Modahaus is a revolutionary compact and portable photostudio that is so not a light tent! Don't get me wrong, light tents are useful but they do have some disadvantages. So when I stumbled upon the very first unit nearly 2 years ago, I really liked what I saw and bought a small one - and never looked back. My photography continues to improve with time as you will note from my blog tutorials and the new pictures I am starting to load on Etsy.
I am not the only one who made the switch - check out Phototuts' blog post for a review on photography setups he used and why he stopped using his older solutions once he bought his Modahaus units.
The Modahaus range has expanded to the Steady Stands and the photo studios have all been updated with new features such as the smart cases, necklace tabs and holes for fishing lines to hang earrings. For a limited time, Modahaus is supplying hybrid and double sided backgrounds free with their kits. These include the dark colors which many crafters have asked for.
Lex McColl of Modahaus recently sent the largest photostudio, the TS400 to me for review. I tried it out using natural light as well as my Ott lite lamp. Note that the Modahaus units are great but you also need to know how to use your camera whether you use natural or artificial light. See links below for additional photography guides. The full TS400 guide is over here as well as that for the mid-sized one, the TS320.
As you can see the TS400 is much larger than the size I currently have.
The TS 216 is perfect for jewelry makers as we make small things. You can even store it open on a shelf. I couldn't do that with the TS400 but it still stores very well behind a suitable piece of furniture. Space is a huge issue for most of us. Or more accurately, the beads get higher priority!
The smaller TS216 does pose some difficulties if you wish to photograph larger objects, groups of things or include props. Tutorials are now easier to photograph with the big TS400. For example, I could easily take this product group picture for the ImpressArt giveaway with the TS400 without struggling with camera angles and so on. The curved background at the back gives what is called an infinity curve - i.e. there is no obvious horizon.
Like light tents, the smart case acts as a light diffuser. Even with the harsh sunlight coming from the window, the case was able to soften the light source and significantly reduce shadows.
As this model is large, the light tunnel is not self supporting. I do like using the light tunnel as the slightly reflective surface helps brighten pictures especially those with white backgrounds. So it needs to be propped up either with a Steady Stand or improvise with glasses and glass dishes!
You don't have to make any holes as the unit comes with holes ready for a fishing line to hang earrings on. If you cannot get the line taut enough, just hang something like a pair of pliers at the back! If there is enough slack, you can just leave the line there.
With the larger unit, I was able to take pictures of the wine charms on glasses with ease. I flipped up the smartcase towards the back for this photo. I am not a professional photographer and admit I am totally clueless as to lighting. The wonderful subtle color changes in the background are entirely due to the Modahaus and its infinity curve, not me!
I generally prefer to use natural light but sometimes do take pictures with lights. I went down to my dark basement and used just my Ott Llite with the light tunnel and no smartcase. Some of you may remember this brass coiled wire necklace. It is my largest and chunkiest piece so far. Previously I had to resort to an overhead shot with a Steady Stand to get the whole thing in satisfactorily. But with the TS400, I was able to easily capture what I needed.
Which background to use is down to personal preference and perhaps the actual design itself. I didn't think the blue background worked that well with this piece.
The hybrid backgrounds were fun and do add a touch of elegance to the photograph. The stippled sheet was silver on one side and a dark greyish black on the other.
And here is the plain dark grey-black matte background.
There is just one problem with the TS400. It is still a cat magnet just like light tents! But it's not comfy like fabric tents so the kitties soon lost interest. Any fur, hair, lint and smudge marks wipe clean!
Taking jewelry pictures is no longer a chore for me - it's all rather fun with the Modahaus photo studios!
Disclosure
Giveaway
If you'd like to win a Modahaus TS400, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Subscribers need to click on the post title to come to my actual blog. Scroll down and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank. Please leave an email at the very least so I can contact you easily if you win.
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, February 11, 2013. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I am not the only one who made the switch - check out Phototuts' blog post for a review on photography setups he used and why he stopped using his older solutions once he bought his Modahaus units.
The Modahaus range has expanded to the Steady Stands and the photo studios have all been updated with new features such as the smart cases, necklace tabs and holes for fishing lines to hang earrings. For a limited time, Modahaus is supplying hybrid and double sided backgrounds free with their kits. These include the dark colors which many crafters have asked for.
backgrounds for the TS 400 |
As you can see the TS400 is much larger than the size I currently have.
TS216 vs TS400 |
The smaller TS216 does pose some difficulties if you wish to photograph larger objects, groups of things or include props. Tutorials are now easier to photograph with the big TS400. For example, I could easily take this product group picture for the ImpressArt giveaway with the TS400 without struggling with camera angles and so on. The curved background at the back gives what is called an infinity curve - i.e. there is no obvious horizon.
in natural light |
Like light tents, the smart case acts as a light diffuser. Even with the harsh sunlight coming from the window, the case was able to soften the light source and significantly reduce shadows.
