It just keeps getting worse....

Now, not only do I have to figure out Corel X3 on the fly, I have to also become a photographer.

Anyone here have any experience in photography? Cameras? Light Tents?

How big of a target are you shooting?  Light tents come in various sizes, but there are limits to the size of product that can be shot effectively in a certain size tent.  You don't want to have to pull out too far and get the seams in the picture. Beyond a certain size, you're gonna want to go with background paper or cloth and a couple hot lamps or strobes.

The objects are small shiny metal objects, can be held in one hand.

Thus the need for a light tent, to diffuse the light source, and get away from some nasty reflections I'm getting with a standard flash from a digital camera.

Just talked to the boss, and he said not to build a light tent.... just go buy it.

So, are their brand names for this type of thing? What would I be looking for in regards to lighting?

Hi,
if you use a flash, try to deactivate it, use the Program-automatic to shot a view photos or raise the exposure time.
You´ll need a tripod. Helpful?

We have one available on our site (first link in my sig, right side / bottom) that will work for that.  It's from Smith Victor, called the Image Maker Light Tent Kit

Do those lamps come with the bulbs, or do I have to buy them separately?

It comes with the spiral bulbs.  If you click on the link, the description lists what's included.

Yeah, I seen that it said 'lamps', but not 'bulbs'..... hahahah

Oh yeah... i'm a newb at this, can't ya tell?

K, consider it SOLD. I'll place the order right now, unless.....

You can think of anything else that I need to add to that kit. Again, shooting small shiny, round objects.

Going to lunch, and I'll be right back to hear your suggestions.

Thanks!

You have the camera, I'm guessing you have at least an 18-55mm lens, only thing else you may want to have is a tripod to prevent blur if your shutter speed is a little slow. 

Don't get too close to your subject, use the zoom as much as you can so you don't distort the image.  The closer you get to the subject, the more the closer parts dominate the picture.  This is why portrait photographers stand back and use around 80-100mm (slightly telephoto) lenses, it prevents the bulbous nose syndrome .  Don't worry if you're using an 18-55mm lens, if you are using a Nikon digital SLR with a 18-55mm lens, it is equivalent to a film (35mm) camera with a 27-82.5mm lens (1.5x conversion factor).  If you are using a Canon 30D or lower, the lens would effectively be a 28.8-88mm lens (1.6x conversion factor).  If you're using a point and shoot, It's zoom will cover that range and more.

Actually, our camera situation is an issue all in itself.

We won't get to that for a while, so.... when I order that kit that you talked about, I wanted to know if there was anything else at your store that you would recommend.

Damn.... who WOULDN'T want a customer like me?

"Just tell me what I should buy, and i'll buy it!!!"

hahahha

Nothing else I can really add right now.  Most of our tripods are higher end Manfrotto tripods.  We do have some of the lower end units like Velborn and Slik, but without knowing how heavy a camera setup you're using, I couldn't recommend any in particular but you're welcome to look.  Personally, I feel better checking tripods out in person, that way I can feel how sturdy they are.

Just purchased it.

Can't wait to use it!

Thanks Steve!

Hello - I am a photographer since 1985. I have film cameras & a digital camera. When I selected them I made sure I purchased a macro lense for the film camera & that the digital camera had macro & super macro becasue I take photos of small stuff. The other thing you will need - not lamps or a tent - is a diffuser fro your flash. This can be tissue paper or a real plastic diffuser like you would use with a wide angle lense. For a digital camera you can take you items outside & shoot on a diffused sky day or light shade watching for shadows. If you have the macro feature, get in close & yes use a tripod. Press down the button to focus but not take the pic, then reposition yourself as necessary side to side. Be sure to turn off the flash or use the slow flash marker - take them several times. Settings: for film use slide film at 50 or 64 or 100, t for digital set asa to 100 or less; set aperature priority not "P" because you want good depth of field so set to at least 8 - this will get your objects in focus front & back IF you have prefocused somewhere in the middle of the assorted items. Do not set it to all the time focus that will defeat the depth of field, choose auto focus or manuel focus. Remember to prefocus, then press the button. Backgrounds: never use red, most other colors are fine. With more info on your shoot I can probably supply you with more help.