Someone inquired this morning about the cocoon, and the power of
halogen lighting that I used for the ink pen photo.
Hi, Ed - That was me. Thanks for the photo! Yes, that is the same
cocoon I have, but mine is the biggest (I guess) and the only one
available in All the Land (Los Angeles?!), apparently, when I was
searching for something for a screaming - urgent deadline and had no
time to shop online price and wait for shipping. I bought it @ 2
years ago. It does work pretty well, especially to “float” smaller
items like bracelets, earrings, etc. - I sometimes have to shoot
larger neck pieces on a display form, though, and I have trouble with
the corners or edges appearing in the shot.
I have a clear Lucite “table” which I had made at a local plastics
store to cover my phone/fax machine (Anti-Ballistic Cat Shield -
kitties mosey across the keypad while I’m on the phone and disconnect
the call…It’s deliberate. They’re Burmese, and they know what their
doing…). Aaaaanyway, I discovered that it just fit perfectly inside
the cocoon, so I will shoot smaller pieces on that. I hadn’t thought
to create a space underneath the cocoon itself for a third light,
however, and that’s a great idea. I also am surprised that you are
able to use such low wattage so effectively, since the same guy who
sold me the cocoon also sold me a couple of honkin’ big photo bulbs
for which I had to buy large, metal clamp-on hoods. And these babies
burn really, really hot. They also require a pole and bar apparatus
which I improvised by commandeering a small rolling clothes rack I
happened to have. It all works, but, needless to say, this
arrangement can’t stay permanently and conveniently set up in my
limited space - and there’s my problem.
Recently, I saw the “witch’s hat” tent you mentioned at a local
camera store. I’m waiting for a report on its use by a friend who
bought it. At least it’s fabric, and appears to collapse to pretty
much nothing for storage.
Thanks again - in fact to everyone who has contributed to this
thread -It’s proving to be very helpful!
Margery