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<title>DIY Craft Photography</title>
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<description>Product photography for handmade goods</description>
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<title>DIY Craft Photography</title>
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<item>
<title>30 Free Backgrounds for Photos (From Around Your Home!)</title>
<link>/free-backgrounds-for-photos-household-objects/</link>
<comments>/free-backgrounds-for-photos-household-objects/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2013 08:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Photo Styling]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[backgrounds]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=486</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I’m always on the lookout for cheap or free things to use as photography backgrounds, and I’m always surprised at how much I can find just by looking at things laying around my house. Chances are you’ve got plenty of inspiration tucked away in drawers or closets. Go on – dig ’em out! You won’t...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/free-backgrounds-for-photos-household-objects/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_842" style="width: 363px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-842" class=" wp-image-842" alt="30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest.jpg" width="353" height="291" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest.jpg 441w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest-300x247.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-842" class="wp-caption-text">Click to share me on Pinterest!</p></div>
<p dir="ltr">I’m always on the lookout for cheap or free things to use as photography backgrounds, and I’m always surprised at how much I can find just by looking at things laying around my house. Chances are you’ve got plenty of inspiration tucked away in drawers or closets. Go on – dig ’em out! You won’t know what you have until you start looking!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Here are <strong>30 of my favorite household-objects-turned-photo-backgrounds.</strong></p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Free Backgrounds for Photos</h1>
<p>Here’s just a few photo-background friendly things you probably already own:</p>
<div id="attachment_830" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-830" class=" wp-image-830 " alt="placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos.jpg" width="307" height="230" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-830" class="wp-caption-text">Placemats and towels are simple, go-to backgrounds for craft and food photography</p></div>
<p dir="ltr">1. Woven placemats</p>
<p dir="ltr">2. Wooden cutting board</p>
<p dir="ltr">3. Cookie sheet</p>
<p dir="ltr">4. Brick mantle</p>
<p dir="ltr">5. Wool blanket or sweater</p>
<p dir="ltr">6. Wooden door (painted or not)</p>
<p dir="ltr">7. Folded linen towel</p>
<div id="attachment_810" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-810" class="wp-image-810 " alt="cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg" width="307" height="230" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-810" class="wp-caption-text">A cookie sheet’s soft reflective surface is an excellent background for your small crafts (and foods!)</p></div>
<p dir="ltr">8. Canvas tote bag</p>
<p dir="ltr">9. Chalkboard</p>
<p dir="ltr">10. Paper grocery bag</p>
<p dir="ltr">11. Open book</p>
<p dir="ltr">12. Stack of books</p>
<p dir="ltr">13. Window sill</p>
<p dir="ltr">14. Wrapping paper</p>
<p dir="ltr">15. Seat cushions</p>
<p dir="ltr">16. Clothing – denim and patterned shirts in particular</p>
<div id="attachment_844" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-844" class="size-full wp-image-844 " alt="free backgrounds for photos fabric swatches" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1.jpg" width="307" height="230" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1.jpg 307w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1-300x224.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-844" class="wp-caption-text">Fabric from earlier projects live a second life as bright and beautiful photo backgrounds.</p></div>
<p dir="ltr">17. Kitchen table</p>
<p dir="ltr">18. Kitchen countertop</p>
<p dir="ltr">19. Doilies</p>
<p dir="ltr">20. Decorative napkins</p>
<p dir="ltr">21. Woven baskets</p>
<p dir="ltr">22. Stairs & railings</p>
<p dir="ltr">23. Wooden chair</p>
<p dir="ltr">24. Driveway / walkway</p>
<p dir="ltr">25. Back patio or deck</p>
<div id="attachment_496" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496" class=" wp-image-496 " alt="tree bark photograph jewelry" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark.jpg" width="307" height="205" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-496" class="wp-caption-text">Tree bark makes an interesting prop for small product photography.</p></div>
<p dir="ltr">26. Tree bark</p>
<p dir="ltr">28. Decorative fabric</p>
<p dir="ltr">29. Painter’s canvas (try the backside of a wall painting)</p>
<p dir="ltr">30. Bed linens</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">3 Things You Probably Shouldn’t Use as Photo Backgrounds</h1>
<h2>1. Carpeting</h2>
<p>Alas, even for us carpet-lovers, carpeting’s out of style. You can get away with photographing your trinkets on a hardwood floor (or a convincing lookalike), but carpet as a background just doesn’t give off great vibes. Carpet is easily recognizable, it’s got little to no character of its own, and it cheapens your handmade trinket by placing it on what is obviously a floor.</p>
<h2>2. Bathroom tile</h2>
<p>Unless your bathroom has gorgeous marble floors, your tile and grout probably look a lot like… tile and grout.</p>
<h2>3. Newspaper</h2>
<p>One exception: vintage newspaper. But the latest USAToday is going to look cheap and cartoonish – until, of course, you keep it so long that it turns into VINTAGE NEWSPAPER!</p>
<p dir="ltr">What’s your best already-own-it photography background find? Tell us in the comments!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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</item>
<item>
<title>How to Take Great Looking White Background Photos</title>
<link>/how-to-take-white-background-photos/</link>
