Webb Pottery Studio

Another little aside from pots again.
He looks as though he could talk.

Caught a few shots of this beauty and his herd companions a couple of days ago on our way home from town. (I *think* he’s a Texas Longhorn. If you know different, please post a comment and tell me what these are). Like the pelicans I posted pics of previously, these guys were perfect models, seemingly unphased by my presence.

Sometime in October or November, my camera died (that’s why I had no sales listings posted online most of the fall). Then, just before Christmas, my dead camera was finally replaced (!). Its amazing that a mere 6 years can make such a difference in technology. You can get so much more camera now and for a fraction of the price of what they were a few years ago (super holiday sale deals sweeten the price well). Hoping this cam takes just as nice shots of pots.

Anyone who has taken or has tried to take pictures of pottery knows the challenges to taking a half decent shot. Good pictures can mean the difference between getting into a show, exhibition, or publication or not.

Anyhow a few people had asked me what I was using as my light set up. I have always preferred to use natural light (ie outside) for digital photos (and actually for slides as well) but that is not always possible or convenient. Last year I found these not so compact daylight compact florescent bulbs on ebay for $35 (for 4). They are 5500K/43 watt daylight bulbs. They make bright and true color, and don’t get excessively hot. (I apologize, I just snapped this photo quickly so its not in focus enough to read the product details on the side of the bulb)

When I was hunting around for photography light fixtures, I found most were way out of my price range. Instead of making a major investment, I found these utility lights at my local hardware store which range in price from $5 to $10.

I usually use 3 of these lights: one on either side and one toward the top. It takes some experimentation with light placement. I jerry-rigged a light stand out of a folding display rack we take to shows, which allows me to move/clamp the lights strategically for best illumination.