photographing stained glass

**Linda1** · 01-02-2008, 10:20 AM

This angel that I made came back for repairs after being dropped by the owner. I'd like to be able to take nice pictures of my projects but haven't found the ideal way. Any suggestions.
This photo doesn't show the true colors of the glass.

This one the colors show, but I don't have a window that doesn't have a lot of background junk. I have a light box, but not large enough for most of my pieces.

**imported_Jimbo** · 01-02-2008, 02:30 PM

Where ever you decide to take it, I would make sure the lighting is good.

You can also try to correct the color and exposure with Photoshop or whatever image editing program you use...

**3TailsWaggin** · 01-02-2008, 06:48 PM

I'd try setting it up with a white cloth behind it (like a bedsheet) and use some lighting directed behind the stained glass (but indirect light). Play around with it and see what you can come up with.

Also, if you take a shot of it hanging on the window, use a very shallow DOF so that the background just blurs out and nobody will care about the background.

**imported_ChowHound** · 01-02-2008, 08:27 PM

First, let me say that you do beautiful work!!!

I'd try Raian's suggestions and see if either of those work for you.

If not, you could try building your own, bigger lightbox. I built my own in about half an hour with maybe $10 of material. I used white foam core board, tracing paper and two heavy duty work lamps, although I think other lights (like desk lights) would work too. Mine is very similiar to this one: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07...to-studio.html

I'd be happy to send you pix.

**lablover** · 01-02-2008, 09:08 PM

Beautiful work Linda!

**Linda1** · 01-04-2008, 12:45 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll have to give them all a try and see what works best with the next project I make.

**Buddysmom** · 01-04-2008, 08:11 PM

Check out this thread at the Photozo forum: http://www.photozo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40516
This is a simple light tent. You can use regular lamps on the sides. This is what you need to photography still lifes.

**imported_ChowHound** · 01-05-2008, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by buddysmom

Check out this thread at the Photozo forum: http://www.photozo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40516
This is a simple light tent. You can use regular lamps on the sides. This is what you need to photography still lifes.

That's essentially what I made, although above I called it a lightbox. I used the same worklights as shown there too. Plexiglass or glass on the bottom makes a nice reflection. I've also used a black background with alot of success.