<comments>/how-to-take-white-background-photos/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 11 Aug 2013 13:30:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Composition & Techniques]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[white background]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=279</guid>
<description><![CDATA[White backgrounds are super popular, and for good reason! White backgrounds look crisp and fresh, and Etsy especially seems to love ’em! Just check out Etsy’s front page on any random day to see a bunch of white background photos: Capturing this look is easy, even for beginners – you don’t need a fancy in-home...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/how-to-take-white-background-photos/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p dir="ltr">White backgrounds are <em>super popular,</em> and for good reason! White backgrounds look crisp and fresh, and Etsy especially seems to love ’em! Just check out Etsy’s front page on any random day to see a bunch of white background photos:</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/etsy_white_bgs.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-294 aligncenter" alt="etsy loves white backgrounds for featured photos" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/etsy_white_bgs.jpg" width="398" height="347" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/etsy_white_bgs.jpg 497w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/etsy_white_bgs-300x261.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 398px) 100vw, 398px" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Capturing this look is easy, even for beginners – you don’t need a fancy in-home studio or expensive camera, just a sheet of white poster board and some decent mid-day lighting!</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Poster Board</h1>
<p dir="ltr">White poster board is our favorite material for making white background photos. It’s cheap and easy to find at craft and office supply stores. Choose a large piece even if you plan on cropping the photo later. You can always trim the poster board later if it’s too big. Some poster board has a shiny side and a dull side: experiment and see which side works best.</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Lighting</h1>
<p dir="ltr">It may feel a bit counter-intuitive, but photographing your crafts <strong>outdoors and <em>in the shade</em> </strong>can yield spectacular results. To show you how awesome photographing outdoors is, check out the three photos below. The background is just a simple sheet of white poster board.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_lighting_comparison.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-428 aligncenter" alt="Taking white background photos indoors vs. outdoors" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_lighting_comparison.jpg" width="400" height="819" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_lighting_comparison.jpg 400w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_lighting_comparison-146x300.jpg 146w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Indoors: Lighting Studio –</strong> This first photo would be serviceable in a pinch (and in winter, it’s pretty much all we’ve got to work with!), but both of the outdoor options will require less work. We also have to work around some awkward shadows cast on the wall behind his top fin.</li>
<li><strong>Outdoors: Direct Sunlight</strong> – The direct sunlight option isn’t bad, but the poor fish gets a double chin from the shadow and the bright light flattens his body a little much for our liking.</li>
<li>O<strong>utdoors: In Shade</strong> – Personally, we love the soft shadows and the dimension in the fish’s body.</li>
</ul>
<p>Here’s what the outdoor setup looks like:</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/whitebackground_outdoors_in_shade.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-293 aligncenter" alt="whitebackground_outdoors_in_shade" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/whitebackground_outdoors_in_shade.jpg" width="512" height="341" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/whitebackground_outdoors_in_shade.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/whitebackground_outdoors_in_shade-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>One final word on lighting: </strong>Don’t use your camera’s flash!</p>
<p dir="ltr">If the flash is triggering as you take your photos, you need more lighting (or you just need to turn flash off, some cameras do get a little flash happy).</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Photo Tips</h1>
<p dir="ltr">Take<strong> lots</strong> of photos! Once you’re all set up, don’t just take a few photos and call it done. Aim for 20+ photos of each item you’re photographing, and try different angles, arrangements, and even some weird stuff. You can always delete the unneeded photos later.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/diy_craft_photo_techniques_take_many_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-291 aligncenter" alt="diy_craft_photo_techniques_take_many_photos" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/diy_craft_photo_techniques_take_many_photos-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/diy_craft_photo_techniques_take_many_photos-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/diy_craft_photo_techniques_take_many_photos.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Post-Processing</h1>
<p dir="ltr">“Post-processing” is just a fancy word for improving your photos digitally. Don’t worry if you’re completely new to photo editing: today’s editors are simple (and rather fun) to play with.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>For crafters on a budget:</strong> Check out <a href="/5-best-apps-free-photo-editing-online-2013/">Reviews on our 5 Favorite Online Photo Editors</a> – 100% free and easy to use.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It’s pretty difficult to take raw images that are usable as-is. Even the pros touch things up. With that in mind, your job as a photographer is to <strong>minimize how much has to be done</strong>. It’s reasonable to expect to punch up brightness and contrast levels, but it’s not a good idea to count on post-processing for removing wrinkles from your background or to compensate for overly bad lighting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In your photo editor, look for these adjustments:</p>
<ul>
<li>Auto Tone</li>
<li>Brightness/Contrast</li>
<li>Levels</li>
