Diffused light is your friend and can be done inexpensively!

Ohhh Emmm Geee!

Has it really been THAT long since I've written. Actually let me stop playing. I know it's been that long and I have definitely thought about my blog at least twice a week since April. Mostly feeling guilty that I haven't updated it. I'm sorry guys. Busy Busy Busy AND not much of a blog writer. I find the best blogs are written by those who have an actual passion for writing. I just kind of goof around with it but all my favorite reads are people who excel at the craft and love it. So I give what I have and it ain't much. lol. Thanks for sticking with me.

Since I've been gone so long I just wanted to show you a photo I took today that shows the importance of lighting. For my husband's friend's wedding I decided to make a little charm to hang from the bridal bouquet as a keepsake for the couple. And I wanted to try out gold-filled metal and this gave me the perfect excuse to purchase some as their wedding colors apparently involve warm colors.


The picture on the left was taken in front of a window without anything to diffuse the light and make it softer. The picture on the left utilizes diffused light. Big difference right?!??!?! I could explain what diffusing the light does but I think the picture does a waaaay better job than I could do typing it out.

Now you're wondering, Nina, how did you do that?!!? I wiggled my nose of course and *poof!* great shot! Just kidding. You can diffuse light in different ways. The way I used here was to just stick it in a professional light box.

Right photo courtesy of ezcube.com

This was the first time I'd used mine (as evidenced by my not knowing how to keep it from collapsing without the use of a pencil sharpener). The fabric that is used for the box acts a natural light filter. Before I got all *fancy* and got a light box, (ie. my big sister bought one and decided she didn't want it anymore. It's how I get a lot of things. hee hee) I used other means to diffuse the light. Here are two other things you can use!

1. I used to have a handmade light box made from cardboard (it was the saddest looking thing you guys. Really. But it worked really well!) and I used Fusible Interfacing. What is that? Something used in sewing to make fabric stiffer. You can get it really cheaply at the fabric store and at Michael's. It's like $2.00 for a yard. And cardboard boxes are all over the place for free.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

I happened to have both on hand at the time. Here is a great tutorial on how to make your own lightbox and it's how I made my first one: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html


2. Those cheapo light filtering shades available at Home Depot and other places. They are awesome because you can just set small items in front of them and you're done! No need to construct a light box! We upgraded our window treatments so this option is no longer available. *tear* It's my favorite option as it involves the least amount of set up.

Photo courtesy of JustBlinds.com

So there you have it! Three options for diffusing light. And one day I will learn how to use my fancy light box correctly. But until then, I hope someone out there who does small object photography finds this useful!

xo,
Nina