I built my phrugal phototent... does it show?
Today I built my phrugal phototent, using PVC and cardboard wrapped in tinfoil for the ceiling and reflector. I plan to add walls and a better roof to contain the light more, but it's mostly there (I think).
I took some photos, using my Sony prosumer digital (non-SLR:() with the aperture set to 8.0 and the white balance calibrated using the background.
Do these look any good? I'd love some photo critiques. (don't bother with the turning critiques! ;)) Any comments on camera and exposure settings is greatly appreciated too. FYI, I used imageshack to host higher resolution shots.
Thanks!
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/8...8240xg1.th.jpghttp://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2...8217vz3.th.jpghttp://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4...8222ze3.th.jpg
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7...8236rb8.th.jpghttp://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6...8239ax0.th.jpg
Patrick- the images are OK but will be better...
.. when you add the missing L and R sides, very important elements in bouncing the light that is now escaping out the sides! The foil rather than a white top can also be too reflective, resulting in the shadow rings visable at the base of the turnings. For the white background, an exposure compensation setting of +1 is about right if your camera has such capability, or you could make exposure corrections from a gray card or manually adjust to about +1 if possible. The depth of field at f 8 may be sufficient, but use the longer focal lengths (telephoto) rather than WA to avoid barrel distortion. You're close, but fine tuning will hit the image jackpot!!! ;-)))
Walter- you are stating a common ....
.. misconception among photographers regarding the relationship of focal length and depth of field. If the object size is maintained the same in the field of view, the depth of field will remain the same regardless of focal length. The key is maintaining the same object size for close up work, and most shooters use WA to enlarge the field of view, which will then enhance the DOF.
Patrick- I find the foamcore boards..
.. at office supply big box stores like Staples, Office Depot, or many art supply houses.