On-line business rely on good photographs. Period.
But how to take good photos when you live in an area that has limited natural daylight? I have been struggling for the past 2 years in getting just the right clarity and color. Believe me when I say I have tried everything: inside, outside, direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, east side, west side.... Everything short of purchasing a photo studio. I found my best pictures were taken around 10:00 am near the West window on a sunny day. Such a huge limitation, considering I am at work 5 days out of the week and it usually was raining or overcast the other 2!
I have a pretty good camera - a SONY Cyber-shot 14 m 8.1 mega pixels. And honestly, I don't know how to use all the functions, but I did find macro and white balance which have become my best friends. I also use Picasa to lighten the dark and dreary pics. But there are just some colors that I just can't seem to get exact.
Yesterday I bought an OTT light bulb($4.95 on sale at LOWES) and borrowed Daryl's silver utility light fixture. I also bought a camera tripod at Walmart for $11 with the hopes that I can get clearer, sharper pictures.
At 8PM ... yes I said 8PM, I started playing around and let me tell you, I couldn't be more excited. Yes, I still need to play around and master it. Yes, they still aren't perfect.. BUT.. I took a better picture at 8PM in complete darkness that is sharper and show truer color than the picture I took that morning with natural daylight.
This taken during the day with natural daylight and help from picasa:
This taken at night with an OTT light and tripod. How much clearer and the color is so true!
I have been liberated! I can now take pictures any time, any day, at any moment I need to. Can you feel the happiness?
6 comments:
That's awesome.
What a difference! Awesome!
Wow, that's terrific Valerie. Light does make a huge difference. I've struggled too with pictures on non-outside, non-daylight days. Will have to check out an OTT light.
Wow, that's great! I'm always looking for new lighting sources... especially when the days are short. Great tip.
LOVE your blog and thanks for sharing this tip. i HATE taking pictures and trying to figure out the lighting. now, i'll give an ott light a try... thanks to you!!
Now I so have to get an OTT light!
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