When trying to take photos of small and often shiny objects such as jewelry, dishware, or even small electronics you can get easily frustrated with the quality of the photo. People use digital cameras for these projects but the quality is still low. The easy solution to this is to diffuse the light in the photo. Simply constructing a light tent can do this, and in no time you will be turning out bright and concise photos!
Instructions
Getting Started
1. Homemade or Store bought?Making your first decision won't be too complicated. You'll need to choose whether to purchase a light tent kit from a store, or make it yourself? The store bought kits are nice but can be expensive and hard to adjust to your preferences. Homemade light tents on the other hand are adjustable, cheap, and will make your photos look just as good.
2. Quick and CheapDepending on the size of the object you are trying to photograph, you may be able to use the easiest and cheapest method out there! If you have a very small object grab some tape, some facial tissues, and a white piece of paper. Place the object on the white paper. Then take your camera and place it near the object, then tape the tissue in a tent manner around your lens. This will improve your photo greatly!
3. Permanent ChoicePhotographing larger objects will require a larger light tent. You can create a larger and more permanent tent using a cardboard box, pillowcases, garbage bags, and white paper. Take your box and cut square holes out of the sides, but leaving enough for the box to support itself. Cover those holes with white pillowcases, taping them on the outside. Cover any inside surfaces with white paper or garbage bags. Cut a hole in the pillowcase in the front for the camera lens and you are in business!
4. The Natural DiffuserPhotographing outdoor scenes or even weddings can often prove troublesome, especially on a sunny day. You can't very well drape your light tent over the wedding party or the beach, so what should you do? The truth is that overcast cloudy days are natural light diffusers. Take your camera out on a cloudy day and you'll be amazed!
5. Be CreativeBuilding a light tent in order to diffuse light requires a lot of creativity. Don't take everything written above as your only options. Anything white that you can come up with you can build a light tent out of! Be creative use your bed sheets, or use toilet paper! What ever works for you will work just fine!
Tags: light tent, white paper, diffuse light, garbage bags, with white, your camera