Saturday, 24 March 2012

Navel-gazing through the medium of Kelvins

After what feels like (and could quite possibly be) hundreds of hours of research into how to take better pictures indoors in poor lighting, I shelled out for a behemoth of a lightbulb that is especially calibrated to mimic daylight. It's almost as big as my head, which is admittedly small, but still- the lightbulb is massive enough that it can't be contained by my previous lightshade. I took some very quick test shots:

different bulbs

These are completely unedited comparison pics, straight off the camera.

different bulbs quick edit

And these were given a quick white balance adjust in Picnik.

What do you think... better, worse, indifferent?
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10 comments:

  1. Janice 24 March 2012 at 21:57

    Definitely better...huge difference in my opinion

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  2. Janice 24 March 2012 at 21:58

    Definitely better...huge difference in my opinion

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  3. Ady24 March 2012 at 22:31

    Definitely the daylight is wayyyy better. Wow - I can't believe the difference. Any chance you can share the details about the bulb? I might need to look into getting one.

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  4. Annie24 March 2012 at 23:30

    I've used a daylight lamp when sewing for years now and wouldn't be without it. It makes a huge difference. Definitely worth the angst :)

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  5. Annie24 March 2012 at 23:30

    I've used a daylight lamp when sewing for years now and wouldn't be without it. It makes a huge difference. Definitely worth the angst :)

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  6. Helen25 March 2012 at 11:15

    I'm probably about to give the wrong answer - but I prefer the regular light bulb. The pictures taken with the daylight bulb seem a bit flat to me - especially when you compare the drape of the fabric. That said the surrounding light is nicer with the daylight bulb - tricky! Have you read Heidi Adnum's 'Crafter's Guide to taking great photos'? There's loads of tips in there, including a section on fabric/fashion. Good luck, photographing indoors is a 'mare in this country!

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  7. Kat - Housewife Confidential25 March 2012 at 12:19

    I would try a diffuser on the daylight bulb as it's looking a bit strong but definitely has good colouring and will rock flat product shots.

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  8. Nina25 March 2012 at 13:08

    The daylight one is much better. Much cleaner shot, lovelier colours.

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  9. Debi25 March 2012 at 19:05

    I like the new bulb better! Amazing how it doesn't leave a shadow either!

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  10. Andrea27 March 2012 at 12:25

    The daylight bulb makes the dress look flat. Too few contrast.

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