What a beautiful day. It feels like spring in mid-February.

I’ve decided to take to the back deck, where my also beautiful wife is reading the newspaper, and take some pictures. Hopefully my invasion with photography gear won’t bother her too much.

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What I’m shooting today are some little silk flowers and colorful tin cans that I grabbed in the dollar bin. You know, you can find lots of neat little things to photograph in dollar bins, I love digging through them for neat stuff. So, here is what I’ve got on the back deck:

• Tripod
• 4 pieces of foam core in white, black and blue
• My camera (of course)
• Silk flowers in tin pots
• Nice bright sun

I’ve got a short video at the bottom of this post that can give you a better idea as well if you want to scroll down.

I would suggest if you’re outside and in direct sun to use a light disc or possibly light tent to diffuse the harsh direct sunlight. If, like in this situation, you don’t have any of these handy or they won’t work for in this instance then find a shady spot. You can then direct natural light onto your subject with white reflectors. This diffuses the light to give a more balanced effect.

Watch the video for more info.

Some more photos from this setup.