What to do when you don't have natural light?

[Former_Member]

In a week I will be photographing a huge number of new & old items for January (I like to get them all done at one time, it makes the process shorter). Problem is it is going to be very cloudy & rainy/snowy next week. I may get a day of some sun but I might not. Does any one have any tips for getting really nice pictures in cloudy daylight?

[Sbb1]

I'm thinking to give this solution a try for myself:
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

[Former_Member]

Try a "daylight" light bulb.

[Former_Member]

I've also heard the light box is a great alternative, like Sabina. This is the best tutorial I've found: http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/26/how-to-make-a-light-box/ and the tutorial is kind of funny. :)

I plan on making one this winter for the same reason- it's going to be way too cloudy/snowy to take good pictures in natural light.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

[Former_Member]

I use a 'daylight' bulb for my photography and then process the picture using Microsoft Photo Editor. Sometimes the daylight bulb gives the photo a strong blue hue, so I play around with saturation and color adjustments in the photo editor.

[starless]

That first light box tutorial was the one I used for mine, and although I eventually replaced it with a store-bought light tent just because it was more sturdy, my box worked great! For lighting I use daylight compact fluorescent bulbs in "architect" style desk lamps because all the hinges make it easy to position the light exactly where you want it.

[DeerGirlDesigns]

I found a pretty cheap light tent set up on amazon that I plan on going for. I know, I should be making my own, but I don't want to.

[Former_Member]

You can still take pictures when it's overcast. Use the AV setting on your camera, use no flash, and then edit the photo afterwards to increase the brightness. Picnik.com is great for that.

[JeannieGrayKnits]

Great thread! Thanks so much for asking about this.

[RingofWire]

I find that a lightbox is quite handy and super easy to make. The room I have set up to take pictures in has no window and I tend to take all my pics in the evening. I adjust lighting in Picasa, which I find to be a pretty decent (and free) program. I've used Photoshop (and still have it) when I was doing graphic design work and I wouldn't purchase that just for photo editing for my shop, too much $.

[Former_Member]

Thank yo guys! I never heard of a light box before, I will have to try it out. I normally use Gimp to edit my photos, & adjust my camera settings when I need to take my photos indoors, but there is usually still a slight color cast that I can not get rid of. I did just do a few pics by my poorly lit window (it's super cloudy today) and they did come out fairly well, but a light box will be really helpful when I need a larger white background area.

Thank you!

[EuraLee]

I bought one at a photography supplier, but I don't remember the price (which means it probably wasn't that expensive....meaning under $50...probably far under). Anyway, I never use it. I'm probably going to now that you've all inspired me. I live in TX so the weather is pretty mild, but it's getting yuckier so now I will try this.

I just want the background to be flat and smooth. I have yet to achieve that because the background mats are folded. I'll keep trying. Maybe iron it out at a very slow setting. It's nylon (umbrella material) so maybe I won't destroy it completely.

[Former_Member]

I have had problem with lighting as well. I like the day light bulb idea.

[Former_Member]

Angela- you can also try misting a little water on it and using a hair blow dryer. Blow driers work wonders for wrinkles in clothing, and since you can see the material, you'll be less likely to burn or melt the nylon.

[Former_Member]

I also use Piknic, which is great, but I am still not that happy with my pictures. Has anyone tried taking pictures outside?

[Former_Member]

When we can't get decent natural light here (which lately is never) I whip out the old photography tent then surround it with lamps that hand daylight bulbs to try and get as close to natural lighting as possible.

I might have to try out that Picasa program! I've been looking for cheap or free photography software for a little while now.

[tarocollection]

I am so glad you asked this question. thanks

[TheMillineryShop]

I use a light box that I bought but sometimes a white sheet is fine. It's more important to find the correct settings on your camera for the light you have. I set up a bunch of lights, all from home depot with the silver bowl-base, cheap btw. Then I played w my cameras manual settings until the pics looked right. White balance is ESSENTIAL. They say to never use the flash and that has proven true. Put you camera on manual, get out your manual and read it, or go online to find out how to do it, but play w the cameras settings 'till you get it. (you won't break it) I always use the same consistent lighting, which is great at 2am or on a rainy day or even a too sunny day and only really need to adjust for my backgrounds which are white or matte black. And I too use Picasa to crop and play w light.

[Former_Member]

another great photo program is Irfanview and it's free too. it's specifically for editing images for web use and has all the bells and whistles and much more. i use this program occasionally for clients needing high resolution jpg files because you can set the file size which saves a lot on memory.

[Former_Member]

I took some photos at my kitchen table, which is the most well-lit area in the house. With some simpled editing, they turned out pretty well. I read my camera's manual (Googled it online) to see what setting would be best for indoor lighting.

Ditto on the daylight bulb comment. You can get one from any store that sells bulbs. It will help reduce the yellowish cast we often get from indoor ligthing. My brother had one on his desk lamp and it really looked like there was sunshine coming into the room!