few images of a model car - DPChallenge Forums

12/31/2004 05:40:27 AM · #1

was just messing around last night, after making a crude studio setup with objects from around my house..

original (raw converted to jpg, nothing done)

used a mask to edit out background. part of windshield is still with the original background color, but i figured that it could be considered a tint in the window.

ran an action over the one above to produce this one.

i prefer the third one - but was wondering if anyone had any comments or, in particular, tips to improve them (including if you don't like the actioned one - i'm not even sure if i like the slight loss of detail in that one). i dunno if i really like the harsh shadow, but it's all i could manage to pull off because we only really have one light suited for moving around and playing with in this fashion. i don't have any particular connection to these images or the model car itself (old Christmas present, was thinking of selling on eBay but can't get anything for the set I have), so feel free to tear them apart :)

Message edited by author 2004-12-31 05:41:59.

SummerBreeze

Canon EOS-30D

12/31/2004 05:46:31 AM · #2

I like the 3rd one as well, I think it was nicely done for using household items- there's no way I could have pulled off the brightness of light quality you have captured. It's a good photo, and I can imagine this picture will be a good selling point if you do auction it off, it almost looks real.

12/31/2004 06:07:09 AM · #3

thanks. and if anyone's in the market to buy this model mercedes, i'll sell it cheap cheap! :P. all the rest of my models are still in their boxes, so this was the only one eligible for picture-taking. been busy much of the day, and still haven't figured out anything to take pictures with. i'll post some pictures of my setup soon if anyone likes.. it's really simple.

12/31/2004 06:15:04 AM · #4

here is the setup. nothing fancy at all. a small light/lamp (okay, not so small.. but the light itself is small) that is semi easy to manipulate, a white sheet placed on a table. the tape serves to provide some tension to flatten the sheet out (which i ironed), and i draped the sheet over a couple thin boxes that i propped up (had to cover them with white paper, cuz their blue color was showing through), to provide a continuous background (as opposed to the wall)

took me a little while to figure out and quite awhile to set up.... and is still far from perfect - but met my needs i guess. the original picture wasn't all too bright (or white) if you click on it, so i was semi-dissapointed.. had to photoshop the heck outta it (well, just time consuming.. just made an adjustment layer of levels which i blew out to all white, then hid... then just painted over it to reveal)

Message edited by author 2004-12-31 06:17:23.

Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM

12/31/2004 08:17:51 PM · #5

bump.
or any suggestions on fixing the setup? angles of lamps, positioning, etc? i bought a clamp light at home depot today that i can now employ :p. need to find something to diffuse it - might try an air filter.

i know the image isn't particularly exciting - i'm more concerned with technical details however.. setup, lighting, sharpness, colors, background, etc. just trying to get some knowledge/experience with a little mini still life studio.

Message edited by author 2004-12-31 20:19:51.

autool

Canon EOS-20D

12/31/2004 08:28:25 PM · #6

I think your results were exceptional with your simple setup. I think they usually use a tent when doing this type of work. It would be a shroud of material (like your sheet) to surround the model. light it from the outside and peek through a small lens sized hole to take the shot. This would give you diffused light and nearly eliminate the bright spots.
Dick

Edit: I like the second one the best, it seems to be a sharper focus.

Message edited by author 2004-12-31 20:29:20.

12/31/2004 09:07:07 PM · #7

thanks for the reply! - i never knew that. suppose i will try to assemble something along those lines one of these days.. for now maybe i will just try to find something to diffuse my lamps with (i bought an air filter at home depot too, maybe it will work.. will check later after dinner)

Message edited by author 2004-12-31 21:07:25.

SummerBreeze

Canon EOS-30D

12/31/2004 09:28:23 PM · #8

Yeah, I've been thinking of picking up one of those miniature tents, they seem to do an amazing job.

Brianlh-
Here's an example of light setup for useing one of those tents:
//olympusdigitalschool.com/photo_lessons/C-8080_Shooting_Reflective_Holiday_Spheres/index.html

12/31/2004 09:41:11 PM · #9

wow, i never realized it was so complicated.. so much lighting.. ack! thanks for the great link! maybe instead of buying one of those tents, you can make a crude one... ie: take some box structure that you no longer need (let's say some square cardboard box), cut out everything but the "frame" (the edges and corners, that is), then just find a thing cloth-like material to drape around it.. seems like it would serve a pretty similar function and purpose, unless i'm missing something.

Geo_Griffin

Panasonic Lumix FZ45

12/31/2004 09:44:42 PM · #10

I also have problems diffusing the two 30w halogen lamps I use, I tried cotton sheets over the lamps but still had hot spots.

Received this for Christmas

The sides are made for nylon and diffuse the light quite well, I can`t post any pictures as yet as some at in the up coming challenges.

The blue screen is grey on the reverse and attaches by velcro.

This was bought from Maplins in the UK cost Â£14.99

This has been around the `net for a while

DIY lightbox

Geo

Message edited by author 2004-12-31 21:46:59.

SummerBreeze

Canon EOS-30D

12/31/2004 09:51:09 PM · #11

Yeah, I'm betting you could walk into an arts & crafts store & pick up some white tent-like fabric & construct one yourself with some wire & sewing. Because I'm guessing that little tent is expensive.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

12/31/2004 09:57:04 PM · #12

geo, thanks for the setup info and also the diy link. considering how cheap you got yours for, maybe i can find a good price on one here (should i choose to keep trying these kinds of photos). i could've sworn they were more expensive in the us, but maybe i'm not looking at the right places (link). looks like you have a good setup.. maybe you can make it pay for itself after taking a bunch of stock photos ;)

Geo_Griffin

Panasonic Lumix FZ45

12/31/2004 10:18:44 PM · #13

Just checked the papers that were with it, it looks like its made by a Taiwanian? company

The web addy is //www.kingbest.com.tw if this helps

Geo

RHoldenSr

Canon EOS-5D

12/31/2004 11:45:29 PM · #14

The DIY link Geo list is nice:
I made a couple changes to the one I made. And it works nice:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

12/31/2004 11:53:41 PM · #15

thanks for the link geo, i'll look into it. beautiful shot rholden - that looks like a reasonably affordable setup as well :)

RHoldenSr

Canon EOS-5D

12/31/2004 11:59:16 PM · #16

Brian someone suggested to me to try and shoot the car from a lower angle. Try to give the feeling you are at the correct height for the car you are shooting. I think I accomplished this in the shot above. Your shots do look nice so far.