</ul>
<p>It usually takes just a few minutes of effort to turn a decent before into an eye-catching after:</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_post_processing.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-429 aligncenter" alt="take white background photos of your crafts outdoors in the shade for great results" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_post_processing.jpg" width="512" height="682" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_post_processing.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/whitebackground_post_processing-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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</item>
<item>
<title>Anatomy of a DIY Home Photo Studio</title>
<link>/anatomy-of-a-diy-home-photo-studio/</link>
<comments>/anatomy-of-a-diy-home-photo-studio/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Aug 2013 21:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Cameras & Equipment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[diy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[home photo studio]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=158</guid>
<description><![CDATA[My house has a very small extra bedroom. It isn’t good for much besides storing junk, but it’s the best-lit room in the house so I cleaned out the junk and turned it into a little photo studio! I built this studio through trial and error, but now it’s ready to share its secrets with...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/anatomy-of-a-diy-home-photo-studio/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_165" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/budget_diy_photo_studio_at_home.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-165" class="size-full wp-image-165" alt="Budget friendly diy photo studio" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/budget_diy_photo_studio_at_home.jpg" width="1024" height="682" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/budget_diy_photo_studio_at_home.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/budget_diy_photo_studio_at_home-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-165" class="wp-caption-text">My budget-friendly DIY home photo studio</p></div>
<p>My house has a very small extra bedroom. It isn’t good for much besides storing junk, but it’s the best-lit room in the house so I cleaned out the junk and turned it into a little photo studio!</p>
<p>I built this studio through trial and error, but now it’s ready to share its secrets with the rest of the world. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Here’s a tour of my DIY home photo studio!</p>
<h1><strong>1) Adjustable Garment Rack</strong></h1>
<p>For hanging backdrops, it’s hard to beat this: the horizontal bar you see here is just a $15 portable closet rack! I draped one twin-size white sheet over the bar to create a smooth, seamless background and floor for my craft photos.</p>
<p>I chose white because I use a white background a lot and because it won’t show dust the way a black sheet would.</p>
<h1>2) Black fabric background</h1>
<p>To use a different background I layer a piece of fabric on top of the white default backdrop. (Shown here is about a yard of black fabric, but if your objects are small you can get away with <em>a lot</em> less fabric.)</p>
<p>The friction is usually enough to hold up additional cloth backdrops, but if not, it’s very easy to use a few straight pins to anchor the new backdrop to the white sheet. Surprisingly, poster board usually has no trouble sitting in this setup, either.</p>
<h1>3) Overhead lamp</h1>
<p>Figuring out how to build a spotlight to point down into my photo studio was a challenge. Many DIYers use an adjustable desk lamp, which is a great solution, but I had a mic stand laying around and wanted to see if I could put it to good use. I clamped an $8 aluminum work lamp from Home Depot onto the mic clamp and clipped the lamp’s cord to the stand using a wooden clothespin. The bulb is fairly lightweight (it’s just a 45W bulb) so the mic stand supports its weight.</p>
<p>This modification is very easy to undo (and redo) so I can still use the mic stand as a mic stand, too. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h1>4) Aluminum Clamp-On Work Lamp</h1>
<p>I got three of these <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-150-Watt-Incandescent-Clamp-Light-CE-300PDQ/100354511#.Uf2giI21GCM">aluminum clamp-on work lamps from Home Depot</a> (about $9 each). The clamp isn’t strong enough to support the lamp in a free-floating position, but the clamp does do a good job of stabilizing the lamp when it’s resting on a flat surface. The lamp above the studio has a 45W bulb and the two on the sides have 150W bulbs.</p>
<p>All three lamps have a double layer of a thin white fabric clipped over the cup to diffuse the light. This cloth layer makes a huge difference – the lights are much to bright and burn out the object in photos without the covers in place.</p>
<h1>5) Tripod</h1>
<p>Just a standard tripod I bought when I moved out and lost access to my Dad’s old metal tripod. I was shocked at how much better this modern tripod was! If you’re working with an ancient tripod, you might be surprised at how much better the new ones are.</p>
<p>My favorite features:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>extremely light weight</strong></li>
<li><strong>easy-adjust legs</strong> (no tedious turning: just unlock, pull, lock)</li>
<li><strong>water-bubble level</strong>, which I use all the time</li>
<li><strong>nice big hand cranks</strong> for adjusting and tilting the camera</li>
<li><strong>durability</strong> – it’s survived a few tumbles now</li>
</ul>
<h1>6) Iron & Ironing Board</h1>
<p>A bit old fashioned, yes, but the iron and board are essential for pressing backgrounds before photo shoots. Sometimes I feel lazy and skip this step, then later regret it as I try to salvage the wrinkled results in Photoshop. Don’t skip the ironing step!</p>
<p>When it’s not in use for ironing, it makes a nice temporary shelf.</p>
<h1>7) Floor Lamp with Tinfoil Reflector</h1>
<p>I took the shade off this floor lamp ($35-ish at Walmart) and set it up with a tin-foil and cardboard reflector I made myself to help give the room a soft ambiance.</p>
<h1>8) Tinfoil Reflectors</h1>
<p>Sometimes I place these tinfoil reflectors just outside the shot to bounce lighting back onto an object’s shadowed side. A black shadow turns into a smooth, dark shadow with a tinfoil reflector just outside the shot.</p>
