Trying to take photos on my own

[BusyBumbleBee]

I read a couple of articles on how to set up your own photo studio w/o buying the expensive equipment.

I found white muslin on clearance at Hobby Lobby last week on those big long rolls for $3.59 a yard and got 3.5 yards (which I could have gotten away with 3 yards probably).

I used a untility light (the ones for the garage with the cage over the front) and I defused the light with my light box.

The photos came out okay... still not a white WHITE kind of look. I used piknic.com to photo edit.

Here's what I ended up with

[taylynn]

I can't help with the picture taking, mine are awful, but even though they aren't the white you wanted I think they look nice. You can see the bows good, which if I'm buying one I would want to see. Hopefully someone can help with how to get them with a whiter light, I'd like to know also.
Cheri

[GrandmaJ]

No help here regarding 'how to' take photos. But wanted to say how nice your photos are. What a cutie!! Oh .. and nice bows ;)

[poshnpretty]

I think they came out cute:) I love to use to use the highlight button more than fill light in picnik. Mamabrandy knows much more abt photography.You did a good job.

[Calimama]

I have no phot experience. I'm dreading taking pics of more of my things,but good job on yours.

[Honey]

cheerlCute!!!cheerl

[BusyBumbleBee]

I'm also having problems with shadows. I'm sure there is a whole science behind photography and I don't have the time or money to take classes. I also do not have an SLR camera (just point and shoot, just it does take HD photos/videos). I actually had DH talked into buying me a SLR camera, but when it came down to it I wasn't willing to let go of all that cash!!! (EXPENSIVE!)

Mamabrandy! Any advice!?

[Barbara Jean]

No help on the picture taking but I think you daughter just gets cuter and cuter every picture you take!

[clovertine]

I'm not much help, but try to use as much natural light as possible. The more natural light you have (near a window or outside on a slightly overcast day is best) the more accurate your pictures should look color-wise.

HTH!

[BusyBumbleBee]

Thanks for the help. I wish I could get more natural light. Outside is just not an option in St. Louis this time of year. We have plenty of windows, but the sun doesn't seem to come streaming in for some reason???

During the summer though, I try to get outside as much as I can though.

Never hear that overcast was good for lighting, but that makes sense. Thanks again! I'll keep trying!

I'm not much help, but try to use as much natural light as possible. The more natural light you have (near a window or outside on a slightly overcast day is best) the more accurate your pictures should look color-wise.

HTH!

[BusyBumbleBee]

Thanks Barbara! She's getting a lot of practice around here all because her mommy likes to make bows, lol!

No help on the picture taking but I think you daughter just gets cuter and cuter every picture you take!

[adyer]

the pictures are really cute---she's a cutie, but your exposure is off. i use photoshop cs4, and lightroom and get really good finishes. I don't know what camera you are using, but SLR cameras that shoot in raw are best and then you adjust the "noise" levels in editing. it's really complicated to explain but that's a good start

[adyer]

I'm also having problems with shadows. I'm sure there is a whole science behind photography and I don't have the time or money to take classes. I also do not have an SLR camera (just point and shoot, just it does take HD photos/videos). I actually had DH talked into buying me a SLR camera, but when it came down to it I wasn't willing to let go of all that cash!!! (EXPENSIVE!)

Mamabrandy! Any advice!?

your shadows appear because where you have you subject standing and the light projected at an angle, you have to watch where you shoot--it's all a matter of your position to the subject, where the light bounces off and directed and if you are also using a flash on your camera. play around in direction you set the light and where you stand to take the photo....most likely because you are trying to get a front shot, if it's dark, don't worry to much about it, it can always be changed in editing by correct exposure/brightness etc.