Homemade light box

I am not into product photography so I never paid any attention to the lighting requirements for such photography. Recently, I decided to sell some of my photographic gear online and hence needed to publish a few photos of them. This was my chance to try out some table-top photography. Even though I am not a product photographer, I understand that the key to good product photography is in the lighting. I know that direct lighting created by on-camera flashes or studio lights can hardly produce any good results. Such lighting produces harsh shadows and unwanted reflection from metallic or reflective surfaces. A soft, diffused light can make a world of difference in the resulting photographs.

A common solution for the small product photography is to use a soft light box or tent. There are many different types of light boxes or tents available in the market, costing anywhere between $50.00 t0 $150.00. I wasn’t very sure whether I wanted to spend that kind of money on the Light Box that I might not use very often. So I searched the internet and found this site with very nice instructions for a DIY lightbox. I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be an interesting weekend project for me.

After spending about $30 and half an hour, this is what I got:

Instructions provided on this site are very simple and straightforward. I must thank Joseph Holst for providing a well illustrated guide. I had a lot of fun experimenting with this light box. Here are some of the sample images that I took using this light box.

The only problem I have with this light box is that it is not collapsible and takes up a lot of storage space. Also, I cannot change the background easily.

In any case, it was a gratifying experience to build this lightbox myself.

Black birds are here…

Don’t get me wrong, I love the New England winter. But by middle of March I get a little weary of the cold weather and start longing for the warmer, cheerful spring weather. It’s April already, spring has officially begun and I am waiting for trees to start flourishing, flowers to bloom and song birds to return with their cheerful songs.

Last few days I have been hearing and noticing black birds in the wetlands. Red Winged Black Birds are all over, showing off their red feathers and singing their familiar oak-a-lee song. I love to watch their antics in the swamps, jumping from one cat-tail to another. They bring back the energy to the dull, lethargic winter environment. Even though they’re not the most melodious ones, their songs bring a smile on my face. Every time I hear them, I know that spring is in the air and other songs birds will be here very soon…

Red Winged Black Bird, showing off @ Parker River NWR, Newburyport, MA

Common Grackles return to the area along with the RWBBs. They are also heard and seen near the swamps and wetlands. Even though they can actually be a nuisance, I don’t mind them at this time…

Common Grackle @ Westford, MA

Welcome back, black birds…