Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Random Thoughts, Knitting and a New Lightbox


As of Christmas morning, I am a proud new owner of a lightbox and 2 studio lights, compliments of my darling husband. Since this is the last day of 2008, I was thinking that this time last year I had no idea what a lightbox was! I have learned a lot about taking good pictures of very small objects since I started selling my jewelry online. The important things you need are a good camera with macro zoom (already had that, also compliments of my husband), good lighting and a lightbox which eliminates nasty shadows and glare.

Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, where there isn't a lot of sunshine, I have taken my photography outdoors and have had great results. The cloudy days here are perfect for giving just enough light without a lot of glare, and editing is kept to a minimum. However, we do get a lot of rain here and I really would like to take pictures anytime of the day and not have to wait for the rain to stop! A couple of weeks ago, I was even outside taking pictures in the snow during our bout with cold weather in temperatures of 20 degrees F. Brrrr....

Here's a few pictures I thought I'd share of my first experiments with it. Granted I shouldn't be taking pictures in a red dining room (I've since moved it)! Here's some beautiful yarn, I bought at our local yarn shop, and a sweater I'm knitting. Oh, how I love knitting but haven't found the time since I really should be making more jewelry. Look at this gorgeous sweater, from Nora Gaughan Collection Vol. 3 in Berocco yarn. I bought the pattern book last August and now I finally got around to getting the yarn. But I digress!


The last photo shows a comparison of two necklaces, the left is a photo I took outside (in the cold) and on the right, a picture I took last night in the lightbox with the lights. I think I'm pretty satisfied, but I'll try taking some more in the daylight where I'll have just a little more natural light to add.


I also wanted to say, thanks for reading my blog this year. My goal is to post more often next year. It has been fulfilling, challenging and discouraging all at the same time to try to think up things that people will actually want to read. Your comments make it all worthwhile and I'm excited when I discover that a new one is added. I am so flattered by all of you who are following and that have signed up for email updates, thank you.

So with that I think I'll go back to my knitting and wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. Take care everyone!

Debora

5 comments:

  1. thanks for the post! glad to have found you. I'm a fellow Pacific NW-er and commiserate with the outside lighting dilemmas!

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  2. I've only just discovered your blog and find it really inspiring. Those photos taken in the lightbox look great.

    Wishing you a happy new year too :)

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  3. I've tried a lightbox but had the wrong lighting so the background turned pink. Guess I need to work on it! Your pictures look great!

    Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog! I appreciate it!

    Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  4. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment :-) I just read yours - love the remodeling you have done... beautiful jewelry... and I love the pics of the frog!

    Your lightbox is fabulous! I made one with a white display setup and some foamcore. Haven't quite figured out the lighting yet...

    I look forward reading more of your blogs.

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  5. I love the yarn you are using for your sweater. And that pattern will be georgous when its finished. I can't wait to see it!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to write your thoughts. I treasure each and every comment and look forward to reading what you have to say!