I've been doing a lot of product photography this week in anticipation of my new online store, so I set up a makeshift photo booth on the kitchen table.

I've done these before, but this one seems to be the most effective one I've used. First, I assembled the PVC skeleton of the booth I use at retail shows for displaying my kits, and draped it in a fitted queen size sheet.

Then I placed large-size drawing paper along the bottom, sides, and top to use as reflectors. Next, I placed true-light spotlights in my clip-on task lights and attached them to the PVC.

 I found that since this set-up has a top, it was much easier to deal with lighting and reflections. Without a top, the whole room seems to suck the life out of photos.

I found it much easier to shoot all the shiny and reflective things that we jewelry-makers struggle with so much. With this solution, there's no chance of  seeing ceiling lights in the reflection of a crystal. I even got an almost clean shot of one of Mark's mirrors--one of the hardest things to shoot. (Note the ittyest bit of knuckle on the left side of the mirror...dang!) But at least there's no camera reflection or ceiling in there.

Another tip: I found that with this much reflective light, you really don't need to push up your exposure as much as you might normally, so I'd suggest playing with the camera settings a bit and downloading a few shots before you do all your shooting.

Any suggestions? Happy to take any and all as I continue on my quest.