Trying out my new light box

[MinelabMan]

I made a light box the other day and am trying it out. As you can see by the pictures (some of the rings I've found) that I don't have it perfected yet. 2 improvements that I think I need to make are:

Put items on a non-reflective surface

and

I used diffuser glass (plastic) and put it around the sides and the top, I think I will need to remove any that will be in the picture and put something the same color as the surface that the items are sitting on, it won't be a problem because the glass slides out.

The lighter pictures have a 75 watt spotlight from above and a fluorescent "daylight" bulb from above on. The darker (truer colors) were taken with the spotlight off. I'm not sure of the best type of bulbs to use though.

Feel free to give me any ideas or pointers, as you can see by the pictures I need them!

[DougsGraphics]

Hello Minelabman...

It sort of depends on what result you are looking for in the final picture. When you say a "light box", I think you are actually describing more of a "diffusion tent". I actually use a light box for my photos.. that is, a light inside a box with a translucent white plastic/glass surface. The objects are set on top of the glass with the lighting coming from below. Since it is a photographers lightbox, the light color is balanced to daylight film -- it's actually used for viewing slides through a loupe. This gives me minimal shadow -- the shadow only resulting from a flash, witch is used to balance the lighting.

Your box would work better for you if you set up about two flashes, one to each side and slightly elevated. Without flashes, you can use spots, but you would ideally want good video-grade spots. A plain white poster paper would probably make a good base for your items. You can then use the same white paper as the back of the diffussion tent to reflect back the light from your side (and any overhead) light.

Hope that helps some....

[MinelabMan]

Hey Doug, thanks, that helps alot. And yes, I'll use the proper term now, diffusion tent .

I guess that the result that I want is a glare free picture with true colors and even lighting.

I did read about the spots, but they mention certain color temperatures (can't remember for sure but does 7500 sound right) but I've never seen color temperatures listed on any of the boxes.

Is there any off the shelf spots that would work or would I need to go to a camera shop?

Thanks again!

[I Find History]

Don't know much about display boxes, but I love that collection of rings. My wife loves turqoise.

[creekrat]

looks great to me minelabman,good pile of stash i may add...creek

[anne]

That is a lovely collection of rings, they would look good anywhere,I do like the idea of a 'defusion tent'.
When you have finished perhaps you could these pictures up and new ones so we can see the difference.
:christmaswreath:

[MinelabMan]

Originally Posted by I Find History

Don't know much about display boxes, but I love that collection of rings. My wife loves turqoise.

Hey History, I didn't realize that I had that many turqoise, I was surprised .

Originally Posted by anne

That is a lovely collection of rings, they would look good anywhere,I do like the idea of a 'defusion tent'.
When you have finished perhaps you could these pictures up and new ones so we can see the difference. :christmaswreath:

Hi Anne, I will post pictures of something else, I keep my rings in plastic drawers, each in it's own small ziplock baggy, I got through 2 of the drawers and it looked like enough and have already put them back. The next thing I take a picture of I will save and then when I finish the tent, I'll take another and post it.....just for you

[JohnWPA]

Nice Alan......cool pics and very nice ring collection!

John:merrychristmas:

[EBCIII]

All I know is that is some awesome rings! I am not a picture taker, do not really want to be. I do know what I like and I like the way your rings turned out, great job, Beale.

[gordiesgirl]

I would be interested in seeing the box itself. There are many types of diffusers such as soft box, Diffusers monobloc, flash systems using Umbrella reflectors with white and silver inner surfaces. I may be able to help you with set up if I could see just what you have going. Looks like your doing very well. Great for uses in still life photography. Sometimes a second light source will Illuminate the subject. It should be set on the Oppisite side and would play secondary to the main light source, Providing fill in lighting on the subjects shadow side. if there is any way I can help just ask.