In Joy Emporium: photography lighting

Shop News! Yes, I am still keeping 4 Etsy Shops going. I am not just a grower of groceries. Though, I have to admit I am way behind when it comes to my Etsy goals. I spent this afternoon roasting and freezing tomatoes. I am down to my last bushel. I plan to save a few for eating but I am giving the rest away. There is still a pretty long list of garden chores...SEE what happens to me! I get totally distracted by gardens that I forget that I have FOUR Etsy shops to keep going!

One of my major challenges is photography. Like everything else I do I am pretty much self taught. I would take a photography class at this point if I could find one that was handy. I am always checking the Adult Ed at the local schools but no luck so far. Guess what I am trying to say is that I am no expert by any means. I have this big pile of vintage items I want to get on my www.injoytreasures.etsy.com among other things ready for photography.

LIGHT! I am always chasing the light. I am always thinking about light. There are many pensive moment in the gardens when the LIGHT is perfect...but by the time I get to my camera it is too late. I have spent a lot of time trying to edit photos or having to re shoot because the darn light wasn't right. So finally, I decided to purchase some umbrella lights. I had been putting it off because, my work space is rather small and I didn't really want to be tripping over them. Well, they came on Monday and I have been playing with them every chance I get.

I bought these at Amazon and they are pretty reasonable. I had no trouble putting them together with the very minimal instructions. They are pretty light weight and I don't think they would travel well. I just hope they hold up to being bumped into and tripped over! I tried to find some tutorials online but nothing was really specific to my needs or it was over my head. So I just decided to play with them. Here are my first results:::

These deer antlers were the first thing I tried. I only had a little time before I had an appointment with a friend for a walk. I am pretty happy with the results. The light yesterday was pretty low and I would never have gotten a photo like this without the new lights.

These Napkin Rings are my usual past result.

A lot of time editing & still an uneven background.

Now the next test...NIGHTTIME! This is when I have time and energy for my computery Etsy tasks. Night photo shoots were totally out of the question in the past. But it is a new day ....or night!

I took all of these photos last NIGHT! I am happy with them. I spent less time fussing with the editing. The photography went a lot quicker too. I just might get caught up this winter! At least lighting and gardening won't be my excuse! Another benefit of these lights is that I think my reflexes will improve...I have already had some pretty good saves after little trip ups! If anyone wants to share their photo tips with me please do!