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Light Tent Recommendation
Jan 31, 2014 08:06:27   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
A local museum that processes artifacts has consulted with me regarding the photographing of smaller artifacts generally no larger than 18 inches across but most much smaller. The museum already uses a crude setup for this photography. I suggested a light tent for better illumination of the subjects. My research online for a suitable light tent has led me pretty much nowhere due to the variety of light tents, the sales hype associated with this gear, and inadequate product description. I will appreciate hearing from others who have experience using a light tent for this kind of photography, and any recommendations. Thank you.

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Jan 31, 2014 08:36:35   #
Nic42 Loc: Cardiff, Wales
 
anotherview wrote:
A local museum that processes artifacts has consulted with me regarding the photographing of smaller artifacts generally no larger than 18 inches across but most much smaller. The museum already uses a crude setup for this photography. I suggested a light tent for better illumination of the subjects. My research online for a suitable light tent has led me pretty much nowhere due to the variety of light tents, the sales hype associated with this gear, and inadequate product description. I will appreciate hearing from others who have experience using a light tent for this kind of photography, and any recommendations. Thank you.
A local museum that processes artifacts has consul... (show quote)

I use one of these (50cm) but I'm not sure if they export to your side of the pond. http://www.stevesphotoshop.co.uk/photo_light_tents_cubes.html

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Jan 31, 2014 09:06:23   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
Thanks for reply.

What is your experience with one of these light tents?

Which one do you use?
Nic42 wrote:
I use one of these (50cm) but I'm not sure if they export to your side of the pond. http://www.stevesphotoshop.co.uk/photo_light_tents_cubes.html

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Jan 31, 2014 09:42:29   #
A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas
 
For smaller items, I have found folding mesh cubes found at the local container store work quite well. I wrap mine with a white linen:

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/binsBaskets/viewAll?productId=10009901&green=00F1C639-CF5D-5687-0989-E5452CA1A040

For larger items the light tents like Nic linked to work well. Here in the states Cowboy Studios sells several models:

http://www.cowboystudio.com/category_s/137.htm

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Jan 31, 2014 17:43:57   #
Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma
 
Faced with a similar quandary a couple years ago, I made my own – actually 3 of them, each a different size. Total cost for all 3 combined was less than $40 – here’s a couple links for additional insight. I chose to NOT glue some of the joints, so the frame could be folded flat for storage.
http://www.hectorg.net/hobbies/projects/photography/lightbox/lightbox.php
http://technicallycre8tive.com/2010/03/diy-photography-lightbox/
http://expressionswithheart.wordpress.com/2011/08/10/make-your-own-light-tent/

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Jan 31, 2014 18:03:31   #
Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ
 
anotherview wrote:
A local museum that processes artifacts has consulted with me regarding the photographing of smaller artifacts generally no larger than 18 inches across but most much smaller. The museum already uses a crude setup for this photography. I suggested a light tent for better illumination of the subjects. My research online for a suitable light tent has led me pretty much nowhere due to the variety of light tents, the sales hype associated with this gear, and inadequate product description. I will appreciate hearing from others who have experience using a light tent for this kind of photography, and any recommendations. Thank you.
A local museum that processes artifacts has consul... (show quote)


I use one from Meking Studio on eBay. As I remember, it was under $20. They're in Hong Kong.
Similar items are also available from CowboyStudio in Texas.

I'm not understanding what's so confusing. A light tent is basically 5 sides of a cube, covered in diffusion material.
The biggest hurdle is getting 2 or more decent light sources and doing a custom white balance when shooting.

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Feb 1, 2014 03:49:16   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/331824-REG/Interfit_INT296_Studio_Light_Tent.html

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Feb 1, 2014 06:31:03   #
OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey
 
Make one....an example,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNxBGXTbdXE

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Feb 1, 2014 07:03:16   #
OviedoPhotos
 
I used

http://www.hectorg.net/hobbies/projects/photography/lightbox/lightbox.php

which I saw someone else post. I have two sizes, one for the floor, another for the tabletop. Didn't glue any joints so they can be stored in the same bag together.

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Feb 1, 2014 08:12:07   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Nic42 wrote:
I use one of these (50cm) but I'm not sure if they export to your side of the pond. http://www.stevesphotoshop.co.uk/photo_light_tents_cubes.html

They have a great assortment.

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Feb 1, 2014 08:19:59   #
DummieAtThis Loc: USA
 
Search www.Modahause.com for stands and photo setups. There are many good recommendations using this for jewelry photography which would be small objects. The setup is light weight, easily dismantled, easily stored.

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Feb 1, 2014 08:32:59   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
Thank you all for your examples of how-to and for websites re light tents.

The DIY examples gave me some insight.

I may just buy one that appears suitable, and then practice and experiment until I feel comfortable advising and recommending anything to the museum.

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Feb 3, 2014 10:04:07   #
Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ
 
DummieAtThis wrote:
Search www.Modahause.com for stands and photo setups. There are many good recommendations using this for jewelry photography which would be small objects. The setup is light weight, easily dismantled, easily stored.


* http://www.modahaus.com/

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