Cheap lighting suggestions please

[bramley]

Hi all,

I've recently got a macro lens and a light tent <shudder> lol, mainly to take shots of the jewellery my sister makes without reflections. Trouble is, I'm struggling with lighting the pieces, and as the nights are drawing in and I work full time I won't have much opportunity for taking these pictures.

I've tried a couple of desk lamps and daylight bulbs but they aren't up to the job. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get a diy lighting setup for as little dosh as possible?

Failing that I'll consider investing in some proper gear, but am not sure whether flash or continuous lighting would be better, or more versatile for future use.

Any comments welcome.

Cheers
Dave

[poah]

check ebay, tungsten lamps are cheap enough

[franv8]

Fluroescent tubes? Play with white balance to correct any casts? You can get more of alight panel with fluroescent (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong) - so may help give it more of a diffuse light.

[RobDickinson]

Couple of bright halogens or fluorescent tubes?

You using a tripod & cable release? If you are then shutter speed shouldnt realy be that much of an issue so long as its not very long.

[Zad]

Argos, B&Q etc certainly used to do cheap but effective dichroic halogen lighting sets. 5x20W dichroic lamps and a pair of wires that you fix to opposite walls. Connect the transformer and away you go. 2 of those provides a good amount of controllable light. Point some at the ceiling and walls to provide diffuse light, and point others at the item you are photographing.

[scotty328i]

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4...

You really wont go wrong with this

very bright and white light and even if it is no good take it back!!

[jpringle819]

I have used halogen floodlights before, you need to set the white balance correctly and it does get a bit hot working under them but for the price you can't go wrong. Something like these http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/range/guid/0E2EC...