The MLP Arena
Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: TwoMore on March 13, 2012, 08:40:53 PM
-
I know we have some great photographers here and I would love to know what kind of photo set ups (lights, backgounds) you use for you pony photo shoots. I take a lot of pictures of small items at my work too, so I would really like the improve the photo quality which is hard when your trying to focus on itty bitty details. I have an excellent camera and lense, so can you reccomended some of the set ups you use? Im particularly interested in better lighting. Thanks ahead of time!
-
Here's an older photo of my setup...
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
(http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2387859390064668634HELJFZ)
The basic setup hasn't changed (the sides are old wire hangers, taken apart and formed into "squares", then cheap white fabric glued over them to form the sides of the "photo cube".
I use a different background now... and different lightbulbs (CFL "Daylight" bulbs).... but there ya go! :D
And here's a comparison.... Old background (left), and New background (right)... with the same Brighty in both... :lol:
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
(http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2579798810058923848CCTiIs)visitors can't see pics , please register or login
(http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2919521340101147018REUKfJ)
-
Skymall magazine has an awesome portable backdrop, let me see if I can find a link.
Edit: Here we go:
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102700431&c=102672393 (http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102700431&c=102672393)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
If you shop around I'm sure there are cheaper options ^^
-
Skymall magazine has an awesome portable backdrop, let me see if I can find a link.
Edit: Here we go:
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102700431&c=102672393 (http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102700431&c=102672393)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
If you shop around I'm sure there are cheaper options ^^
Slightly O/T but I did not know that Skymall had a website. This could be somewhat dangerous knowledge. :devious:
Back on topic. I use natural sunlight and a basic cardboard background from Sylvanian families. Seems to work all right. :)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
I used to have something bookmarked on how to make a light box; let's see if I can find it. . .
Found it!
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent
I haven't tried it yet but it looks useful. :)
-
I wrote a pretty in depth photography tutorial on my blag, you can read it here; http://www.doctormowinckel.com/?p=668
-
They had a portable tent thing on Think Geek, not too pricey at $50.
This one (http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/cameras-photography/a205/)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
I hang the detachable train of my wedding dress in the window, the lid from a small cooler to stand them on, and use the natural light.
If I need to use the camera flash, I tape a couple of sheets of white paper over it to diffuse things a bit.
-
Oh my goodness guys! SO HELPFUL!!! DoctorMowinckel you're tutorial is totes the best, I know what I'm going to be making tomorrow :P
Makes me sad that all 3 of my cameras are awful, though.
-
A good setup can make great pictures from even a cheap camera!
-
I think my wobbly hands are what usually mess up my photos, to be honest. The cameras can't handle focusing on things while I'm wobbling them around, hah. Luckily, I have a tripod tucked away somewhere :D
-
I made a box using DrMowinckel's instruction so I´ll take the opportunity to thank him here - THANKS!!
My only problem is that light in my house sucks, and not just because in the winter we have, like, 4 days of actual daylight ^^ and I only have two proper lamps I can use - I really need a third one for the top :)
However, spring is coming, which means more daylight so there will be a photo-spree :)
Here's a pic of my first setup
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
and how the pics came out:
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Oh, and also, what happens when I leave the box unattended for a few seconds:
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
silly little cat :lovey:
-
If ya all need a tripod, check your local dollar stores. I've seen tabletop tripods at Dollar Tree. They're only about six inches high, but they should do the trick.
Dunno if New Zealand has a Dollar Tree equivalent, but if they do, it's definitely worth checking.
-
Haha, i love the look on your cat's face... That "what? YOU left it open...." face.. Mine does it too...she likes to get in the bin I keep them all in. Thankfully, it has a locking lid she can't get off..
-
I just usually take outside pictures. That's the only time my camera doesn't hate me. When I take pictures indoor I put the pony on a white pillow then put one behind her and put my lamp on the pillow as well. My camera suuuucks. XD
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
I should stick to outside pictures. Just difficult sneaking past people in this house with ponies. I don't really like the people here, so the less they know, the better.
-
I have a hard time with glare from white ponies. Maybe I will try the outside and see if she comes out better. This is a great thread btw!!
-
So many wonderful responses! The tutorial was great! I frequently rely on natural lighting, but I think im ready for a light box. I can probably get my work to pay for it, but Im not sure if its best to build or buy. I just want good results.
Love your cat Vinter!
-
I have a hard time with glare from white ponies. Maybe I will try the outside and see if she comes out better. This is a great thread btw!!
If you're using a lightbox with a white pony, try using a different colour background, or situate the light so it casts some dramatic shadows behind the pony, and be gentle with the highlights in post.
And thanks for the compliments on my tutorial, I'm glad ya all find it useful!
-
I really love taking pictures of various things (currently MLPs) so this thread was very helpful, got a lot of great tips :biggrin:
-
I love taking pony pics! And I actually have a tutorial on light box creation on my blog too (http://newgraymare.blogspot.com/2012/02/lights-camera-cat.html). I came up with a plan for a light box that can be flattened because I don't have much storage space.
Here's an idea of what it looks like. This is still in process and being inspected by Misty.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Vintergarten, I have the same problem! Guess it's the ponies and their catnip hair combined with a box and heat from the light that makes light boxes irresistable to felines.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
Here are some WIP ponies on black background. They were taken with a Ricoh digital camera in front of a window. I can't remember if I used the flash or not. I tend to tilt the camera down a bit to keep the flash from giving the picture harsh lighting.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
The mânes and tails are cast resin bought from an artist on DA. I have to paint them still. This is the de-hairing and prepping part of the WIP.
-
Hahaha, omnipresent cats!! I just love it how many of our pics here on the arena have cats skulking in them :)
-
Eskara, Your kee kee look just like mine! Siamese(ish) with the little white paws! And I say 'ish' because mine is the polar opposite of most siamese. Shes the sweetest little love, and a fellow pony lover. Shes currently sitting with me while I behead and change the washers in my G1's.... :)
-
Great light boxes guys! I so need to make one. Have fun photoing everybody!