Well, I've been trying to use a camera rather than scan in my items. These earrings seemed to be a likely target. I had been trying to make some new ear wires and this was what I ended up with.
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earrings
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 bob40312 |
earrings |
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Posts: 64 (07/06/05 08:02:53) |
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Wireywoman |
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Posts: 29 (07/06/05 11:52:49) |
Very nice Bob! I like the earrings a lot.
 Is there a loop or hook soldered to the bottom of the spiral or is it all one piece? The only recommendation I have for camera is that it can sometimes disrupt the flow of the eye to have that line behind the item, where the background meets the flat surface. This can be avoided by hanging the item higher so you don't get that line there. |
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bob40312 |
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Posts: 64 (07/06/05 13:17:13) |
Thanks Janice,
I appreciate the tip about the line in the photo. I firmly agree. Still trying to figure out how to get the background to drape from the top to the floor and forward to the front of the little homemade box I'm working with. Got some ideas though. I looked at hanging them higher and that might work if I can get some better lighting. Right now, the background is too far back, causing it to be very dark. I might also need to try something other than gray for the background?? As for the spirals, the bottom one is just the bottom of the headpin and runs all the way up to make the twisted loop at the top. The earwires are all one piece (no solder). Here is a photo to better show how they are formed.  Thanks again for the help with the photo. Bob |
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Unregistered(d) |
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Posts: 0 (07/07/05 03:24:29) |
Very nice Bob! That must be one long headpin.
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Wireywoman |
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Posts: 29 (07/07/05 08:04:54) |
Hi Bob,
What kind of set up are you using to photograph your pieces in? I use a makeshift set up that I put together from tips on various websites and forums. Basically right now I am using a rubbermaid box that is sort of opaque, not all the way though...it fliters the light some. And then I use two desklights that have tissue paper over them. I began with a milk jug - are you familiar with that technique? Works very well. For me, getting the backdrop and the surface are a challenge. I am still playing with mediums. Currently I am using a tannish cardstock weight paper on the back of the rubbermaid box and one on the bottom where my piece sits. The color of it does vary some depending on angle of lighting and since I shoot right on my work bench it changes as I move to work, then move everything to take pics, then move everything back again! Hmm, let me see if I can share a couple of pics of some recent stuff and maybe later I can take a pic of the whole set up. But I still have to contend with that drastic line that you are dealing with. Hard to get it all just right isn't it? This first one has no line at all, it was laying flat (easy to do with a pendant!)  This one is also a pendant, but was leaning against the back of the box, I tried to blur the bottom line but the results are not that pleasing.  For earrings, I try to hang them on something like a tall glass or bottle or if the earrings are short, a film canister works well, or this is a glass candle votive (holder):  or this a black film canister and then cropped close:  Anyway, its a challenge and I am still playing with finding a set up that I like best that works across the board for my stuff as I like the idea of being consistent as much as possible for all pieces for when I eventually have a website of my own! I like those earwires very much and may try some similar. I like to make my own as well and am always interested in new ideas! |
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bob40312 |
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Posts: 64 (07/07/05 18:36:47) |
Not really that long, Just about 2 inches total length. They barely hit my shoulders when I wear them.
 Just kidding about that. It's hard to tell when you just see the typing, isn't it?
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bob40312 |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 64 (07/07/05 19:02:00) |
Thanks Janice, for the photos and suggestions. Looks like it really helps to shoot straight on to avoid lines and shadows. I tried some more things today and did get rid of the line. I really like the way you hang the earrings. They show up nicely. Looks like they're just hanging in space. I guess I'm using something similar to what you have described. I use a translucent white square waste can (no reflection on my work, I hope). It's on it's side and I have the camera pointing directly into the top (now facing front) of the can. I have side lights shining in from upper left and lower right. I now have a seamless piece of material hanging from the top and flowing outward at the bottom. I need to get a different material (your paper looks great) because the fibers show too much in my photos. I'm trying to find my camera manual so I can set the light balance. The camera has a macro setting but if I shoot in auto mode, I don't get much depth of field and things like bracelets go out of focus in the back. If I go to a smaller apeture, the exposure time increases too much for use without a cable release which my camera can't use. Oh well, if we didn't have problems to solve, what would we work on? I'll let you know if I get things to work better. Maybe I can get a photo of my setup and share with you, if you promise not to laugh too much..
