Photography

Photographing My Handmade Treasures

Light Box 

I know, it's been awhile since I've posted. Crafting comes easy for me but this whole blogging/selling thing....not so much. But I'm back with a fire under by backside and I'm ready! 

I've been doing some research on the subjects of blogging and selling and I've learned some really sweet tricks of the trade. 

For this entry, I will be discussing photography. Sounds easy right! Well, if your like me, I'm lucky if I can get the shot with my cellphone. Which is why I really needed to look into this subject. You see, when it's time to post those cozy crochets or blinging bracelets, one needs to attract the buyer. Show your creation in it's best light. Provide the viewer with the opportunity to see your creation exactly how you envisioned. Have the piece whisper "buy me...I'm pretty". Which is why I needed to learn the tricks of the trade.

With that said, after much research, it turns out, that a "light box" is much needed. (Hold your snickers you pro photographers). I could have purchase one, but most light boxes cost in the range of $50-$100, so I decided to make one for a fraction of the cost. If you choose to buy one, that's totally fine. One may not have the time nor the diy skills. But I'm sure you do or you wouldn't be reading a crochet blog. So lets get started!

Shopping List

List of things you will need and what I paid for each. You may already have some of the things that are listed:

•  1 Box $1.08 - the measurements of the one shown is 16in x 16in x15, but find one that fits your needs
• Utility Knife $2.88
• White tissue paper $3.97 Used to diffuse and soften the lighting. 
• 3 Clamp on utility lamps $6.47 each Using all 3 will help eliminate shadowing
• 3)100 W Daylight Bulbs $9.08 for a box of 4 
• Duct tape $3.37- I used white 
• A 3 Outlet extension cord $3.47-the one shown is 7 foot
• 1 large sheet of white poster board paper $.30-Used to give that "infinity" or "floating" look. One could use any color you want or any kind of paper you want. It just needs to be flexible enough to bend without creasing and fit inside the box. Don't be afraid to try wrapping paper or card stock. Both have some really beautiful designs. 

Total Cost-$42.48! And if you take away the cost of the light bulbs, because one would need to buy those separately even if a "ready made" light box was purchased, the actually cost would be $33.40! Love saving me some money!

Step 1

To make a light box, the first thing you need to do is close the bottom of your box and use duct tape to secure it. Then cut out 3 sides of the box. For example, if you lay the box down, with the opening facing toward you, cut the top, right and left sides out. Before cutting, I measured 2 inches around each side that needed to be cut.

Step 2

Using your utility knife, CAREFULLY cut out the sides using the guide lines. Then cut off the lid flaps. Save those lid flaps! You could always wrap them in pretty gift wrap and use them has the back drop or on the floor of the box. It should look like this when your finish.

Did I mention that if it doesn't work out, you can always convert the light box to a cat trap?

Step 3

Cover all 3 openings with the white tissue paper and duct tape

 Step 4

Go ahead and grab that white poster paper and cut it to size so that it fits inside. Keep in mind, that if your looking for "infinity" or "floating" look, the paper needs to bend at the bottom. Be really careful not to put a crease or fold in the paper so that way your backdrop is flawless. Let me show you what I mean...

Step 5

Set up your light box in a location where you can easily clamp your utility lamps and plug in. I used my dinning room table, 2 chairs and the ceiling fan. Since the clamps are pinch grip with a rubber coating, no damage was done to my chairs or fan. However, you choose your location that is best for you.  

Step 6

FUN TIME!!!! I mean it! Have fun with it. Try different papers and props. You could use fabric and display pieces. Just remember...no flash needed

So there you have it. I still need to work on my camera and editing skills but it's definitely a good start. 

Thanks for reading, happy crocheting and photography and don't forget to stop in and check out my new listings at Crochet With Luv and find me on Facebook 

PS....No cats were harmed in this blogged 

Learning To Sell What I Love

     Oh Wow! So here I am, posting for the first time on my new blog! What a great way to share what I love to do...crochet. I've been an avid crocheter since my early teens and I love the peace it brings me and the sense of accomplishment when a piece is made. With that said, why not share what I do, teach others, and of course, learn from others.
      For my first post, I'd like to talk about "Selling Crafts". It's so gratifying to know that others appreciate my pieces so much, that they are willing to pay for my services and finished pieces. So I've decided to list my finished pieces on Etsy. I bought a book titled, "How To Make Money Using Etsy". So far, I've learned a lot and the book is easy to understand. Etsy has changed their site a little since the book was released, however I was still able to navigate the site using the book and it's explanations.
     The book covers many topics like posting an item, photography, search engine statistics, and blogging, to help boost sales. It also has pictures and many examples for people like me that sometimes get lost in the wording.
     Although, this is my first book on the subject, I recommend it for anyone wanting to give Etsy a try. Have you read a book that you would recommend that would help those who use Etsy? Or maybe your have experiences using Etsy and have advice to share. Follow me on Facebook and share.