Help!

[Aggie]

Ok, it's time to break in this forum. I have a major problem. It is not a 101 type question but one of esthetics. (I hope I spelled that right) Terri and Brad and a few others have some of my copper ornaments. My son is making a web site for me, but stalled out since he said he needed the photos to go on it. I know enough HTML that you don't have to have the actual photos but being 24 and as stubborn as his mom, he is stalled and dug in his heels. Now here is the big problem. How to show the ornaments off to best advantage. Sounds simple (yeah right) I shot them in pine trees of different types. They got lost in the back ground. I shot them against a black background. Semed ok but the lighting was too intense,,, so i difused the light. It darkened the light enough that the copper also darkened and was lost against the black background. I tried natural light coming in the window that was not direct, and they looked flat. I tried them against darker other colors such as burgandy, blues greens, etc. Same thing as the black. Now I tried lighter backgrounds, and this time they sort of receded and blended into the background. I tried subtle patterns, and again they distracted too much. Things like woven material were the worst. I tried doing a set up where they were leaned against a shell with some sand coming out of it. BLAH the ornament was lost. This is getting mind bending boring to some, and it seems easy to fix. JUST how do you fix this problem????? Terri and Brad you have the actual ornaments in hand. Any one your suggestions would help. BTW Terri ketchup is the best copper cleaner. I save the packets from fast food places. Just rub it on and if stubborn let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse it off. I hate paying for something McDonalds gives away.

[Terri]

BTW Terri ketchup is the best copper cleaner.
I've never heard this! Aside from your ornaments (which we love) I have some copper pieces and have always used Brasso. I need to try ketchup, at least it will smell better. :lol:

As to your lighting issues....I know you'll get some good suggestions here. In the meantime, can you post some of the shots, so others have a visual of the ornaments and your lighting challenges?

[Mike]

Yes, lets have a look at these things and and some examples of the problems you are having.

[Aggie]

Now ya'll are going to see how digitally retarded I am. Equipment has changed and so has my puter. I have to figure out with all the crap my son and hubby have on this thing how to upload the photos from my digigizmo without them. Dan is busy most the day, and Tim is asleep already (he works nights)

[Terri]

That's okay, take your time!

[MissMia]

I can't wait to see your ornaments!

I like the way Sundance photographs their items. Here is an example from their holiday items.

http://www.sundancecatalog.com/CATEGORY/Specialty+Shops/Trim+the+Tree/BLOWN+GLASS+ORNAMENTS.html

[PhotoJet]

Aggie, I have a solution to your problem!!! :sun::sun:

Send me the ornaments you want shot & I will shoot them for you, post the pics here so you can pick what you want & send them back with a disc of images. :love:

Just find out from Compu-Boy what he needs (image size-wise) for the website.

[Aggie]

Jeanette your offer is sinking in very well in my migraine drugged brain. I'll send you the full complement and you can keep them. I and a digigismo just don't seem to lik each other. and relying on the guys for help takes days to weeks sometimes. Can you also do the jewelry line? Those you can chose from but send the rest back.

I can post an old fast example of what the ornaments are, but that is just a quick digi snap not a formal product shot. I've finally found the part of photography that I just can't seem to wrap my feeble mind around. I need open spaces and vast stretches of scenery. This table top stuff is hard (for me)

[PhotoJet]

Jeanette your offer is sinking in very well in my migraine drugged brain. I'll send you the full complement and you can keep them. I and a digigismo just don't seem to lik each other. and relying on the guys for help takes days to weeks sometimes. Can you also do the jewelry line? Those you can chose from but send the rest back.

I can post an old fast example of what the ornaments are, but that is just a quick digi snap not a formal product shot. I've finally found the part of photography that I just can't seem to wrap my feeble mind around. I need open spaces and vast stretches of scenery. This table top stuff is hard (for me)

Sure thing! I'm looking forward to it! I love shooting tabletop! :goodvibes:

[Artograph]

Wow...they are very pretty!!!

[Aggie]

OK this has me kicking myself. I have the last 6 ornaments to make (this years designs) sop I can send them off to Jeanette. BTW this is what i would give the winner of the photo contest.