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'light box' setup?

Dec 11, 2011

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    1. This is probably a really odd question, but here goes. (A quick search didn't pull anything up, but I don't know the proper terms for the elements of this kit honestly, so I might be having a serious case of search-fu fail, and if so, consider me more face-palmed than usual.) Recently my mother and I -- we make jewelry -- decided to make a concerted effort to get some of it online. We ended up picking up a lighting kit specifically for this purpose, with a fabric-sided 'box' essentially to keep the jewelry in to help diffuse the two included lights, etc. with fixtures for a small backdrop, etc. While this setup isn't exactly the ideal size for something the size of a BJD, they do have a larger size 'box' that would be lovely for seated portrait shots, at least.

      This is the kit, specifically: http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/dejephkit.html (And yes, we probably could have found something better or cheaper or something-er, but everything in one collection WITH instructions, well, it helps the otherwise helpless like the maternal one and I, you know? We have a bad way of looking at kits, saying, 'oh, we could find the components for less... ' and trying to kit-bash something, only to end up spending twice as much before we're through.)

      Has anyone used a setup like this at all with their BJDs? Is it something not to even bother thinking about trying to use for 'hobby purposes' and I should just leave it be for the jewelry and not consider it? I just know my photos tend to, universally, suck rocks when it comes to dolls -- lighting being a big factor -- and was wondering if anyone has tinkered with such a setup, and would recommend experimenting with it for the dolls. :) We have a good DSLR (Canon 20D -- it's older, but it's certainly not a bad camera), good macro lens and various other lenses, tripod, remote, etc., so that side of things is covered. Our main and persistent gripe with the jewelry has been proper lighting, and since it's been a nightmare with the dolls as well, I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions or experience with something like this they could share.

      Also, re: lights -- would you recommend avoiding a setup like this over yellowing concerns?
       
      #1 surreality, Dec 11, 2011
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    2. You're in luck madam! There are a few threads that touch on certain aspects of your question.

      As far as being able to use a setup like that for dolls, the answer is yes. As you mentioned the biggest problem would just be space. Mechakal has a tutorial where they make a similar setup from a cardboard box and some white fabric. LIGHTBOX - A tutorial And I'm pretty sure I've seen pictures of other people on the forum using a similar setup as well.

      Here are also some other threads that discuss studio/strobe lighting.
      Indoor Lighting Tutorial 1: High Key Photography
      Dolly Flashers [A Strobist approach to doll photography]

      And to answer your last question The Dragon touches on that a bit here.
       
      #2 Cloudedmind, Dec 12, 2011
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    3. Thank you so much, Cloudedmind. I was afraid I was having a case of search-fu fail, and it looks like that was the case. That is a huge help indeed!
       
      #3 surreality, Dec 12, 2011
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    4. Looks like Cloudedmind has already posted good info for you and answered your questions, but I just wanted to chime in that yes, I use a light box for dollie pictures too. :D I've used my light box for all sorts of things, so naturally it became a favorite for using with the dolls as well. (I also shoot with a Canon DSLR. ^^) Mine's big enough that I can sit SDs in it, but I can really only do use it for portraits that way (head shots basically). My MSDs can stand it in, but their heads usually come too close to the top, so I prefer to have them seated in a chair or something similar. Tinies fit great though! Sometimes the lights can take some fiddling with - experiment with moving them closer or farther away from the box, at different angles, etc. The goal is for the light to diffuse and light the insides of the box evenly so there aren't any harsh shadows. I see that the product description for the set up you have recommends two different strength lights on either side, but I just use two identical lights on either side. So I don't know if maybe that has something to do with it?

      Anyway, the box is too small to do anything elaborate - so basically I just use it for portraits/headshots, but I want to give building a larger light box a go and see if I can't make one big enough to be like a bedroom and shoot photostories in it.
       
      #4 Keilee, Dec 12, 2011
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    5. You can also check ebay since they sell larger light boxes separately.
       
      #5 Cloudedmind, Dec 12, 2011
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