<p>Even better, tinfoil reflectors are super cheap to make: just tape a sheet of tinfoil to a piece of cardboard!</p>
<h1>9) Window with White Drapes</h1>
<p>Here in the Pacific Northwest it doesn’t get sunny too often, but when it does I try to take advantage of it. I chose white for the drapes on this window to diffuse incoming light without adding any colors or patterns.</p>
<h1>10) Power Strip</h1>
<p>All four lamps are plugged into this one power strip with rocker switch. This makes it super fast and convenient to turn the whole setup on and off.</p>
<h1>11) My DIY Light Tent Box</h1>
<p>Like many DIYers I’ve built my own light tent out of a cardboard box. I like my open studio better, but I keep it around just in case I decide to switch back.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Want to share your own DIY home photo studio? See any room for improvement? Leave a comment below!</p>
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</item>
<item>
<title>Table Top Photo Studio Kit Reviews and Comparison Chart</title>
<link>/table-top-photo-studio-kit-reviews/</link>
<comments>/table-top-photo-studio-kit-reviews/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 2013 05:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Cameras & Equipment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Photo Studio Kits]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[kit]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[products]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[table top photo studio]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=82</guid>
<description><![CDATA[While many DIYers try to go it alone, purchasing a relatively inexpensive table top photo studio kit can save you a lot of time spent building your own photo studio. What is a table top photo studio kit? A table top photo studio kit is an “all in one” package of everything a beginner needs...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/table-top-photo-studio-kit-reviews/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/table_top_photo_studio_comparison.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1144" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/table_top_photo_studio_comparison.jpg" alt="Table top photo studio comparison chart & reviews" width="441" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/table_top_photo_studio_comparison.jpg 441w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/table_top_photo_studio_comparison-300x247.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px" /></a>While many DIYers try to go it alone, purchasing a relatively inexpensive table top photo studio kit can save you a lot of time spent building your own photo studio.</p>
<h1>What is a table top photo studio kit?</h1>
<div id="attachment_111" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6G2LM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A6G2LM8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-111" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-111 " src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-150x150.jpg" alt="limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941" width="150" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941.jpg 385w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-111" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6G2LM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A6G2LM8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">LimoStudio Photography Studio 12″ and 30″ Photo Studio Table Top Lighting Set</a></p></div>
<p>A table top photo studio kit <strong>is an “all in one” package of everything a beginner needs</strong> to get started photographing their small crafts. Kits are small, hence the “table top” designation. Most are designed to take up less than a few feet of space. Kits typically include a light tent, a couple of lamps, backgrounds (‘sweeps”), and a camera stand. Many of the kits on the market today are very similar and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Prices range from $40-$100, so you definitely want to make an informed choice!</p>
<p>This interactive comparison chart will help you decide which photo studio kit is right for you and your budget. Below the chart are 3 of DIYCraftPhotography’s top photo studio kit picks with detailed reviews.</p>
<p>The comparison chart and reviews only considered kits that meet the following requirements:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>$110 or less</strong> – most models in this chart are around $45</li>
<li><strong>Rating of 3.5 stars </strong>(out of 5) rating or higher on Amazon.com</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Amazon.com links are affiliate links.</em></p>
<p>Click on any of the columns to sort the data.</p>
<p>$ = $30-45<br />
$$ =$45 – $75<br />
$$$ = $75+</p>
<table id="tablepress-1" class="tablepress tablepress-id-1">
<thead>
<tr class="row-1 odd">
<th class="column-1">Table Top Photo Studio Kits</th><th class="column-2">Score<br />
</th><th class="column-3">Price</th><th class="column-4">Tent Size (L x W X H) in inches</th><th class="column-5">Camera Support</th><th class="column-6">Light Stands & Bulbs<br />
</th><th class="column-7">Extras</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody class="row-hover">
<tr class="row-2 even">
<td class="column-1"><a href ="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LP8G0G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004LP8G0G&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Idirectmart Photo Tent Table Top Studio Light Photography Soft Box Kit</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LP8G0G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004LP8G0G&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/idirectmart_photo_tent_table_top_studio_photo_kit-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-89" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/idirectmart_photo_tent_table_top_studio_photo_kit-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/idirectmart_photo_tent_table_top_studio_photo_kit-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/idirectmart_photo_tent_table_top_studio_photo_kit-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/idirectmart_photo_tent_table_top_studio_photo_kit.