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How to Use a Photo Tent

A photo tent is a device used by both professional and amateur photographers to do product photography. The tent is made of a sheer, white material which provides a background for the subject and filters light from the source. The photo tent decreases harsh shadows caused by direct lighting and creates a crisp image. Setting up and using a photo tent is requires only a few steps.

Things You'll Need

Table
2 - 3 Fluorescent day lights on adjustable stands
Tripod
Camera
Item to photograph

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the light box on a table or another flat surface.
- 2
  Place the item you are photographing in the photo tent toward the back.
- 3
  Position two lamps on either of the enclosed sides of the photo tent. Turn the lamps on. Point them directly at the box. Move them around until they light the object in a way that is visually pleasing to you. If you want you can add a boom light which is a light that hangs over the top of the box. This light serves to make the object stand out from the background. Don't let the light hang into the box if your photo tent has an open top.
- 4
  Set up your tripod in front of the box. Attach your camera to the tripod.
- 5
  Focus the camera on the object in the box. Make sure you can't see the outside of the box in the viewing area.
- 6
  Take a photograph. If you are using digital, check the photo to see how your lighting arrangement appears. Adjust the lighting as needed.

Photography