Taking very good pictures is essential when you have an online store; your customers must be able to see your item(s) accurately before making the decision to buy it. I haven't been happy with my store pictures and have been researching for ways to improve them. Recently I came across a post on the Strobist blogspot. It’s a step by step DIY way to build a light box for $10; I had all the supplies on hand so it actually didn't cost me a penny. It’s a great way to take professional pictures of your art items. The supplies are:
- A cardboard box
- Tracing paper
- Poster board (white or black)
- Tape
- Knife
- Scissors
One negative is that the tracing paper is fragile and may tear easily. One person on the post commented to use felt instead of the tracing paper.
Another post in Studiolighting.net uses white foam board instead of the cardboard box for the construction of the light box. This is worth trying as well. I have included below pictures of my own box made with a cardboard box and pictures of some of my art prints.
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| Cut off three sides of cardboard box. |
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| Taped tracing paper on the three open sides of box. |
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| Inside of the box. |
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| Picture of card taken by the window using day light. |
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| Picture taken with light on right side of light box. |
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| Close up. |
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| Light box in action. |
I am looking forward for your comments and to hear about your own experience with taking the best pictures to show off your items.
A Bientot,
Pascale