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.0</td><td class="column-3">$</td><td class="column-4">19.75" x 19.75" x 19.75"</td><td class="column-5">Stand (range: 11" - 18")</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 3000k 110V tungsten bulbs</td><td class="column-7">4 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-3 odd">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MYASTG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MYASTG&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MYASTG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MYASTG&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cowboystudio_table_top_photo_studio_light_tent_kit-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-92" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cowboystudio_table_top_photo_studio_light_tent_kit-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cowboystudio_table_top_photo_studio_light_tent_kit-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cowboystudio_table_top_photo_studio_light_tent_kit-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cowboystudio_table_top_photo_studio_light_tent_kit.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">3.5</td><td class="column-3">$$</td><td class="column-4">16" x 16" x 16"</td><td class="column-5">Stand</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 50W 5100k tungsten</td><td class="column-7">4 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-4 even">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PC4A0O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PC4A0O&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">SP200 Photo Studio In a Box</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PC4A0O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PC4A0O&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-93" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.0</td><td class="column-3">$</td><td class="column-4">16" x 16" x 16"</td><td class="column-5">Stand (10" - 18")</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 50W 3000K tungsten</td><td class="column-7">4 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-5 odd">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OZRFR2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000OZRFR2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Square Perfect SP500 Platinum Photo Studio in a Box</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OZRFR2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000OZRFR2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/square_perfect_sp500_photo_studio_in_a_box-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-94" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/square_perfect_sp500_photo_studio_in_a_box-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/square_perfect_sp500_photo_studio_in_a_box-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/square_perfect_sp500_photo_studio_in_a_box-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/square_perfect_sp500_photo_studio_in_a_box.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.0</td><td class="column-3">$$$</td><td class="column-4">30" x 30" x 30" <br />
12" x 12" x 12" </td><td class="column-5">Tripod (22" - 32")</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) not halogen</td><td class="column-7">8 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-6 even">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B8G4R8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001B8G4R8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">PBL Photo Studio Tent</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B8G4R8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001B8G4R8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pbl_photo_studio_tent_lights-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-117" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pbl_photo_studio_tent_lights-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pbl_photo_studio_tent_lights-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pbl_photo_studio_tent_lights.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.0</td><td class="column-3">$$$</td><td class="column-4">30" x 30" x 30" </td><td class="column-5">None</td><td class="column-6">Stands: (2) 6'6" black non-glare finish<br />
<br />
Bulbs: (2) 65 watt fluorescent bulbs 225 watts of tungsten light 5100k high output daylight bulbs</td><td class="column-7">2 Backgrounds: white, black<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-7 odd">
<td class="column-1"><a href = "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HE1NP0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005HE1NP0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Shutter Starz Professional Quality Studio ProPhotoz Kit</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HE1NP0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005HE1NP0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shutter_starz_professional_photo_tent-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-105" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shutter_starz_professional_photo_tent-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shutter_starz_professional_photo_tent-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shutter_starz_professional_photo_tent-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shutter_starz_professional_photo_tent.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">3.5</td><td class="column-3">$</td><td class="column-4">20" x 20" x 20" </td><td class="column-5">Stand </td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 3000K </td><td class="column-7">4 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-8 even">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CX9QZ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005CX9QZ0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">LimoStudio Photography Photo Studio</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CX9QZ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005CX9QZ0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_photo_studio-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-109" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_photo_studio-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_photo_studio-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_photo_studio.jpg 385w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">3.5</td><td class="column-3">$</td><td class="column-4">20" x 20" x 20" </td><td class="column-5">Tripod (10.5" - 17") </td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 