Apr 22 2007

An Inexpensive Alternative

Published by leslierich at 10:48 pm under Just Talk

LightbulbWhen I first started taking digital photos of my projects, as opposed to scanning them, I would hurry home on my lunch hour to photograph them in the natural light of my kitchen window.  This wasn’t always satisfactory in the dark days of winter.  I wondered how others were managing the bright, attractive photos I admired in their galleries.  Does everyone have Ott lights?  I asked my friend, Linda (SCS labullard), what she was using for her photos and she told me about these lightbulbs.  I’m eternally grateful to her.  I’m often the last person to learn of these things, but I thought I’d share this information with any of you who may not be familiar with this inexpensive alternative to Ott lights.

I use these bulbs in two lamps when I take my photographs, ideally one at the side of the project and one a little more in front, but slightly further away than the lamp at the side.  I take the photograph from the side opposite the lamp so I get a good shot of the shadow cast by anything dimensional.  The lamp that’s positioned at the side will help produce the shadow and the lamp at the front will help brighten the subject and keep the shadow from being too exaggerated.  I’m not a photography expert and I’m often still frustrated and disappointed with the quality of my photos, but I’ve been much happier since I started using these lightbulbs.  You can get them just about anywhere–I got these at a local hardware store.  If I remember correctly, they were about $5 or $6 each.  I hope this helps someone who’s been wondering like I was.  Now, back to stamping!

17 Responses to “An Inexpensive Alternative”

  1. # Veraon 23 Apr 2007 at 3:39 am

    I’ll have to try these bulbs! I too struggle with getting the proper light for my photos, but I’ve had success with changing the settings in my little digital camera. I go to menu, and then White balance, adn I found that I can choose the type of light I’m shooting in. At night, I change the setting to incandescent light, and at day, I change the setting to natural light when I shoot in the natural sunlight through the window.

    I’m referring to my little cheap Nikon Cool pix. My big Canon Rebel doesn’t have that easy option. : )

    Love your blog! Thanks for sharing your work!

  2. # Sherry Cheeveron 23 Apr 2007 at 3:39 am

    I’ve been using these light bulbs for about a year! Finally one day last week, I went to Sams Club and they had a light very similar to an Ott Lamp for only $25. I bought 4 and I have one set up just for photos.

  3. # Kirstenon 23 Apr 2007 at 4:19 am

    Thanks for this info! I didn’t realize there were other types of “natural” light bulbs out there. I’ve had my eye on the Ott Lights for a while, but can’t stomach the expense. Like you, I have a spot that I like to take pix in a certain time of day (front porch behind the pillar around 4 in the afternoon! LOL). It would be nice to have something more convenient.

  4. # Marie - mariemcon 23 Apr 2007 at 4:51 am

    Thanks for the great info!! I’ve been wondering if I should save for an Ott Light, but this seems like a great alternative. I can use it in the lamp I work by and then use it next to my cards. Great help on getting dimensionals to show, too. I’ve always had a problem with that. Thanks!!

  5. # Gail Rachow (grandmascraps)on 23 Apr 2007 at 5:53 am

    Thanks for the info on these bulbs. I have been wanting an Ott light for my stamping desk for some time too. I have my desk in front of a window, which great during the day, but it seems I am more of a night time stamper. These bulbs could give me the light I really want even in the evening. TFS

  6. # Graceon 23 Apr 2007 at 6:45 am

    This a great piece of information! If you’re not a photography it wouldn’t be general knowledge.

    grace

  7. # Rose Annon 23 Apr 2007 at 7:16 am

    Thanks for sharing this, Leslie! I’m sure lots of us will benefit from it. ;)

  8. # Maryon 23 Apr 2007 at 9:28 am

    Thank you. This is probably a duh question, but do you use a shade or just the bare bulb?

  9. # Kim Milleron 23 Apr 2007 at 9:36 am

    I was just photographing last night and getiing really poor results…. I thank you for this awesome tip! I am off to buy light bulbs!

  10. # trudeeon 23 Apr 2007 at 7:05 pm

    hey great tip, Leslie, thanks!! :D

  11. # Sharon (notimetostamp)on 23 Apr 2007 at 7:46 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this tip with me earlier — I had such an improvement in my photos when I started using these light bulbs. Now I’m strugging with backdrops — always something — I have such a hard time getting a decent photo of a group of cards — so I just ordered a photo tent thing from ebay — it’s due to arrive this week — we’ll see if that helps at all!

  12. # Michelle Mon 23 Apr 2007 at 9:08 pm

    Thank you for sharing this information. I have been looking into different ways to take photos and editing to get better light but these look like they will be a big help:) I’ll have to look for some. THANK YOU!!

  13. # Julia Staintonon 24 Apr 2007 at 4:49 am

    Oh Leslie! Smooches!!! Thanks so much for the tip! I had a card last night that I was rushing in for a Design call at the last minute and there was no daylight left! This would have been a lifesaver! As soon as I can, I’m goign to get some of these! Thanks! I always learn something when I visit your site! you’re the best!

  14. # Corinnaon 24 Apr 2007 at 6:12 pm

    Oh my!! I have been looking for these. I even ask store clerks for them.. They always seem to go ask the person for the dept but never come back. Hmph! I would LOVE to hear if they have these in Canada. I have Natural lights for my bathroom but would love to get the energy saving ones so that I can be more tree huggerish.

  15. # jacksonbelleon 25 Apr 2007 at 6:08 am

    WAHOO thank you so much for the information! I am sure I will use it in the future! :D

  16. # Vickion 25 Apr 2007 at 2:03 pm

    TFS !!!! I am going to have to give these a try!!!!!

    Vicki

  17. # Cheryl Monroeon 09 Jan 2008 at 7:06 pm

    Thanks Leslie,
    I appreciate your great tips…and darn, I was just at ACE hardware today…but seeing it’s my favorite place to go on my lunch-hour…I will go back tomorrow for light bulbs :)
    Cheryl

Trackback URI | Comments RSS

Leave a Reply