Socks....for picture taking?!!!

[Callynne]

I had to share my latest discovery. I'm never satisfied with the pictures I take of my carvings for my website (in the winter when I have to take them inside), there is always too much glare, the carvings look far more shiny than they should. I know not to use the flash and I take two portable Daylights (like the Ott lights, only less expensive!) and set them up on either side of the carving. But I still get glare....I've tried draping things over the lights, but nothing worked quite right....till today....I was once again experimenting and suddenly realized....WHITE TUBE SOCKS!!!! They fit over the open lights perfectly and softened the glare considerably!! Socks....who knew!! Deborah

[Blake Lunsford]

That picture is fantastic! Thanks for sharing this idea Deborah! It definitely helped to solve your problem! By the way, your carving is outstanding! Great work!

Blake

[tomrsey]

Great idea. You picture looks very good (as do the carvings) Thanks for the tip.

[fpace]

Hey Deborah... I have also seen nylon hose (panty hose) used for this as well... I think you can even get different effects by varying the color of the hose.

[feb]

Nice carving and great idea.

Feb

[papasar]

Hope the bulbs are fluorescent. My daughter once put a sock over an incandescent bulb to dim it and it began to smolder. Caught it just in time. Thank God.
Bill K

[Colin-Partridge]

Hey Deborah put a sock in it LOL. Nice carvings that is awesome I just love your attention to detail. I am just going to have to come down in the spring and spend some time with you carving. Seems every time I got to visit, Ben and I would get talking and we never did discuss much carving. Maybe I will stop and pick up Nancy that way she could spend some time with Ben while we did some carving LOL. Thanks for the tip on Creme Cote I will try it tonight along with the sock thing.
Colin

[Callynne]

Thanks everyone!! I'm so happy to have a way to take good pictures inside now on snowy or rainy days!
Bill, that was the first thing I worried about, the way the lights are made (and due to the size of the socks!) the material doesn't actually touch the bulbs, I made sure to check for heat and removed them immediately after taking the pictures though!!
fpace, I've heard that's the kind of filter they use for actresses....of a certain age!!! Hmmmmm, wonder if people will notice if I start putting nylons on their cameras when they take my picture!
Colin, you're always welcome, you know that, but if you bring Nancy I definitely won't get any carving done, I'll be 'riding shotgun'! I don't trust her any further than I can see her....when Ben's around that is! Deborah

[Nancy-G]

Ahhhh Deborah ... I feel so superior when viewing your carvings and your husband.

BTW I have one of those photo taking thingies ..... a black canvas zip-up case that sets up to hold an object and distribute light. I've had it for years and never used it ... I just use available light and hope for the best.

I did just buy a new digital with 14 mp and it resists shaking. Now all I have to do it carve something to photograph. I'll look at Michael's for some Daylights.

[Bill V]

Nice carving and detail Deborah, I'll have to thy the sock

Bill