photos - tent adventures!

[v_various]

Not bad for a first try!

I figured I'd make a tent since I can't seem to nail my ground boa's colours. I was pretty happy with it, but it's only use will be for Cardassia since my other wiggly creatures won't sit still.

I work in a print shop, so getting a large sheet of paper was easy. My roommate had a spare theatre frost-light filter I used for the top.

This is post-level adjustment in photoshop, my lighting must not have been enough (though some shots turned out fine). I used two 120 watt bulbs, plus all the normal room lighting I had.

pre photoshop
it's really warm looking.

The lighting is too dramatic, I think. Cardassia is such an easy snake to shoot, I can just pose her and she stays still. A few hours later she even ate a mouse for me, so it must not have been too traumatizing.

FinFang got some awesome shots too, he's pretty cooperative and doesn't mind the lights or me moving him around (I think he's a ham, really).

a too-dark cute shot

Thanagar was next, I knew my best chance was to keep him in his hide. He was not impressed with the whole set up.

run awwwway

I thought I'd give Moss a try, but he hated the light box too.

okay, well I did manage to get one head shot
but it seems too dark.

Over all, I like outdoor photo shoots better, but I don't think that will be an option for Cardassia for a while, unless she stops spazzing at things in the next few years. Plus the weather is just miserable right now.

Oh, and I didn't even try to get Amel Boy in there. He's too big and ornery.

 

[tyflier]

You're getting highlights that are too strong from your front light, that isn't diffused. If you want a nice, soft, even liughting, I would try using Butcher's Paper or Tracing Paper to make your box, than place your lights above and on either side. Make sure you have your white balance set for the type of lights you are using, or you will get a color cast(like the yellows).

Using a thinner paper as a diffuser will alow you to get more creative with the types iof lighting you use. IOnstead of two bright 120watt bulbs, you could use 3 softer white 40watt bulbs from different sides, and get a softer, more diffused and more even lighting.

Just my opinion...

Otherwise, the shots are great. Indoor lighting is anything but easy...

 

[desertanimal]

Thanks for posting the set-up. And thanks, Chris, for posting tips.

 

[v_various]

Yes, thank you Chris!

I starting from zero, so any advice will be valued and tried out. I just have a little point & shoot camera, I'm not even sure it does white balance. Time to dig out the manual!

A friend of mine is coming over on the weekend so I can oggle her SLR, that will be fun.

 

[tyflier]

Yes, thank you Chris!

I starting from zero, so any advice will be valued and tried out. I just have a little point & shoot camera, I'm not even sure it does white balance. Time to dig out the manual!

A friend of mine is coming over on the weekend so I can oggle her SLR, that will be fun.

It should still have a white balance control. Try adjusting your settings(usually a dial on top by the shutter button somewhere) to Indoors. That usually automatically adjusts your white balance for soft-white incandescant lights, as they are the most common household light.

If you're using the flash on the camera, you can diffuse it by taping a small piece of tissue or tracing paper over it using clear scotch tape. It will soften your flash, while still giving you nice catchlights in the eyes...

 

[salvadorian]

Lordy. That first snake is unreal!

 

[jlindp]

I love Thanagar's eyes! Or should I say eye, lol? It reminds me of a dragon's! Very cool set up! I'd love to make something like that. Very beautiful photography, as well! :}