I really like the wrapped pieces you've done. My wife took a beginning class two weeks ago, and is reluctant to do it on her own. I'm going to show her what you have done to get her inspired. Thanks again Bob |
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Wireywoman |
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Posts: 29 (07/08/05 07:34:04) |
Bob, I am SURE your set up says NOTHING about your work - I've seen some of what you've shown here. You do VERY nice work.
It is great that we have these forums to chat and share and trade tips etc. I love it! Do tell your wife to just give it a try! I took my first classes the end of April and after a brief hestitation just went for it and I can see my progress, she will too! I shoot on macro, but don't do anything with light settings on my camera - that is just too much for me to deal with. I shoot with no flash...but think I need more lights, my pics tend to be a little dark and the silver not as bright or pure or something. I will snap off a shot of my set up this weekend and post it! |
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bob40312 |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 64 (07/09/05 06:43:20) |
I love trading info with others too, Janice. Where we live, anyone who does similar work is afraid to share with you because they think you're going to compete with them in a limited market area. Personally, I think each person develops their niche and everybody can grow by helping each other.
Showed your items to the wife last night. I saw her looking through her wire stock this morning. Maybe that's the little spark to get her started. Thanks for the compliment about my work. It just seemed ironic that after the effort on a project, it ends up in a garbage can to have its picture taken Here is a quick photo of the setup I'm trying to use: It was put together from reading some of the comments I've seen online also. I already had the camera and I spent about $40 at Wally World for the rest of the stuff. Can't wait to see how you do your photos. |
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Wireywoman |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 29 (07/11/05 11:00:10) |
Awesome Bob, and you're not going to believe this but those are the SAME lights I have!! LOL. Little desk lights.
I didn't get a chance to snap a photo of my area but will tonight. Its a complete mess and I'm totally embarassed, but what the heck! My set up is very similar other than I cover my lights with tissue paper to add some extra filter,and as I said, I use a rubbermaid box, but its the same idea. I also do not have a tripod so I go through trying to balance my camera somewhere or hand hold it. I hope your missus gives it a shot....nothing to do but do it! Be back tonight! |
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bob40312 |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 64 (07/11/05 17:44:05) |
Can't wait to see your setup. That's funny that we both bought the same lights. I like the tissue paper idea. I bought the fluorescent full spectrum bulbs and they kind of extend beyond the front of the lamp shade. I've found that the material on my box blocks a great deal of the light. I started out with 800 lumen bulbs and moved to 1150 lumens. It did seem to help some. I also changed the background material from fabric to paper. I think that helped also. I'm going to keep trying until I get a good consistent result.
Bob |
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sojewels |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 6 (07/13/05 02:52:33) |
Again, an amazing design. How long have you been making jewelry? Your techniques are flawless and very interesting. I am making sure to save a picture of this design to tackle someday. What gauge wire are you using?
Keep creating and sharing. Sue www.sojewels.com |
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lgreydog |
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Posts: 68 (07/13/05 18:08:15) |
Hey Bob - you've been a busy guy! Love the clasps and the earrings.
You've got the necessary elements of the photo setup down. The basics are a frame, a seamless background, a way to diffuse light, a light source, and a way to anchor the subject. There are a zillion solutions to the problem. I like plain old outdoor lighting in a natural environment (trees, shrubs, stones, deckwood, etc, or even my manequin in sunlight) the best. For indoors, I like a studio strobe diffused through an umbrella best. For a small subject setup, I use a wire box frame (value city, $10 or less) with white paper towels taped to the sides and top, white tee-shirt material (rag shop, $4) for a seamless background - and a track light track with a couple of halogen bulbs (~$25). The keys are: some light source with a consistent color (could be flash, or regular light bulbs, or halogens, or photo floods, or mid-day outdoor sunlight). A way to diffuse the light source to it hits the subject from "everywhere" to avoid shadows and glare (for shiny stuff) [ Paper toweling, translucent plastic, white cloth, frosted glass, etc, etc] And a camera that can adjust to the color of the light you are using, and can focus up close for small subjects. I think you've got a solution that will work for you. I think Danielle relies more on natural (color) light from windows during daylight hours. Whatever works, works! Sorry I haven't posted much lately. These boards went away for a while, and then my day job got really busy, + our show season started. I've only made a bunch of chain lately, and a few wire pieces. (and cut some stone). Hope I can post something soon ...... |
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bob40312 |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 64 (07/14/05 03:06:46) |
Sue, you are too kind. It really makes me feel good that you like some of the things Ive done. Feel free to use anything I post. Thats the whole idea about sharing. As for the gauge of the wire, I used 20 ga. Ive been trying to learn several areas of jewelry making over the past three years. I think I tried too many things at one time, never did find a strong niche. Some of it seems to be coming together lately, especially since Im finally getting my torch set up so I can solder at home.
