LightBox Attempt

[isonj]

So I construct a DIY lightbox after reading the the info here. The setup fine, size is right. I am using 2 workshop light on each side w/ 100w spiral bulbs. I believe I need brighter lights, plus the white balance is really screwy. Also, I have the light diffused ...take a look and let me know what you guys think...

What type of bulbs should I be using?

thanks

[canonloader]

What type of bulbs should I be using?
Any of the 5000K Photo bulbs shown here (http://www.cowboystudio.com/product/c06/c0601.php) are good. They give a nice white Daylight rated light that you don't have to adjust for. I use AWB when using these.

As far as brightness goes, You should be using a tripod and the camera in Manual mode, so brightness should not matter all that much, since you can set the shutter speed to properly expose any scene, no matter how it's lit. You should also shoot in RAW mode, so you can adjust any odd lighting colors. I think at least two lights are almost required, unless you have reflectors to use, and then having at least two lights will make it easier. I have 4 lights in reflectors, just in case. :)

[isonj]

Perfect...so does it matter 60w - 150W? Would 2 60w be sufficient?

thanks

[canonloader]

Compact Florescent lights are rated differently than the old incandescent types. I bought two of the 45W lights at the bottom of that page for $11 each, and they are rated at I think, 200W of the old lights. They are quite bright. When I bought my light tent, it came with 2 of the 30W lights and they are pretty bright too. Plenty for light tent use. They are also much cooler than the old style lights, you can touch them.

By the way, shipping came in only 2 days. :)

[jsvphoto]

As easy as it is to do, I think it's always a good idea to set a custom white balance before you start shooting. Either that or shoot in RAW and adjust in post processing. Or perhaps both. To me, these shots would definitely have benefited from white balance adjustments. Also, the crop of the second one is a little tight on the top (i.e. cuts off the top of the tamborine).