Do light tents really make the difference?

[Mangus]

I've been thinking about investing into a light tent so wanted to get some opinions. Not sure if this is the right place to ask this?

[CKinSD]

i just saw a nice cheap one for starters at my local wallmart i hope to buy this weekend when paid. i tihnk they make a world of difference in taking pictures of pieces

[hazmatt]

A light tent may make a difference depending on what type of photos you plan to take. For product type photography they will help, but you won't be able to take 'dramatic' shots. Before investing in one, check out the link below...

http://digital-photography-school.co...ve-light-tent/

[Soul]

A light tent gives you more control over the lighting in your shot. Now i do not know what hazmatt meant with "dramatic shots" but you can take very dramatic shots using all sorts of different colored lighting and usage of shadow for example. Also, when you add water in a contained environment (such as a glass for example) to the mix you can really get freaky if you're into that kind of photography. The sky is pretty much the limit except if your looking for nature backgrounds etc that is (and not looking to digitally adding a background in PP, which same purpose light tents are often used for).

You can have a lot of fun with a light tent. They're cheap on ebay, just buy and try

[VinReaper]

Originally Posted by hazmatt

A light tent may make a difference depending on what type of photos you plan to take. For product type photography they will help, but you won't be able to take 'dramatic' shots. Before investing in one, check out the link below...

http://digital-photography-school.co...ve-light-tent/

The best tip I have seen all year so far! Thanks Hazmatt!


VR

[Merlose]

I was just telling Al all about this on another thread.

I really need to do a demo for you guys.

[hazmatt]

Originally Posted by Soul

A light tent gives you more control over the lighting in your shot. Now i do not know what hazmatt meant with "dramatic shots" but you can take very dramatic shots using all sorts of different colored lighting and usage of shadow for example. Also, when you add water in a contained environment (such as a glass for example) to the mix you can really get freaky if you're into that kind of photography. The sky is pretty much the limit except if your looking for nature backgrounds etc that is (and not looking to digitally adding a background in PP, which same purpose light tents are often used for).

You can have a lot of fun with a light tent. They're cheap on ebay, just buy and try

Just to clarify, I'm not speaking from experience here. I've never used a light tent but what I have seen them used for are more product or catalog type shots shown in the link I posted above. What I meant by 'dramatic' was pictures taken with harsh or moody lighting, i.e. one side of the object brightly lit and the other in mostly shadow. From what I understand, a light tent will bathe the subject in light from all sides and angles. As there are no rules to using one it may be possible to rig lights in such a way as to achieve different effects...multiple lights, different color lights, shades, reflectors, etc. I'll build one when I have time and mess around. After all, experience is the best teacher

Originally Posted by VinReaper

The best tip I have seen all year so far! Thanks Hazmatt!


VR

[hazmatt]

Originally Posted by Merlose

I was just telling Al all about this on another thread.

I really need to do a demo for you guys.

[Merlose]

Originally Posted by hazmatt

Okay, gimme a bit and I'll do something quick.

[hazmatt]

Originally Posted by Merlose

Okay, gimme a bit and I'll do something quick.

take your time. no rush.