Hello everyone!
Today I thought I'd share a little about my process for photographing projects for my blog. I've had quite a few questions lately regarding the improved quality of the photos I've been sharing and I wanted to show you the gem that is helping make that possible plus share some tips on what works for me.
For the past few weeks I've been using the Stella Lighting Black Task Lamp when photographing projects and I have found that it's been making a huge difference in how the photos look when shared on my blog!
This lamp has some unique features that make it an incredible tool for lighting your work space while creating, photographing projects, etc.
First of all, it's a low-heat lamp. It produces very little heat making working under the Stella light safer and more comfortable.
It's efficient. At it's max consumption, Stella's LEDs consume just 10W!
The Stella Lighting Task Lamp has a long life. Even if used 12 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Stella light will still produce 70% of it's original output after 11 years!
There's no bulb replacement! Stella doesn't use a traditional "bulb" meaning you never have replace parts for as long as you have the lamp.
The Stella lamp is easy to transport, has a flex arm, 3 color spectrums of light output and 5 levels of dimming!
I'm going to show you the different color spectrums and dimming option(s) in use.
First, here's the original photo with natural light from a north facing window in my studio at approximately 10 a.m. in the morning.
*No flash or editing used on any of the photos unless otherwise noted.
Here's that same set up using the cool white setting on the Stella Lighting Task Lamp. See how the light brightens up the colors in the card? This is the option I would go with for this particular card. The cool colors + the cool white setting make the design pop.
Here's the same card using the warm setting. This lighting option doesn't work for this card however I will show you another card later on in this post where the warm setting works perfectly!
And this is the natural color setting. This option isn't too bad but I personally still prefer the cool white setting for this card.
Here's the same card using the natural setting with the dimming set to 10%. Pretty similar to the original photo I took without the addition of lighting.
These next photos were all taken in the same place at approximately noon.
This is an example of a card that looks good using the warm color spectrum. The warm colors in the card + the warm tone of the light = eye pleasing results!
Here's the same card and warm color spectrum only dimmed to 10%.
Here's the same card dimmed halfway between full warm and 10%. This is probably the option I would go with for posting to my blog. It's up to personal preference and the time of day you take the photo as to how bright or dim you want to go with the color option you choose.
Here's another example of a card showing all 3 color spectrums again. Each at full brightness (not dimmed).
Finally, I thought I'd share photos taken in the evening with the 3 color spectrums. Just to give you an idea of how well this lamp works to light your project(s) no matter what time of day or night!
All lighting was used at the brightest setting for each color spectrum. No flash.
And these are the same settings except I used the flash on my camera.
Other Tips For Photographing Projects:
- Pay attention to how the pattern/background looks with your project. Does it distract or does it highlight your card. More often than not, a solid or tone-on-tone background works best.
- You can use poster board or other backdrops for photographing your projects. I most often used 12x12 patterned paper (like you saw today). It's convenient and easy!
- Add interest to your photographed projects by adding small objects (like the spools of twine I used today). I like to make sure that nothing I use if the same height as my project (nothing that stands taller than the focal point) and I "shop my home" for things to add to my photographs. I often use scrapbook supplies: spools of twine or ribbon, buttons, markers, pencils, etc. but think outside of the box as well. Cake or cupcake stands, vases with florals, etc. can all compliment and add interest to photographed projects!
The Stella Lighting Task lamp comes in both black and white!
Please come back tomorrow for a Mama Elephant Designer Series Card and Video showcasing the On Point Borders Stamp Set!
Have a good one!
