So sick of retaking photos

[Former_Member]

I give up. DH gets paid tomorrow, and I'm going to the craft store to buy what I need to build a photo box. I have taken photos of all my bibs at least 5 times, in different lighting, with different backgrounds, and I've used at least as many online photo editors, and they are still looking like crap.

Anyone have tips for building a photo box? I'm hoping I can still string the clothesline across, so I can keep that touch.

I JUST WANT TO FINISH LISTING EVERYTHING. lol. This is beyond frustrating.

/vent over

[Former_Member]

Here is my vent with photos. I always take them in kitchen because of the natural light and our special light. It burnt out and my dh hasn't gotten one! I have no idea what to get and I am ready to ship a new design but want pictures first.

As for the lightbox someone her posted a tutorial a bit ago hopefully they will chime in.

Sorry for crashing your vents with my own.

[BebeAndKay]

Brooke, you need the yelling thread. It makes me feel so much better!!!

[Former_Member]

That did help. Thanks, Corrine. :)

Dawn, that sucks! You're in Portland, too, right? What direction does your kitchen face? I've been trying to figure out how to use some natural light to help out with photos, but so far: no luck.

[Former_Member]

If you look in the Photography section of the sellers Handbook there should be a section on how to make a light box

https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/the-seller-handbook-archive/#photography

Have you tried just using an Ott light? I've never had any luck with a light box but I do take my photos at a certain time of day and always in exactly the same spot. That way I (usually) don't have to do very much to them.

[Former_Member]

My kitchen faces north and we have a pretty good size window. Problem with our house is very high ceilings and dimmer bulbs. I have to use the Ott Lights for my sewing area just to see better.

[settiano]

I hate my light box so I made one. It's three pieces of very thin plywood taped together with duct tape. The largest piece goes in the center. Mine are 4' tall because of the sizes of my things. Then when I am ready, I unfold it into a standing position, (a wide c) drape a white sheet over it and over a table or chair in front of it and then arrange about 5 lamps ( shades off ) around it. Of course I get better light out of doors but this is portable so I can drag it around.

[Former_Member]

I have a fancy one. I drape a sheet over my computer screen, Put a bead box under it and have 2 daylight bulbs directed at it. I know how classy is that? LOL The only thing is I am going to get a plastic paper to use because of the darn animals they shake and then I have hair on it. I have to wash it every time.

[livjewellery]

I was lazy so I bought my lightbox. I used it for over three years before I started experimenting with natural light. Now I prefer it! If the light is good, I'll take photos by the window, and if light is sucky, I'll go back to my light box.

Photography is never. ever. done. Just keep experimenting and you will certainly notice an improvement with time.

[Former_Member]

Jeez, ladies your photos are great compared to what I have to work with in other teams. Have you ever tried to build a treasury representing your team buddies only to discover their photos are blurry and gray?

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/7166736

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/7353265

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/7447731

My first year with etsy I didn't have a camera. I built my images up in reverse 3-D on my scanner. These above give you and idea of what they looked like.

We do the very best with the technical skills we have, until at which time become better. Its cool now for me to go back and see my growth.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

[Former_Member]

I wish I could help. But, all I have is......... I take the best I can and replace when I get a better one. Kinda sad huh?

[Former_Member]

I bought one of those inexpensive light box kits, that comes with 2 lamps and some backgrounds. I never got a good picture with it. I just wasted a lot of time trying. I do much better with natural light, but I live in Los Angeles so we have good weather and sunshine 90% of the time.

[QueenCityCrafty]

Right now I just use my iPhone...I can't afford to buy a nice camera. I have some pics I know I need to re-take, but with it starting to get dark earlier it gets harder and harder to find the time!

[livjewellery]

Jennifer, your balloon wreath is so cool! Adding it to my favourites. :)

[PaperFlora]

Are you able to change the light settings on your camera? If so start there.
You don't need an expensive camera to take good pictures. I have one but ended up taking my pics with my husbands samsung 420.
Take your camera off of Auto and put it in Program mode. That will let you adjust the amount of light that comes into the lens.

[GoodnessInTheCosmos]

I like my pictures to be awful. That way when the buyer gets the item they are happier and not disappointed.

Besides, taking too detailed of a picture of seed beadwork is like handing someone a free pattern. If it's easy i don't mind too much, but it's still frustrating.

[ShopGreyweather]

I have a fancy schmancy camera (which I can barely use) and huge photo lights and my photos still suck! They have improved drastically but are still terrible compared to others - I mean you Jennifer :). The weather is rarely good enough to take pics outside (plus I seem to be a damn bee magnet).