Now that I have my photo tent.....

[msritaa]

Thanks to the recent bulk buy I was able to finally get a photo tent, which I love, love, love. I am thinking now that I can handle stronger lights to get more detail, I have been using regular household daylight bulbs (those purple ones). Any suggestions for stronger bulbs that will still work in my crookneck lamps? Or do I need to go ahead and try to get photo lights?
Thanks for any suggestions.

[Dale M.]

Try it first with what you already have.... You never know how it may turn out...

Dale

[msritaa]

Thanks Dale, I did try it and was very pleased with the diffusion of the light. It just seems so dark, I have to do a lot of manipulating in Photoshop to get it light. If I start lighter, I'm thinking I'll capture more detail.

[chrisann]

Hi Rita,
I didn't get in the bulk buy cause I got this one http://cgi.ebay.com/New-SMITH-VICTOR-IMAGEMAKER-Photo-TENT-cube-LIGHT-KIT_W0QQitemZ5644227600QQcategoryZ20924QQtcZphotoQ QcmdZViewItem mostly for the lights. It should be here any day so I'll let you know if those lights work better. I'm hoping
chrisann

[Starrr]

Rita, I bought these bulbs and my photos improved 600%. I got the 4 pack, but found that 3 is perfect, they make all the difference in the world!

http://sell-it-on-the-net.com/online_store/replacement_lamps.htm

Plus they ship super fast, I ordered on Monday and got the lights on Thursday!
Edie

[Charlee]

Which set of 4? There are several.

[sislonski]

I would try it with what you have. You should still be able to get some pretty decent photos.

If it doesn't seem bright enough try adjusting the light meter in you camera.

shari

[msritaa]

Crisann, that set-up looks like just what I'd like to have. Let me know how you like it.

Starr, is it the flourescent ones on the top or the 500 watt photo light bulbs down the page a bit? Let me know, I think I want to order those but don't want to get the wrong thing. Thanks.

[msritaa]

Shari......light meter........ok guess I better get the camera manual back out. Thanks for the tip.

[Kalera]

I would pick up a couple of true-daylight compact fluorescent bulbs... they're inexpensive and do a great job. Here's where I get mine: http://www.buylighting.com/cart/purchase1.asp?pid=657&XPR=066C0A84086E0A780084086D02066C0A8508650A710080 086502

[msritaa]

Thanks, Kalera. That's just what I needed to know.

[Starrr]

Rita,
I ordered the set of 4, 27 watt 38.92 for the set of 4 at the very top of the page. I spent so much time trying to get better pictures by adjusting my camera and finally realized that I needed more light. I was shooting pics of plain silver jewelry, (what a PITA) and could not get the correct color until I used these bulbs. Every camera and set up is different, but for me these were what worked, I have a Coolpix L1 and it will not focus without alot of light.
Edie

[Cosmo]

I use regular GE Reveal bulbs and have no problem getting good photos. It's all in learning your camera and its capabilities.

This one was taken with those bulbs:

[Rose]

Here's another thought: In a pinch you can use your new tent in a window or near a window. I just took pics this morning doing this and they turned out great. No direct sunlight, just light. Then I go to photoshop and do the control L thing. Morning light is best as it's warmer.

Rose

[tazzielou]

I ordered the photo tent as well. I am hoping I can take better pictures now, but Isee you all use photoshop, is this something else I will need to buy? I have a kodak camara and software. Thanks

[Kalera]

Here's another thought: In a pinch you can use your new tent in a window or near a window. I just took pics this morning doing this and they turned out great. No direct sunlight, just light. Then I go to photoshop and do the control L thing. Morning light is best as it's warmer.

Rose

This is a great tip; in fact, my tent is set up in a window and I always use daylight when I can. If it's very heavily overcast I will turn on the lights in additions.

[msritaa]

Oh, I can't wait to use this tent outside or at a window! Thanks, guys, for your ideas.

[Penguintrax]

I have 3 $6 reflector clip on lamps with daylight fluorescent bulbs in them. I put one each on the right, left and top of the item being photographed and it works well (and cheap!).

[Erica]

Will the daylight fluorescents make lavenders look blue? I noticed that regular fluorescents do that.