my new photo lightbox studio

This week I ordered and received in the mail a photo lightbox studio from a Sydney company Hypop.

I bought this as I am going to be taking photos of my “drawn in books” to put up on my ETSY online store. One of the amazing events that I had been invited to have a stall at this year was Clunes Book Town Festival. All events are cancelled this year and Melbourne has been in lockdown since March. At the moment we can only leave home for essential reasons (including food and exercise) once a day.

I am working from home and spending all of my time there. I am trying to be as productive as possible. I decided to put the books I would have had at a stall onto my ETSY online store. There are two shelves off books ready to go, with another two ready to draw in. I went on a fabulous shopping expedition with a friend in January, We went to lots of op shops in North Melbourne and Collingwood and found some gems.

I am purchasing books that are about to be discarded, Less than $5 – usually $5 for a handful or bag. They are the books no one wants – except me.

When you list an item on your ETSY store, you have the option of adding a number of photos. I had a lot of problems taking photos that did not get a shadow in them – of the iPhone, of me, from the multiple overhead lights in my apartment. Solution – to purchase a photo lightbox studio. The interior reflective surface, when lit, allows for photos without shadows. I am not a technical person, so this has been a steep learning curve. I took my first photos today. I am even more amazed that could actually put it together. There was a very helpful video on the store’s website. I was ok until they got to the bit that said “you will need two people for this”, but it is possible on your own…”

One hour and thirty minutes later, I switched it on and it worked! Now I just have to learn how to use my iPhone camera properly. I am sure there are plenty of YouTube videos for that!

and the first photos are below. I still have a lot to learn, but it is a big step forward.

The other books I have put on my ETSY store this week include the ones below. I have not taken photos of these in my new photo lightbox studio yet. That may be next weekend’s project.