You are not going to believe this as I can hardly believe it myself! I got so envious, looking at Leo’s great photos of tiny things he photographed in a soft light box that he built with his own hands, that I had to get my very own lightbox.
You may remember though, how hopeless I am with my hands. Last Sunday, I tried cutting out a ‘window’ in a shoebox and almost killed myself, or –don’t let’s exaggerate– almost sliced one of my fingers!
So on Monday, off I went to a photographer’s shop and got myself this little wonder.
It was folded, and I thought I’d never manage to unfold it, being afraid of breaking something, but here it is
Then, I had to find lamps to cast their light on the lightbox and fish out of my mess a tripod that I had hardly ever never used. I can’t be bothered going out with two cameras AND a tripod. That is too much to ask.
After a few attempts, I managed to have the two lamps on either side, my camera on a tripod, and a matchbox in the lightbox, which in fact is a sort of tent, and took some photos of the matchbox and of more small size objects.
Here’s a closeup where you can see the matchbox on the LCD screen.
And finally, ta dam! the matchbox!
I wrote an email address, which got half-erased, on the matchbox. That is what the blue stuff on the box is.
Another photo, which I rather like, is this one of pastel coloured candy. They are called flying saucers.
I have to say that Leo also taught me how to touch the background so that it looks whiter.
All in all, I am rather pleased with my new toy and my new skills!
bravo ! de très belles photos qui donnent très envie de faire la même chose.
Comment by olivier — January 28, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
WEll alright Claude….
Way to go expanding those photographic talents. Now you can fill those otherwise useless rainy days with even more photographic adventures in the world of miniature.
Comment by Alan G — January 28, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Oh my, those flying saucers, childhood memories …!
Comment by Monica — January 28, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
I loved those flying saucers! I don’t see them as often now that the kids are older.
Fantastic photography Claude! You’re an absolute artist!!
Comment by Peggy — January 28, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
I want a tent now rather than a tatty cardboard box.
Comment by Leo Reynolds — January 28, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
Wow! Thanks for showing me how this is done. I’m taking a photography workshop with my daughter this summer, so all the information I can get is greatly appreciated.
By the way, I just read the food page in the NY Times magazine about a bistro, L’Ami Jean, in the 7th arrondissement that is supposedly all the rage. Have you been?
Comment by tut-tut — January 28, 2007 @ 9:17 pm
WOW! Those are magazine quality (I mean it as a compliment)!! That’s just amazing, in the truest sense of the word.
Comment by kenju — January 28, 2007 @ 10:09 pm
And WELL you should be pleased! I’m VERY impressed! Still not quite sure how this all works…but I take it, by placing a small object inside the “tent” and with proper lighting, you’re able to get those photos?
Amazing! So aren’t you just becoming the most savvy female photographer in Paris!
I’m now going to check out Leo’s stuff. This is so cool! And your photos were really great, Claude.
Comment by Terri — January 29, 2007 @ 12:24 am
You have both the artistic eye and the desire to understand the technical aspects. Congratulations on some beautiful work.
Comment by Maria — January 29, 2007 @ 12:38 am
Oh my!!! Those pictures are great. I love the Flying Saucers like everyone else.
Comment by Biker Betty — January 29, 2007 @ 1:10 am
Thanks for the extremely useful info as I have to photo small things from time to time…what size light bulbs did you use? I’m off to check this out……..
Comment by Carmen — January 29, 2007 @ 2:13 am
Wow! I love both of your pics.
Comment by Betty — January 29, 2007 @ 5:30 am
Very nice. I like the idea and may ask le père noël for one of those next year !
Comment by wcs — January 29, 2007 @ 8:57 am
I am just using two very ordinary halogen desk lamps…
50 watts max it says on the lamp. But I can’t read what’s on the bulb.
Anyway more light would probably not hurt!
Comment by Claude — January 29, 2007 @ 9:04 am
Woaw, Claude, you’re an artist!
I love those photos… 
Comment by YLB — January 29, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Thanks Claude for transmitting this intersting toy. The pictures have a very special quality. It’s beautiful.
Comment by Musarde — January 29, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
claude, remarkable…what are all these disclaimers about your limited ability with your hands? so, you almost lost part of finger but for ART! matchbook gets my vote.
Comment by naomi dagen bloom — January 30, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
These photos are beautiful! I’m been a lover of minatures all my life.
BTW haven’t seen matches like this for years. Businesses use to give them out all the time, since “no smoking” in Calif. a few years ago, just never seem them anymore.
Comment by Joared — February 1, 2007 @ 10:05 am