Bead Photography Kit

[BurningScentsations]

Hi There,

I ran across this photography kit for beads on eBay ($275) and their web site ($299).

I was wondering if anyone has purchased this little item and if it is worth the money. It certainly looks like a stellar package Since it is winter here, I need a way to get great pictures without being able to go outside and take them.

http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/bephkit.html

Have a great day,

Lloyd

[AZ Joolz]

Hi Lloyd...

I had the same problem (only the hot weather of AZ in the summer was the reason) so I did break down and buy the setup...It arrived quickly and when one bulb in a lamp didn't work, they sent me a replacement immediately. My pictures improved dramatically with the lights and the tent (I use the light panel on some things not on others...) I know there have been threads here about other options that people have put together themselves, but I know with my time constraints, I would not have done it myself and been happy. This had everything I needed (except for more TIME).

Lisa

[Refined with Fire]

Hi Lloyd,

Look at the photo studio in a box kit at ritzcamera.com
it is only $100 and I have taken great pics with it!

Love,
Teresa

[born2snooze]

I bought mine separately to save money. Light cube and 2 light stands are from Amvona (http://stores.ebay.com/amvona-com_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZkm) by bidding, got them quite cheap, and their stuff are awesome and high quality. My photoflood's reflectors & cordsets are from Smith-Victor (http://www.smithvictor.com/products/index.asp) and the daylight bulbs are from Tabletop Studio.

I also tried Cloud Dome before, but I sold the whole set because I find it inconvenience (I had to lift the dome all the time to fix the jewels under it).

Hope this helps! :)

.

[Cosmo]

I made my tent for $20. Anyone that wants the plans, let me know...

[JavaGirlBT]

I bought the whole kit n' kaboodle from Table Top Studios. I love it. I think my photos come out great now. And I'm not the kind of person with the patience to do it myself. And I tried the rubbermaid tub with the autoshop clip-on lights prior to buying the professional kit and the difference is night and day. Here's a sample pic. I did buy a background piece of paper that is gradiated from white to black. I think it rocks.
11130

[born2snooze]

Hi guys, just want to share more info, I found this set, its pretty cheap considering its got Smith-Victor photoflood kit, and its a complete set, perfect for bead and jewels maker: Cheap & Great Set (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-SMITH-VICTOR-IMAGEMAKER-Photo-TENT-cube-LIGHT-KIT_W0QQitemZ5644227600QQcategoryZ20924QQtcZphotoQ QcmdZViewItem)

take care!
.

[Starrr]

I just got my "photo studio in a box" from Amazon for 72.00 free shipping. It's great and has everything you need.
Edie

[BurningScentsations]

I just got my "photo studio in a box" from Amazon for 72.00 free shipping. It's great and has everything you need.
Edie


Starr,

I'm looking seriously at this package since it much closer to my budget. While I will probably add some items from the more expensive kit down the road, this looks like a good setup.

Can you give me the dimensions of the light box? It does not seem to list them on Amazon.

Also, How did you get it for $72? I'm seeing it for $99, which is still a good deal.

Thanks,

Lloyd

[Cosmo]

Just for reference, I made this one for $20 ($35 with the lights) and it's virtually the same thing as the one on Amazon, only larger.

http://www.soleiletlune.com/tent1.jpg
http://www.soleiletlune.com/tent2.jpg

[BurningScentsations]

Chad,

Wow, that is really cool. I wouldn't even think about making something like that. Where did you get the diffusing cloth/bag?

I guess I should be more adventurous, but I've had a number of projects that I've attempted just kind of blow up in my face.

While I have not problem making beads and artsy items, when it comes to practical stuff like this, it just doesn't come out.

I was able to find the Photo Studio In A Box at a local Ritz camera and bought it last night.

Unfortunately, with my last minute Christmas stuff and a trip to the gym, I didn't get a chance to play with it yet.

Take Care and Happy Holidays,

Lloyd

[Cosmo]

The fabric is rip-stop nylon that you can get at most any fabric store. It's the same thing people make those flags out of that you see hanging in front of houses.

[BurningScentsations]

Chad,

Thanks for the info. I will have to keep this set up in mind for future if I need to a larger tent or another type of diffuser.

Thanks again,

Lloyd

[BurningScentsations]

Hi All,

Thanks to everyone who submitted suggestions and information in this thread. The Photo Studio-In-A-Box looks like a big improvement over my other indoor lighting setup I used last winter.

Here's a few pics of beads that I took using the diffuser and lights. I need to adjust the camera a bit to get the exposure right (I adjusted the color in Fireworks to correct it a bit), but overall the beads look pretty cool.

Let me know what you think.

http://www.lampofluxury.com/galleries/beads/images/fourseasons1.jpg

http://www.lampofluxury.com/galleries/beads/images/ceasarsfate1.jpg


Thanks,

Lloyd

[Starrr]

Lloyd, sorry I didn't get back before you bought the photo studio in a box. Your beads look good, but the shadow in the second pic is a bit dark, are you directing the light infront, or behind the bead?
Edie

[BurningScentsations]

Lloyd, sorry I didn't get back before you bought the photo studio in a box. Your beads look good, but the shadow in the second pic is a bit dark, are you directing the light infront, or behind the bead?
Edie

Well, I'm kind of experimenting at this point. I haven't really been able to come up with a consistent lighting scheme.

I've tried lights to the side, bounding off the top of dome and from behind and front simultaneously.

I'm also playing with a lot of camera settings to determine the best way to do it.

All of the pictures I took last night turned out to be crap. I'm getting really grainy pictures, but I didn't have any problems the first time I used it on the beads above.

Any suggestions would be most helpful.

Thanks,

Lloyd