What background to use, and placement?

[AVTrout]

I've been trying to take photos of my beads (unsuccessfully). I use a white piece of paper and try to get over top of the beads. Problem is, I always get a shadow. I saw someone built a "box" out of white paper (?) and put the camera on top. The box was lit up. What's the best - and easiset - method to get good photos? I have 2 awesome dig. cameras, so I'm good there. I'm a photo junkie, I have more pictures of my kids than anyone I know! Just can't take a picture of a bead.
Thanks!

[ArtcoInc]

I've been trying to take photos of my beads (unsuccessfully). I use a white piece of paper and try to get over top of the beads. Problem is, I always get a shadow. I saw someone built a "box" out of white paper (?) and put the camera on top. The box was lit up. What's the best - and easiset - method to get good photos? I have 2 awesome dig. cameras, so I'm good there. I'm a photo junkie, I have more pictures of my kids than anyone I know! Just can't take a picture of a bead.
Thanks!

(I hope I'm not out of line, posting these links)

Here's a website that has a lot of information on what's known as tabletop photography:
http://www.tabletopstudio.com/

And specifically, tips on photographing glass:
http://www.tabletopstudio.com/documents/glass_photography.htm

No association, just a satisfied customer.

Malcolm

[AVTrout]

Hey Malcom,
Thanks. I saw these photo cubes on ebay. I was thinking of using an Xray box but see that they actually make lighted boxes for photo purposes. I'm back to looking on ebay! Thanks again!
Alexis