Help!

[Bill42]

I am A total new comer to this type of photography. I have found myself at the cross roades of my life as I can no longer get outside for much of anything I would like to get started with tabletop Photography. Like most I have read different posts on this subject and still have no clue. I am on A very limited budget what would you suggest for someone who just wants and needs something to do. Thanks Bill42.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by Bill42

I am A total new comer to this type of photography. I have found myself at the cross roades of my life as I can no longer get outside for much of anything I would like to get started with tabletop Photography. Like most I have read different posts on this subject and still have no clue. I am on A very limited budget what would you suggest for someone who just wants and needs something to do. Thanks Bill42.

Welcome to DPS.
I'm assuming you already have a camera. I'd would star by getting a tripod, a small lightbox (if you're on a limited budget you can DIY), and a couple of small lamps. Then, you can start building from there. Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

[SarasotaTim]

I have a small setup that I inherited from my mom, she bought it with the intention of taking photos of small antiques for selling on eBay. It was an all in one kit with a nice little lightbox, two small lights, and a tabletop tripod...she got it for less than $50, look around for kits like that to get you started

Originally Posted by Bill42

I am A total new comer to this type of photography. I have found myself at the cross roades of my life as I can no longer get outside for much of anything I would like to get started with tabletop Photography. Like most I have read different posts on this subject and still have no clue. I am on A very limited budget what would you suggest for someone who just wants and needs something to do. Thanks Bill42.

[Bill42]

Yes I have A camera and I thank you for the reply.

[Bill42]

I will be looking for such A kit Thanks.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by Bill42

Yes I have A camera and I thank you for the reply.

You're welcome.

[Jo.T]

first i would think about what you would like to photograph and the size of the object. With light tents there are a few different sizes and there is no point getting the smallest if you want to use larger items. There are plenty of ways with out having to use a light tent, a window with nice filtered natural light can be just as good. Have a look throught the DIY on here, there are always great idears to be found.

A couple of links for you to look at

Flickr: Discussing Show Your Setup in Professional looking food photography
found this when i had to do food for club, shows lots of set ups from home made reflectors throught to the pro's.

Flickr: Xaomena's Photostream
Anna does some amazing still life work and uses only natural light of a single light and soft box.

If you still wish to use a light box go for a mid range size around 60 cm, i will admit i use mine a lot

Hope that helps
Cheers Jo

[Bill42]

Thank you for these two links this is what I was hoping for.

[Bill42]

I THANK everyone for there help. I am going to make 2 stick-in-can stands and use clamp lights with 8in ref. As I have stated I am on A very tight budget. I need to know what watt cfl from walmart will do A good job. Everyone have a GREAT DAY.

[Jo.T]

the lights i got with my 60cm tent use a 75 watt halogen, You may still need to use some sort of defuser in front of it(maybe a sheet or two of white tissue paper with caution) or point them away from your subject and use a reflector to bounce the light back. If the light is to strong just move them further away from your subject.
Another tip for you with backrops try and make sure it is as crease free as possiable and keep your subject as far away from it as you can. if you want something a bit different look at rolls of matt finish wrapping paper.

Cheers Jo