120V 50W 5000K output</td><td class="column-7">4 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-9 odd">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JC3NOY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JC3NOY&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Sunpak 620-EBOX Camera Light</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JC3NOY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JC3NOY&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sunpak_620_ebox-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-107" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.0</td><td class="column-3">$$</td><td class="column-4">21" x 21" x 21" </td><td class="column-5">Tripod</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 50W </td><td class="column-7">4 Backgrounds: black, blue, red. (note: no white background included)<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-10 even">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6G2LM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A6G2LM8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">LimoStudio Photography Studio 12" and 30" Photo Studio Tent Backdrop Kit</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6G2LM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A6G2LM8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-111" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941.jpg 385w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.0</td><td class="column-3">$$</td><td class="column-4">30" x 30" x 30" <br />
12" x 12" x 12" </td><td class="column-5">Tripod (up to 41")</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (1) 30W Photo CFL 5400K, Daylight Balanced, Pure White</td><td class="column-7">8 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-11 odd">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PME6JM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PME6JM&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Portable Studio Lighting with Studio Light Tent Kit</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PME6JM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PME6JM&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-112" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.5</td><td class="column-3">$$</td><td class="column-4">23" x 23" x 23" </td><td class="column-5">Stand</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 110V 35W 5400K Fluorescent Bulb Mini Lights </td><td class="column-7">4 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-12 even">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095PO8ZY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0095PO8ZY&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Fotodiox Pro, Deluxe 1000 Photo Studio in a Box Kit</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095PO8ZY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0095PO8ZY&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/fotodiox_studio_in_a_box_kit-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-133" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/fotodiox_studio_in_a_box_kit-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/fotodiox_studio_in_a_box_kit-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/fotodiox_studio_in_a_box_kit.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></td><td class="column-2">4.0</td><td class="column-3">$$$</td><td class="column-4">30" x 30" x 30" <br />
12" x 12" x 12" </td><td class="column-5">Tripod ("table" size) </td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 30W 5400K</td><td class="column-7">8 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red.<br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
<tr class="row-13 odd">
<td class="column-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MYCD9E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MYCD9E&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MYCD9E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MYCD9E&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://diycraftphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cowboy_table_top_studo_two_tents-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="100" class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-144" /></a></td><td class="column-2">3.5</td><td class="column-3">$$$</td><td class="column-4">24" x 24" x 24"<br />
17" x 17" x 17"</td><td class="column-5">Mini tripod - premium with liquid level</td><td class="column-6">Bulbs: (2) 50W High Intense UL </td><td class="column-7">8 Backgrounds: white, black, blue, red. <br />
<br />
Carrying case. </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<p> </p>
<h1>Our Top 3 Favorite Kits</h1>
<p>These three kits stand out as being particularly well-reviewed.</p>
<h2>LimoStudio Photography Studio 12″ and 30″ Photo Studio Kit ($$$)</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6G2LM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A6G2LM8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-128" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-150x150.jpg" alt="limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941" width="150" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/limostudio_photography_studio_12_30_agg941.jpg 385w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a>We like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6G2LM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A6G2LM8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">this kit by LimoStudio</a><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=diy07a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00A6G2LM8" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> because it comes with <strong>two</strong> <strong>light tents (12″ and 30″)</strong>, two <strong>powerful 28″ tall lamps</strong>, and a <strong>full-size 41″ tripod</strong> – all for <strong>just $72</strong>.</p>
<p>Buying this kit’s components separately would cost well over $100, so as long as the components of this kit meet your needs this is a great deal. We especially like the 28″ tall lamps and switch cords (no need to get your hands near the hot lamp heads).</p>
<p>Both light tents feature a “slit” wall, which is a great feature for minimizing undesired light sources inside the light tent. Many DIY light tents simply leave off the side that the photographer’s camera uses, but this “pro feature” helps keep the interior of the box free from being affected by other direct light sources and colors in the room you’re using.</p>
