When I’ve finally had the time and inclination to be outside taking pictures this week, Mother Nature isn’t cooperating.
While I always prefer being outdoors taking pictures with natural backgrounds, I figured now was as good a time as any to learn something new; taking indoor glamour shots. You know, the ones where the subject looks like it’s sitting in a studio with professional equipment?
Guess what? It’s easy to do right at home. I still can’t believe I took this picture:
Don says the smell of Stargazer lilies reminds him of Bengay, but they evoke a sense of grandeur and opulence for me. One whiff and I’m at the Waldorf Astoria. I love, love, love Stargazer lilies, so I wanted the focus of my pictures solely on the flower, not our kitchen in the background.
Here’s how:
1. Move a table so that it butts right up against a window. You’ll be using only natural light here, no artificial light at all.
2. Tape tissue paper to the window. This allows natural light to wash in, but blocks the direct, harsh light.
3. Tape aluminum foil to the table. Be sure to smooth it all out.
4. Place your glamour object (flowers or cupcakes would be my favorites) on the table and snap away!
Really easy, and really fun.
And honestly, who doesn’t want to feel like a professional photographer at least once in their life?
3/24 Update: Check out Flartus’s glamour over at Flartopia.
March 21, 2012 at 5:39 am
WOW that is Great!
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March 21, 2012 at 5:47 am
Nice Justina!
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March 21, 2012 at 5:56 am
Gorgeous shot! 🙂 I love so many things about this.
I love stargazers. 🙂
I love the COLOR.
I love what you did with the light. What an excellent way to focus attention on your subject! Perfect.
I love the composition — that one leaf…..
I love the crinkly reflection (from the crinkly aluminum foil — thanks for that tip!).
Great job! Thanks for sharing your secrets! 🙂
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March 21, 2012 at 6:00 am
Oh, how I love these. And what a cool technique! I wonder if it works with cardiologists?
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March 21, 2012 at 6:37 am
Carson,
I almost spit my tea out. I wonder…
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March 21, 2012 at 6:15 am
You did a good job Justina taking this wonderful photo!
Professional photographers have to pull their socks up now.
And please show us all your cupcakes!
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March 21, 2012 at 6:33 am
Fabulous. I wish you were here in dc, the cherry blossoms are throwing a party and I could use some help to capture them!
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March 21, 2012 at 6:37 am
Omigosh! I think you’ve just inspired me to play with Miss Chef’s new camera this weekend. And our purple irises just started blooming… 😉
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March 21, 2012 at 6:38 am
Flartus,
Rock on! I want to see the results!
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March 24, 2012 at 4:08 pm
They’re up! Now I just have to wait for something new to bloom. 😉
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March 21, 2012 at 6:39 am
Do you have a table big enough for a donkey? 😀
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March 21, 2012 at 7:16 am
I thought about it… I really did. I just know Bernard would do anything for the opportunity to sit on aluminum foil. 😀
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March 21, 2012 at 8:05 am
Wow! So beautiful, so stunning photo, Justina!
Thanks for sharing your amazing technique.
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March 21, 2012 at 9:02 am
Leave it to Flartus to steal my thunder (thought). I too was wondering how you were gonna work this magic on the donks…..
Great Minds and all….
Oma Linda
I’m gonna use your advice and see how I do with this technique. Thanks for sharing.
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March 21, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Hey thanks! You make it sound easy. Those are wonderful photos of one of my favorite lilies.
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March 21, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Absolutely stunning!!!! Brilliant! Well done!
And yes… the question someone asked before me did come to my mind… would she have a table big enough to put a donkey on it?:)
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March 21, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Gorgeous shot of this beautiful flower with all the details in the perfect vase matching the color…
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March 21, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Beautiful image, great color!
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March 21, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Reason #327 why I love bloggers – I learn so much from them! Thanks for this technique – I am definitely going to try it.
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March 21, 2012 at 9:27 pm
you go girl! you should be proud!
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March 22, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Great picture, great instruction, thank you so much for this post!
Cheers
Laura
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March 22, 2012 at 9:56 pm
I love this! Stargazer lilies are one of my all-time favourite flowers too. I love how their scent will fill a room. This is an awesome tutorial. I’m going to have to try this.
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March 24, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Came over from Flartopia to see your lily – stunning picture!
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