Over the past year I have worked on improving my photography skills. I upgraded to a new Canon camera thanks to a Christmas gift from my mom and have been taking photos when I can to practice. I’m also looking into taking a photography class so I can learn all the bells and whistles on my camera.
Here’s one of the photos I’ve taken with my camera. Not so bad huh?
Since I have two businesses I need to take different types of photos. My design work requires room shots and close-ups of items and my Etsy shops need detailed product shots. This is the area I have the most trouble with. I’ve tried lots of different things trying to take better photos and then a new photography tool came into my life.
I received an email a couple of weeks ago from The LA Shop asking if I would like to review one of their items. Yes, of course was my response before I realized how vast their selection of items was. The LA Shop is an on-line store that sells high quality products at unbeatable prices. They sell home décor items, business supplies and tools, garden tools and decor, beauty products and hobby and photography tools just to name a few. Their product mix is really unique. The LA Shop was established in 2002 and is based in Southern California.
After looking through their on-line catalog I selected the 24″ Photo Cube Studio Light Tent. Just the thing I needed to help with my Etsy shop photos.
source: The LA Shop
The 24″ photo cube is one of the largest sizes they carry and comes with an array of accessories. In addition to the 24″ photo tent box, the kit includes the following pieces:
Two 75W Halogen Lamps on a tripod stand with two spare bulbs A tabletop Camera Stand that extends from 12″ to 19″ in height Four background panels–red, black, blue and white And a iPhone Tripod stand (love this piece)When my package arrived via UPS I immediately took it out of the box to check it out. The photo tent folds up into its own carry case with outside pockets to hold all the accessory pieces.
Because I’m known to stop and shop at antique stores and flea markets when I travel, being able to carry this compact case with me for spur-of-the-moment photo sessions is a bonus. I can easily set it up, take photos and get new items listed in my shop.
Once unpacked I got busy trying out the photo tent.
The tripod light is great for adding background lighting or enhancing natural light on cloudy days. I set up the photo tent on my dining room table and used only the natural light that comes in through the windows and the tripod light to see what kind of images it would produce.
Here’s a shot of a vintage ice bucket on the white background. The lighting really makes the cobalt color pop and the white background makes for a clean backdrop.
I love how the brass finish shines with the enhanced light. Perfect for items with metal finishes.
Here’s a glass item against the black background. Glass is always hard to capture on film and the photo tent and black backdrop really help produce quality photos.
White pottery really pops against the black as well. This is great for up-close detail shots.
Here’s the red background. I can really see using this when I’m taking photos of holiday items.
And the blue background. The blue also makes photographing glass really easy.
source: The LA Shop
This gives you a good idea of how easily larger items fit into the tent.
Here’s an up-close look at the backgrounds and the iPhone stand. The background panels have a slight felted finish to them which prevents the color from looking to flat in photos. The only minor complaint I have with the backgrounds is that they can wrinkle a bit over time if you fold them for storage. I decided to hang mine on a pant hanger in a closet to help prevent wrinkles and used an iron on low heat with steam to get any wrinkles out prior to use.
I am really enjoyed using my Photo Cube Tent and really like how “professional” my product photos are looking. Thanks LA Shop!
You can view all the other photo tent styles and other LA Shop items here. Stop by and check it out.
AND, the folks over at The LA Shop were super kind and are giving my readers a 10% discount on your purchase. Enter the discount code BLOGGER at checkout.
