr
> site for suggestions:
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/clayart/
>
> > Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the easier the better!
>
> IT manager and court mediator? Hey, you're a smart cookie--it's time
> to learn how to use that camera!
>
> --Carl
> in Medford, Oregon
>
>
___________________________________________________________________________=
___
> Send postings to clayart@...
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@...
>
dbarnese on sun 31 dec 06
Wow, thanks to everybody who responded! I will research all of the
info you sent to me and see what I can come up with. I'm already
leaning toward a tabletop studio or tent. They look pretty nifty and
easy to use!
Thanks again for all of the responses, I really appreciate it.
Happy New Year!
D.
--- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, Dina Barnese wrote:
>
> Hello Clayarters,
>
> I'm sending this again because it didn't make it to the list the first
> time...
>
> I've been lurking here for a couple of years, enjoying your posts and
> learning a lot. I'm finally coming out of the shadows since I've set
> up my home studio and am producing work on a more regular basis.
> My name is Dina and I live in Flagstaff, AZ, work at NAU full-time,
> and am a part-time potter. I was a fine arts major in Ceramics at NAU
> for a few years but as my career was progressing at work I realized
> that I didn't want the pressure of producing ceramics for a living,
> but rather wanted it as a hobby. So, that is what I'm doing and I love
> it. In my career-type work, I am a manager in the IT department and a
> court mediator in Maricopa and Coconino counties. OK. Enough about me...
>
> My question has to do with photographing my work. I've been taking most
> of my pictures outside when the sun is shining, but even then they
> don't turn out so great. Can you give me advice for setting up a
> portable lightbox that will work well with a digital camera? Should I
> even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull out the old
> 35 mm and use slide film? Note: I am NOT a good photographer, so the
> easier the better!
>
> Thanks a lot.
> Dina
>
>
___________________________________________________________________________=
___
> Send postings to clayart@...
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@...
>
claystevslat on sun 31 dec 06
Through Sunday the printer is $39 with free shipping from Buy.com if
you ust Google checkout. This printer is fast and uses the new HP
ink system ('viviera' or something of the sort) but seems to have
some paper-handling issues. (Full disclosure -- I don't own one but
researched it; it does produce some very nice prints.)
-- Steve Slatin
--- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, Linda Blossom
wrote:
>
> Dina,
>
> I would suggest getting an EZ Cube. It is a soft
> nylon box and you can buy lights to go with it.
> Also you can get the black to white background for
> it. Go to www.ezcube.com. It is reasonably priced.
> I don't have a good reason for using film over
> digital. I have a good camera and when my boyfriend
> bought me an HP Photosmart 8250 the first picture I
> printed was as good as anything I have seen on film.
> The printer is on sale right now at Staples for
> $69.00.
Alyssa Ettinger on mon 1 jan 07
another option: barter pots for pics from a professional photographer.
partially, it depends on how you're going to use the shots. on the other
hand, there's no substitute for a professional shit, either on seamless or
in situ. (this is coming from the former magazine editor in me).
put up an ad on craig's list, or find an artist on etsy.
alyssa
www.alyssaettinger.com
Maurice Weitman on mon 1 jan 07
At 11:12 -0500 on 1/1/07, Alyssa Ettinger wrote:
>[...] on the other
>hand, there's no substitute for a professional shit, either on seamless or
>in situ. (this is coming from the former magazine editor in me).
I assume you edited graphics more than text.
Regards,
Maurice
Alyssa Ettinger on mon 1 jan 07
you caught me... i am admittedly a lousy typist and poor proofreader, and
then there's always spell-check. ;-)
oops.
alyssa
www.alyssaettinger.com
Arnold Howard on tue 2 jan 07
From: "Dina Barnese"
Can you give me advice for setting up a
> portable lightbox that will work well with a digital
> camera? Should I
> even be using a digital camera for this, or should I pull
> out the old
> 35 mm and use slide film? Note:
You will learn photography faster with a digital camera than
with a film camera, because digital results are immediate.
You can make corrections as you go.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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