Light tents?

[Djarum Black]

I was at a orchid show recently and saw a vender selling and photographing orchids in these little tents.

I was only able to hear a little of the conversation being had about the benefits of the tent because there were so many people trying to walk around. However, I think the guy said something like.. it makes orchid photo details more crisp, and it makes the colors of the flowers true? Sounds like magic, lol

So are they worth buying? Are they useful? Anyone have one? I'm really curious!

[Uechi]

In my opinion, a light tent is a tool that is really not necessay unless you do a lot of photography outdoors and are plaque by breezes or very bright light. I have been photographing insects and flowers for a few years and I find that portable reflectors, use of ND filters and paying attention to F-stops and lighting angles you can do quite well. I donot have much experience photographing orchids or flowers inside. Whether the tent is of any important use I don't know. I think before I purchased one I would make a homemade version and try it out. Light tents are discussed in several nature and macro photography books. In addition there is information on the net.

[goodgollymissmolly]

Light tents can be very useful in situations where they can be used....like still lifes of orchids. They provide diffuse illumination, prevent the sharp shadows caused by direct sun or point sources of light like single flashes.

You can achieve the same effect with some of the "twist up", white, translucent umbrellas, but frequently you need an assistant to hold them. They are portable and great for garden shots. Where you have potted or mounted orchids, it's easy to carry them to a tent location. I wouldn't buy one because you can build one from plastic pipe and a white sheet. As mentioned, the tent helps with wind protection, but it's biggest advantage is diffuse light that allows good color saturation and freedom from high contrast shadows. You can make one cheap and try for yourself.

[Djarum Black]

Thank you for the replies!
Yes, I saw a website that gives instructions on how to make a light tent yourself. I was just wondering what the advantages were or if it was just a "trend" type thing.

Thanks for the info!

[Ross]

DJ, let me chime in here. I use the round filters GoodGolly mentions. I have them from 12" up to 5' in diameter. I also use a portable stand I use as an assistant to hold the filter. They perform the same function that clouds do - cut the harsh shadows. Perhaps 75-80% of my closeups use these in some form. It is nearly impossible to capture the huge dynamic range one encounters outdoors or even indoors under bright lights and capture detail in both the shadows and the highlights without the help of both filters for the brights and reflectors for the darks. I made my own "light tent" one time using a tomato wire holder thing with filter material over it. It was a bomb. For me the way to photograph micro shots outdoors is to get up when it's still dark, get your equipment ready, then set up and wait for day break. Once the sun comes up the thermals will create breezes that will render the image unsharp. Hope this helps.

[Djarum Black]

Originally Posted by Ross

DJ, let me chime in here. I use the round filters GoodGolly mentions. I have them from 12" up to 5' in diameter. I also use a portable stand I use as an assistant to hold the filter. They perform the same function that clouds do - cut the harsh shadows. Perhaps 75-80% of my closeups use these in some form. It is nearly impossible to capture the huge dynamic range one encounters outdoors or even indoors under bright lights and capture detail in both the shadows and the highlights without the help of both filters for the brights and reflectors for the darks. I made my own "light tent" one time using a tomato wire holder thing with filter material over it. It was a bomb. For me the way to photograph micro shots outdoors is to get up when it's still dark, get your equipment ready, then set up and wait for day break. Once the sun comes up the thermals will create breezes that will render the image unsharp. Hope this helps.

Hi Ross, Thank you for your reply. Your photos are always so stunning so your thoughts are very much appreciated!
I think I will experiment more in combination with taking a class. I am so much better at hands on anyway.
I will definitely try the early morning trick and see what I get.
I think that it is mainly experience that I lack. I was hoping for a quick fix like a “miracle tent” that would fix all the flaws in my photos, but I think that is only going to come from time and actual hard earned experience.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Djarum Black

I think that it is mainly experience that I lack. I was hoping for a quick fix like a “miracle tent” that would fix all the flaws in my photos, but I think that is only going to come from time and actual hard earned experience.

DJ, there is no "quick fix", trust me. As I have said thousands of times for students, there are only three things that lead to soft photos: Bad focus (that can be corrected); subject movement (this requires still air); and camera movement (the fault of the photyographer, most often corrected by use of tripod.) The glare problems due to sun are best fixed as I stated above. The focus problems should be self-evident.

[chuckpowell]

I started using Lastolight's Cubelight a while back and I'm really happy with the results. Its worth the money in my opinion.

Best,

Chuck