Photography question

[Former_Member]

I'm trying to find the best way to photograph my pieces which are usually matte. This piece is a good example. It's a vertigris with a gold shimmer. I've been using Picassa to edit the photo, and I'm using a simple Canon camera. I usually put thin oak tag behind/under, etc. The photos still appear too shiny and the colors are off. Sometimes I try to photograph outside, but it's hard to get the colors accurate. Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/82803949/vertigris-leaf-vase?ref=pr_shop

[Former_Member]

You need to invest in some photography lights. It's all about the lighting.

[hbceramics]

Natural light is best, outside but not in direct bright sun, early morning or late afternoon.

[StudioPotterArchive]

Clay Scape, take a look at this discussion thread, it may help.

http://www.etsy.com/teams/9121/studio-potter-archive/discuss/8740286/

[Former_Member]

I came across a great blog by Jeff Campana and here is his great suggestion.

http://jeffcampana.com/blog/2009/03/turning-pots-into-jpegs-part-one-the-setup/

I hope to purchase the necessary tools soon. :0) Right now I use a neutral color fabric in my background such as beige or ivory and I use natural light.

[Former_Member]

Hi,
Photography is its own art form which makes it tough for us potters! What I have been doing is photographing in a totally dark room (I use a light just so I can set up then turn it off) and only use the flash from the camera which is on a tripod. I've got a Nikon Cool Pix P7000 which I got at B&H (in NYC) and that is giving me a very consistent true to color photo. When I did lots of stuff with lighting I got all kinds of variations. I read that a dark room actually allows you complete control over the light as opposed to outdoors, etc. Might be worth a try. I don't find I have to do anything in terms of manipulating the photo - I'm getting the colors which are there. Hope it helps!
Liz

[HurricanePottery]

Here's a great and easy method: http://dmichaelcoffee.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/shots-of-pots-on-the-cheap-and-low-tech/

[HurricanePottery]

Michael is here on Etsy as Shyrabbit if you want to see how his set up looks in listings - I'd say "very well done" (and the method suits larger pieces, too, which can be difficult in a light box)