Photographing Cards

Hi,

I was recently asked about photographing cards, so I thought of showing you my set-up. I did not have time to make any cards anyhow, since I got snowed in at work yesterday and slept over there.... No I'm pretty tired and its going to be off to bed early, so no card today either....

I have been using a light box now since last April -when I got one from my sister for my birthday. Its a pretty easy, but effective set-up. I absolutely LOVE it! I used to struggle with taking pictures after I came home from work, making sure I'll have some daylight or trying to take halfway decent pictures at night with a flash, which really is sub optimal.....Now I don't have to worry, I am even using it in bright daylight.

And that's how it looks like:

It is a simple white plastic box. Home Depot has them for a few bucks - you may want to stock up on paint chips, while you are there ;)

Cut some thin heavy white paper to size and fit it in. I also put some books under the box to straighten out the bottom, since its slanted. I have two lights, which are flexible and can be moved in any direction. 

If you want special background paper just stand it in there, although I mostly use the white background - less distracting from the card....

If you want indirect light just bend the lights and have them shine through the outside walls

And lastly take pictures of your card or whatever you want to photograph. Its important to be perpendicular to the card, if you want a straight shot, otherwise your card seems to get more narrow at the top. Leave yourself some room around the card so you can do some straightening and cropping in whatever photo editing software you use. I use Picasa - a free Google download. 

Here is a straight on shot:

You may want to photograph your card at an angle to bring out the shine of sequins or other shiny stuff you are using. With angled pics its less important to be perpendicular to the card - distortions are less obvious. 

 Here I just photographed a post card - without editing it - you see its a bit tilted and needs cropping. So don't forget to do that extra step.

And lastly the info on the light bulbs I am using: energy saving daylight bulbs - see the magnified picture:

In case you want to know what camera I'm using - its a 6 year old Canon Powershot S2 IS - you can't but that anymore - totally outdated, but good enough for me. It is was one of the better "point and shoots" a long time ago....

I hope that helps all of you that struggle with taking pictures!