My new light box

[tricky dicky]

I finally got around to doing something I've wanted to do for ages last night: I built my own light box.

These are the first very quick and dirty pictures I took with it. I think I need plenty of more practice, and maybe some lower power bulbs or diffuse the light better.

I know there are some brilliant amateur photographers on this site so: Where do you guys focus your zoom? I'm using a simple point and click compact which has next to no depth of field.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[sishac]

I think that your photos look good...personally, when I am taking watch pictures, I go and set my point and shoot to the macro setting (it is usually the flower) and then set the focus point to the middle sensor. With this done, you can focus wherever you want, and hopefully have a nice shallow depth of field. If you don't want a shallow depth of field, see if you can set your camera manually, and set a small aperture (F15 or so)......of course, put your camera on a tripod, and if you don't have an electronic shutter release, use the self timer.

Good luck, you've got a good start with the lightbox.

[tricky dicky]

Thank You for the advice.

I already use a tripod and I set the camera to the macro mode.

Your advice about the Depth of Field is useful though.

Once I have perfected watch shots I'll post some more.

[Scott D]

Looks good Rick.

Once more tip, try manually setting the white balance, which should remove much of the yellow cast. If you can specify the value it's make the white look white instead of yellow. Usually putting the white balance in pre mode, then taking a picture of a white item, such as a piece of printer paper, in the area and under the lighting being used to 'lock' what should be white. You can also adjust it with photo editing SW, but I prefer to get as natural of a picture up front for less editing.

[tricky dicky]

Thanks Scott,

I was offered the same advice from a friend.

I'll try and reduce the yellow hue (although I quite like it for the warmth and to offer something different) and I'll post some more images of my stunning 5513.