I'm one of those fellow woodworkers, but very new to photography. I wanted to take better shots of some of my stuff but didn't want to spend a lot. These were some quick and simple Christmas gifts, but most of my work are bowls.
My lightbox is an opaque plastic tub with white (usually, although sometimes black) poster board backdrop. My lights are the curly kinds from the big box store that are rated "daylight" and 5500k. I used two lights coming in from the side and above which was dispersed through the opaque plastic. I think on these, I had one that was out front and off to the side.
I know it's cheap, but it's all I got right now. And believe me, these shots are a huge improvement from where it used to be.

That's cool, man! Brings back lots of memories for probably many of us, myself included!

If you're running a PC, you've probably got Microsoft's free Movie Maker program already installed. It's pretty simple. If you've got MAC, then iMovie should do just fine. It, too, is pretty simple. Hope that helps...

Here in Richmond, Virginia, not nearly as bad as what they were calling for. But up the coast - from Outer Banks, North Carolina all the way up to the Northeast - WOW! Thoughts and prayers with lots and lots of folks this morning.

Glad you made it out safely! Feral kitty cat. You sneak out and focus. Make a sound. You ain't fooling him, he turns and he's already lickin' his chops! And those eyes...he had you in focus as much as you had him! What a great shot!

Those are great! Love it!

That's a nice pic! ...and a great reminder of my trip. That is one beautiful country for sure!

Thanks for the comments folks, and philo, you are correct! The pics could be confusing from that perspective. We were told not to take any pics inside the home, and so I did not. The telescope picture was taken from the museum where we were allowed to photograph. And there was some really cool stuff in there.

My wife and I recently got to enjoy a trip to Monticello (Charlottesville, VA). I'm really new to photography at this level...I'm using a new Canon 60d with the kit 18-135 lens, all handheld...so this is mostly experimental and some playing with Lightroom 4.

Not just a reflection pool, but actually used by T. J. to store fish alive that were caught nearby until ready for the table.


The nickel view they call this...cause it's on the back of your nickel.


T.J.'s actual telescope. Among uses were to watch construction on U. V. A. from his home.


The flowers were beautiful!

skipick picked my brain a bit - ditto to all he said, and while at peaks of otter, there's an old homestead (1700's or 1800's) there you can visit. And that view from the Sharp Top is breathtaking. My wife and I hiked that trail to the top in flipflops when we were just "friends." I do not recommend flipflops!
Also best I can remember, there's some really nice old architecture in town down close to the James River...the older part of town.

A beautiful drive would be to take 501 north. Over the mountain at Eagle Eyrie (on the right, at the top) and down the other side is bee-U-tiful!

I did get a class 10 32g sandisk at best buy. But, I make an awful lot of purchases through Amazon and never had a bad experience there. Would have gotten the card that way too 'cept I needed it right now. A+ to Adorama too!

Thanks everyone. As it turned out, I ordered my camera online. Severely injured my arm 3 days later. Camera came in 2 days after the injury. Surgery two weeks later. It was all good (sort of) in that all I was able to do for the most part was read the manual, and experiment with the camera. Was even able to put it on a tripod to take a few (well, quite a few) experiment shots of some of my bowls and just recently was able to go out to a nearby plantation and play. I can't hold anything more than a pound, but I've learned that I can push a button!

New to photography. My main hobby is woodworking (very serious) but I've always been interested in photography for a far back as I can remember.
Had the old Pentax K1000 that I couldn't do squat with b/c I just didn't understand things (and still don't). Got a Olympus point and shoot cause that's what my wife wanted, one that she could take pics with.
Finally, got some funds together recently and got the Canon 60d and 18-135 lens. Found this site and am learning so much. Very thankful for the info you share.
Recently took it out for a spin at a nearby plantation, and actually posted a pic on that contest page. First time I've ever done anything like that.
Going out tomorrow with a professional photographer to learn a few more tricks, using his lenses and such. Should be a great day.
Thanks for all you do!