Ill show you what tools and equipment I'm using for this project but keep in mind alternatives you may have laying around your home you can use.
Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera. Nikon D3200 & Tripod
These cameras can be expensive, this DSLR Camera is great for amateur photographers or those transitioning into the DSLR class of digital cameras.
Google Reference : A digital single-lens reflex camera (also called a digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera combining the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor, as opposed to photographic film. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras.
The tripod I got from Wal-Mart for $28, you can find some as low as $15. When shopping for one make sure it accepts DSLR cameras. Stay away from the tiny ones, I know they are cute but they just can't handle the weight of the DSLR type camera.
If you don't have a DSLR camera but you have a "smart phone" with a camera, you can use this instead. Smart phones typically come equipped with camera technology capable of high megapixels and stabilization features making it possible to shoot high quality images with your phone. While your on the internet look up your phone information to see if it has lens adapters or tripod accessories if you'd like to use your phone.
Basic DSLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Which ever camera you decide on, be sure to pick up a cleaning kit to maintain your camera. A quality camera is an investment and for those who have a career in photography their livelihood, keeping it clean is a great way to keep it functioning properly and make it last a long and useful life.Â
Above is a brush used to clean the lens of your camera; a perfect tool for flicking off any little bits of stuff clinging to your lens without scratching the glass or leaving behind in smudges from cloths or skin oils.
Also above is a microfiber cloth perfect for electronic screens, it keeps your screens clean and scratch free. Other clothes although soft, if its not a microfiber cloth you may actually scratch your screen. Also great for the photographer wearing glasses!
The black bulb seen here is an "air blaster", a personal favorite of mine. This is great for getting into tiny spaces on the camera and perfect for keeping your displays and products clean without wiping as wiping leaves smudges.
In place of these products you can use a lint free cloth, most are microfiber. A super soft and new makeup brush, and a bulb syringe typically used to care for baby.
Here I am brushing my lens.
Lighting is extremely important when taking photos, especially with a pure white background. You won't need to use a whole lot of light if you have a flash on your camera and adjust the ISO correctly.
Here you'll see a corded L.E.D shop light that I purchased for my garage from Lowe's Home Improvement store.
When deciding on what light to use, make sure it illuminates a pure white light. Others that look yellow may work with computer editing software but is very time consuming and the results are less then pleasant.
When your setting up your lighting angles try focusing on where it has to be to illuminate shadows coming off of your product to be photographed. This may take practice but well worth the time.
