RAYMOORE.BIZ, LLC. Blog

I’m in the process of editing 6 training videos that I shot (in 2 days) in the last week of October.  These videos show customers how to assemble, operate, and clean ice cream and frozen drink equipment.  The trainer and I have worked together on 2 other shoots before.  It took both of us half the first day to get in our groove from direction to the proper sequence involved in the process.  Fortunately, the process for all the machines were similar, except for variations in the parts of the 6 different models.  That obviously enabled us to get the shots down in 2 days.

Ice Cream Machine

I did a lot of trial and error when it came to photographing highly reflective objects.  I thought, I’ll be glad when I do enough of these where I can do a quick set up, know where to place the lights, what the camera settings should be and just shoot. Then it slowly sank in – it’s not going to happen. All the objects reflect light differently due to their unique size and construction. So it’s a combination of a slight move of the light, adjusting it’s height and position on the stand, or turning on/off individuals lights. Next the vertical location of the camera on the tripod, or a slight tilt of the camera to get any glare out of the shot, followed again by a slight tweak of the light, or both.
Like most of us, I seemed to always be short on funds to get the best equipment.  So I started out with my existing Canon Rebel XT and a Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens and hoped the lens would help where the camera fell short in low light conditions.  Photographing stainless steel objects meant using any type of flash was totally out of the question.  It was a constant struggle to get a crisp shot in low light without a lot of noise or spending a lot of time in photoshop to remove all the shadows. I even tried shooting outside in natural light, but then objects outside of my control, like cars, trees, surroundings would reflect in the side panels like a mirror.  Even the smallest lighting glare or a finger print left on the side of a panel dominates the shot. In the end, like most solutions, it comes down to equipment and light/camera position.   Today, I use - Lighting: Interfit Super Cool-lite 5 Fluorescent Flood Light Kit.  It consists of two fixtures, reflectors, 2- 24×24″ softboxes, light stands,  5 bulbs – 240 Watts – 120VAC per fixture, with on/off switches to control each of the 5 individual lights in each fixture.  These are mainly used to help illuminate the room since any direct light on the subject would produce a relection.  Camera: Canon 7D which is awesome in low light, Lens: Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus.

Product Feature Closeup

It was the combination of the camera and the lens that finally enabled me to get great shots in low light.  Did all the equipment finally free me from the lighting struggle “and” reduce the photo session time, you ask?  I’m sorry to say there’s no magic solution.  It still comes down to position of the light and vertical placement of the camera.  But, I remember looking at my first shots with the new camera and lens.  I believe my exact words (well word) was, “Wow!” when looking at the detail and sharpness of the shot. I had the combination of equipment I needed, but light, camera settings and position will always take what ever time is necessary.

Reflective Plastic Tumblers

Here’s an on-line training web site that has been a big help to my business, educationally and financially.   That site is www.lynda.com.  No matter which subscription plan you choose, you immediately have access to all of their training videos, 7×24.  Subscriptions start at $25 per month with no long term commitments.  They offer training on products from most of the popular subjects and vendors like Adobe, Microsoft and Apple, to less known vendors waiting to become the next mega star.  You can view samples of all classes to get a look at the instructors and subjects.  Check out lynda.com.  I hope it provides as much value to your business as it has mine.

Well, to be honest, I’ve had a couple of clients who asked me what I knew about setting up blogs for their sites.  I have been reluctant to dive into the blogosphere.  The thought of dedicating any amount of time to a blog was always a hot topic trend on a low priority burner.  However, I’ve come to realize that I do spend time exchanging ideas with other individuals who’s own blogs have been a convenience to me since they are readily available online.  With more clients asking me about the subject, the time was right to do some research and tackle the subject myself.  Since I learn more by doing things myself, it made sense to create my own blog while going through the learning process.

Welcome to the blog for RAYMOORE.BIZ, LLC.  I am the president of RAYMOORE.BIZ, LLC. and have found that many individuals like myself have a kinship toward others who also operate an individual or small business.  I find them eager to learn from others as I am always picking up ideas, tips and tricks from them as well.   My goal is to share ideas in coming up with solutions to meet my customer’s requests, and hopefully gain in return through your comments and suggestions.