<p>The light bulbs are two 30W photo CFL 5400k, daylight balanced, pure white. The subject of light bulbs is a constant cause for debate among professional photographers, but these bulbs should be sufficient for beginners making their crafts looking pretty on Pinterest and Etsy.</p>
<p><strong>Some potential downsides:</strong> like all kits in this price range, the backgrounds arrive folded and will need to be ironed to get rid of creases. You also may never use any of the colored background “sweeps”, though virtually every kit on the market includes at least three backgrounds. Do you need two light tents? If not, having an extra one laying around might be clutter you don’t need. Unlike the photo suggests, the tripod is a full 41″ tripod. It is not miniature. If you already have a large tripod, getting another one might be unnecessary. This is one of the most space consuming kits on the market in the <$100 price range (28″ tall lamps, 41″ tripod, 30″ light tent), so make sure you have enough space for this kit.</p>
<p>But for those of us who need to<strong> “go big” while keeping within a $100 budget</strong>, this kit is an excellent choice.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6G2LM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A6G2LM8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Check out this kit’s pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Portable Studio Lighting with Studio Light Tent Kit ($$)</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PME6JM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PME6JM&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-112" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit-150x150.jpg" alt="portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit" width="150" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/portable_studio_lighting_with_studio_light_tent_kit.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a>Up next is another <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PME6JM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PME6JM&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">highly-reviewed kit, this one sold by Fancier</a>, an online vendor specializing in photography equipment. At <strong>$47 plus shipping</strong>, this kit is one step above the bottom of the typical table top photo studio kit price range. Included is a<strong> 23.5″ photo tent</strong>, a<strong> “monopod” camera stand</strong>, two 35W 5400K fluorescent light bulbs on retractable stands, and four colored background sweeps. We like that the light stands and bulbs are larger and have a bit more “oomph” than most kits in this price range.</p>
<p>We like this kit because of its compactness and because the <strong>lamps and camera stand are small enough to fit on a table next to the tent</strong> (rather than on the floor with the tent on a table in between), making this kit <strong>a true “table top” kit</strong>. Like many other professionally-made kits, this kit also features a front panel with a slit to minimize colors and shadows from elsewhere in the room.</p>
<p><strong>Some potential downsides:</strong> all included backgrounds are plastic cloth, so they are difficult to iron and unsuitable for doing a smooth “infinity background”. Cutting up a piece of thicker poster board for use inside this light tent will solve this problem. A few buyers on Amazon complain of broken bulbs (immediately replaced by Fancier, to the vendor’s credit). The small tripod base on the lamps reduces their overall footprint, which is a great space saver, but it makes them a bit top heavy and they may tip over easily if you aren’t careful around them.</p>
<p>All in all, this kit by Fancier is an <strong>excellent mid-priced table top photo studio kit</strong> perfect for beginners.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PME6JM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PME6JM&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Check out this kit’s pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com</a></p>
<h2>SP200 Photo Studio In a Box ($)</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SP200-Photo-Studio-In-Box/dp/B000PC4A0O/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-93 alignleft" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-150x150.jpg" alt="sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box" width="150" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sp200_photo_studio_in_a_box.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a>At <strong>$41</strong> the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SP200-Photo-Studio-In-Box/dp/B000PC4A0O/">SP200 Photo Studio in a Box</a> is <strong>one of the lowest priced kits</strong> in the list, but its our favorite in its price range thanks to its <strong>solid 4-star rating on Amazon.com</strong>. This kit includes a <strong>16″ photo tent</strong> (which is notably smaller than what you’ll find in our other top picks), two high output lights, four backgrounds, and a “monopod” for your camera. The whole thing folds up into a neat little “suitcase” for easy storage and transport. Many reviewers praise the easy set up and take-down.</p>
<p><strong>Some potential downsides:</strong> There is no “front panel with slit” like many slightly more expensive models include (see our #1 pick and #2 pick above), so your photos may reveal more shadows and colors from the light sources from the surrounding area than they would using a light tent that includes this panel. The lamps included in this kit are small, and according to many reviewers, both underpowered and very hot to the touch. Be sure to use this kit in a well-lit room, as the lights included may not be enough on their own. The top of the light tent is black (due to it being part of the storage case) so you won’t be able to angle an additional light through the top panel like you can on other light kits.</p>
<p>If you’re on a very tight budget but you’re also photographing small objects, don’t mind the missing front panel or white top panel, and you’ll be photographing in generally well-lit areas, this is the best table top photo studio kit we could find under $45.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SP200-Photo-Studio-In-Box/dp/B000PC4A0O/">Check out this kit’s pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com</a></p>
<p>Did our chart help you decide which kit to get? Or did you go the DIY route and build your own? Let us know in the comments!</p>
