[Woodcarver] Photo box

[Ramsey]

There is something you can purchase called a Cloud Dome for very 
small pieces.  You can also make a box frame of 2 x 2 s of the 
appropriate size and cover the outside with  white plexiglass.  The 
purpose of the box is to defuse the light you use to light the piece. 
You will need a hole in the plexiglass to point the lens through. 
Use a tripod, a low ISO setting, 200 or less, and the highest 
resolution your camera allows.  You will need to set the camera on 
manual and don't use the flash.  Use the timed release to release the 
shutter so there will be no movement.  Take the photos in a dark room 
and use at least two flexible stand lamps that can be aimed from any 
angle.  Experiment with the lighting until you get what you want. 
Sometimes it's better to aim the lights away from the box.

There are also some good tips at this site 
http://www.silversmithing.com/1photo.htm
It's for photographing jewelry but a lot of the information is 
useful.  I find that the reflection off the finish on the carving is 
the most difficult to deal with and this site addresses that issue.
-- 
Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com