As this model is large, the light tunnel is not self supporting. I do like using the light tunnel as the slightly reflective surface helps brighten pictures especially those with white backgrounds. So it needs to be propped up either with a Steady Stand or improvise with glasses and glass dishes!
You don't have to make any holes as the unit comes with holes ready for a fishing line to hang earrings on. If you cannot get the line taut enough, just hang something like a pair of pliers at the back! If there is enough slack, you can just leave the line there.
With the larger unit, I was able to take pictures of the wine charms on glasses with ease. I flipped up the smartcase towards the back for this photo. I am not a professional photographer and admit I am totally clueless as to lighting. The wonderful subtle color changes in the background are entirely due to the Modahaus and its infinity curve, not me!
raw shot |
Which background to use is down to personal preference and perhaps the actual design itself. I didn't think the blue background worked that well with this piece.
Silver stippled background |
Dark stippled background |
There is just one problem with the TS400. It is still a cat magnet just like light tents! But it's not comfy like fabric tents so the kitties soon lost interest. Any fur, hair, lint and smudge marks wipe clean!
Taking jewelry pictures is no longer a chore for me - it's all rather fun with the Modahaus photo studios!
Disclosure
Giveaway
If you'd like to win a Modahaus TS400, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Subscribers need to click on the post title to come to my actual blog. Scroll down and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank. Please leave an email at the very least so I can contact you easily if you win.
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, February 11, 2013. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Before You Go:
- Natural Light Photography with White Backgrounds
- Jewelry Photography Set-Up Tips
- More Awesome Jewelry Photography Tips Using the Modahaus Steady Stand
- Jewelry Photography Using an Ott Lite
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I am blog subscriber on google reader
ReplyDeleteWhat a great product. this would be so useful as i not only make jewellery but am a scrapbooker and that means 12 inch square projects to photograph. I've entered your giveaways before, maybe this time I'll win. I follow you daily in Google reader.I love your blog, it's my go-to source for all things bead-y.
ReplyDeleteWow. What an awesome giveaway. I could totally use that. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteYes please! I need this!
ReplyDeletepiccoladonna2006{at}hotmail{dot}com
And shared with my college program on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2266557544/?fref=ts
ReplyDeleteSubscriber :) And this would be amazing to take photos of my jewelery with!
ReplyDeleteForgot to say I follow Beading Gem on Pinterest too.
ReplyDeletezanc@att.net
I follow via RSS. Fingers crossed! :)
ReplyDeleteAw yiss would I like one
ReplyDeleteWow, I did find the post really useful, I always have a hard time photographing my items. I think this product would be great, but it also gave me ideas of my own. I shared some of the information with a few of my friends.
ReplyDeleteI also follow you on FB and am a subscriber.
This light studio is amazing! I would love to win one! Please enter me.
ReplyDeletememoriesforlifescrapbooks at hotmail dot com
I am an RSS subscriber.
ReplyDeletememoriesforlifescrapbooks at hotmail dot com
This sounds amazing!
ReplyDeletecmbmattos@aol.com
I have the 200 series Modahaus for my jewelry designs and love it, but have been thinking in need a larger one. Would love to win it! The darker color backgrounds, especially the gray would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this.
ReplyDeleteYes please enter me in this super giveaway!
ReplyDeletei'd love to win this, it looks great.
ReplyDeleteKim Tiffany I would love to win this! BG's work is awesome and the photos look great. I have a flower shop and I think I could use this for my corsage and boutonniere photos.
ReplyDeleteKim Tiffany
ReplyDeleteLove this! Your jewelery is awesome!
drozab@yahoo.com
I enjoy your blog and read it religiously. Modahaus TS4000 would be fantastic for my jewellery work, Taking great photos to put on the web is always difficult, but with the M would solve all my set up problems.
ReplyDeletefellaredmond@gmail.com
I'd love to win it, it will be very useful!
ReplyDeleteE-mail subscriber.
Shared: https://www.facebook.com/sweepstakelover/posts/258445094288664
annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo (dot) com
I love my TS416 - Would LOVE a TS400 as I am being asked to do product photography for friends now! :) xx
ReplyDeleteOoo.. I would totally love to win this. I think I've entered every single time.. Hopefully this time I'll win it :)
ReplyDeletewww.nissazaididesigns.blogspot.com
Nissa
This would be SO useful!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to get my hands on this. Thanks for the contest!
ReplyDeletecuteynene@aol.com
A Modahaus Photo Studio is certainly a great tool. I would love to win!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fb fan.
ReplyDeleteI just shared on fb.
ReplyDeleteE-mail: matejka.novak@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYou can follow my blog here: www.mateja1984.blogspot.com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/mateja1984/status/300760469256404992
ReplyDeleteE-mail: matejka.novak@gmail.com
What a great giveaway. I love reading about your photography experiments.
ReplyDeleteI so hope I win this I have wanted one since I saw the first article on them!
ReplyDeleteHere is my store and boy would it make my job easier! http://dolphindaze.etsy.com
I follow on fb.
ReplyDeleteloildf@gmail.com