<p><em>Some links in this article are Amazon Affiliate links. Read DIYCraftPhotography’s <a href="/affiliate-disclosure/">full disclosure here</a>.</em></p>
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<title>5 Free Ways to Take Better Craft Photos</title>
<link>/5-ways-to-take-better-craft-photos/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 03:30:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Composition & Techniques]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[free]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=40</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Great photos are essential when selling your crafts online! Your photos are your sales pitch and your only chance to show potential buyers how well-made and beautiful your crafts are. But if you’re a DIY-er, you probably don’t have a huge budget or a lot of time to dedicate to photographing your crafts. Here are...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/5-ways-to-take-better-craft-photos/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p dir="ltr">Great photos are <em>essential</em> when selling your crafts online! Your photos are your sales pitch and your only chance to show potential buyers how well-made and beautiful your crafts are. But if you’re a DIY-er, you probably don’t have a huge budget or a lot of time to dedicate to photographing your crafts. Here are five free ways to take better craft photos!</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Get close</h1>
<div id="attachment_45" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/latarrodebabe_flower.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45" class="size-full wp-image-45 " alt="photo credit: B@Bé via photopin cc" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/latarrodebabe_flower.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-45" class="wp-caption-text">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/latorredebabe/1465034524/">B@Bé</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a></p></div>
<p dir="ltr">Show off that gorgeous detail! Zoom in close and set your camera to Macro to help it focus on the little details.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Imagine you’re the same size as your product and photograph your craft product from its point of view. Going “eye level” makes your craft come alive by framing it the way photographers often frame people and interesting subjects.</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Photograph your crafts outside in natural daylight</h1>
<p dir="ltr">You might think you need to purchase diffusers and professional equipment to get great photos of your crafts, but sunlight is free and favored by DIYers and pros alike! Even on a cloudy day, photos you take outside in natural light will look brighter, more colorful, and more natural.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sunlight changes color and angle throughout the day, so depending on the mood you’d like to evoke with your photos, you may get better results if you snap your photos in the hours after sunrise and in the last few hours before sunset. Mid-day sun is the strongest and often comes out too harsh, so try to shoot in the morning or late afternoon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you can’t photograph outside, photographing near a window with plenty of sunlight is a great alternative.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For a<strong> fantastic guide on working with windows</strong>, check out <strong>red-brolly’s</strong> DIY-friendly guide <a href="http://www.red-brolly.com/red-brolly/2013/04/photographing-your-craft-easy-natural-lighting-tips-to-try-at-home.html">Photography Tips for Crafters: Using Natural Light</a>.</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Pose Your Craft</h1>
<div id="attachment_44" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sunsetgirl_creations_pose_photos_.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-44" class="size-full wp-image-44 " alt="photo credit: sunsetgirl creations via photopin cc" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sunsetgirl_creations_pose_photos_.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-44" class="wp-caption-text">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunsetgirl_creations/2259896429/">sunsetgirl creations</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a></p></div>
<div>
<p>Try to avoid “fly-swatted” poses that attempt to show all surfaces of your craft. This is especially important when photographing crafts like dolls or toys.</p>
<p>Try to show your product in action: stand it up, drape it around, make it look alive! Trying to show everything in one shot tends to make your craft appear flat. You can always add additional angles, but your main photo should look inviting and interesting, not lifeless or clinical.</p>
</div>
<h1 dir="ltr">Turn off the flash!</h1>
<p dir="ltr">A camera flash flattens your image and, in many cases, produces awkward bright spots. If your flash is going off, it’s probably because you aren’t using enough lighting. Try moving to a more well-lit room, or shooting your photos outside.</p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Don’t shoot into the light</h1>
<div id="attachment_46" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/backlit_craft_photography.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46" class="size-full wp-image-46 " alt="backlit_craft_photography" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/backlit_craft_photography.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-46" class="wp-caption-text">photo credit: <a href="http://blushplush.com">Blush Plush</a> used with permission</p></div>
<p dir="ltr">Placing your craft against a window might look good in real life, but the photo will likely show a very dark, almost silhouetted craft against a bright background. Your camera needs more light than your eyeball does to make out details, and most basic cameras are not very good at dealing with contrast.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Arrange your craft product until the light is on the side you intend to photograph.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>There you have it: five free ways to start taking better craft photos today!</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Have a great tip we missed? Share it below in the comments!</p>
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