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bob40312 |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 64 (07/14/05 03:08:24) |
Gary, its great to hear from you again. I was beginning to worry that we had lost you. This photo thing seems deceptively simple. I think with some practice, I might get it worked out. The lighting seems to be the biggest problem right now. It seems that no matter what I do, there are still shadows somewhere. Ive increased the strength of the light but I think I need to add more lights at different angles. I think maybe one from the top of the box might help. How does the track lighting work? Sounds like that might be complicated.
When the board went down, it really seemed to throw a wrench in the works. Things were just starting to pick up and WHAM. I still cant get the spell checker to work. Glad youre doing shows and hope youre selling bunches of stuff. Cant wait to see more of the great things you make. Are you still taking classes on Thursdays? |
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Unregistered(d) |
Great information here | ||
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Posts: 0 (07/14/05 09:07:17) |
and lovely work. I'm very interested in the information on photographing our work. Thank you for the photo of the setup! I have been using a Sterilite drawer from one of those rolling acrylic drawer sets that I'm sure we all have. As well, I photograph in the kitchen under our mini halogen puck lights and the flourescent light is on overhead. Then I have a small desklight and a halogen spotlight providing indirect light. It appears to work. Not certain how to post photos though. Gorgeous work in this thread!
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Wireywoman |
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Posts: 29 (07/14/05 12:01:48) |
OK, FINALLY - and as I said, I'm a bit embarassed but what the heck - we're all friends, right?
 Hopefully its big enough to see.....sorry there is so much junk in the picture -- I never seem to clean up my work area til I can't find my pliers 2 seconds after I put them down - then i know its time for a quick clean up! We are very much on the same wave length...I wonder though, the light you have on the left of your set up --- is it sending light through the side of the box or directly into the opening of the box? I am thinking I might need to get some light (very diffused) coming into the opening of the box to get the lighting better -- looks like you are already doing that maybe. |
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bob40312 |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 64 (07/14/05 17:51:56) |
Hey Bay75,
I'm glad that several of us are working on the photo thing. It may take awhile but I'm sure our pooled efforts will help out. Sounds like we are all going at this in a similar manner. I just went through the photo posting thing in one of the other threads. I think it was under the gereral discussions area. Maybe that will help some. If not, try to get to a specific problem and maybe we can help. |
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lgreydog |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 68 (07/14/05 18:03:30) |
Shadows are not necessarily bad. They often deliniate edges. Glare is almost always bad. Ideally, your setup for shiny objects will put NO direct light on them. Most of the commercially sold jewelry setups consist of a translucent enclosure, with a hole just big enough to admit the camera lens. The little exception is that once in a while a piece will need a little "sparkle". The sparkle is achieved by a small light directed right on the subject from somewhere in front. It need not (should not) be really bright.
This doesn't mean that all the lights shining through your cloth/plastic/whatever need to be equal. They just need to be diffuse. The shadows will be soft. Your earring pics above are nicely lit. No problems with the lighting at all. The only improvment (and I really don't think the pic NEEDS to be improved) would be to have a consistent, or more smoothly transitioning, background. The subject looks great with the lighting you have. No classes for the summer - which is another reason I havent been making a lot of stuff. Will be doing Mondays and Tuesdays this fall. Next biggies on the calendar are state sales tax due on the 20th, and a show on the 30th/31st. Janice - your setup looks like it will do the job nicely as well. I'm getting lazy these days. I prefer just to wait for the sun, and to drag the manequin out onto the deck rail, and then shoot away.
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bob40312 |
Re: earrings | ||
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Posts: 64 (07/14/05 18:06:15) |
Yea.. It got here. I've been waiting patiently because I knew that you would come through with your photos. It's almost one of those Deja Vu things, huh? Don't worry about the clutter. Someone said that a cluttered desk signified a cluttered mind. I guess that's better than an empty desk?
Well, Like Gary said there are many ways to get to where we want to go with the photography. If any of us find a better way or something that works a little better, lets just put it out here for thought fodder. As for the light angle, I just had it coming in from the side. I'll try moving it around to the front a little and see if it makes a difference. I also like the T-shirt material for softening the light that Gary mentioned. Might work better than the tissue paper. All new things to try. Thanks for posting your setup. Bob |
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