Taking pictures of white items?!?

GemGem

GemGem

Registered Guest
Hello lovely vintage admirers and experts,

Was wondering if anyone has some pro tips for taking pictures of white clothing?

I have tried lots of different things and i understand that it's about balancing but it always seems to be a real task. I have tried using a dark background, lighting the subject more and taking pictures with items hanging by the window but nothing seems to really show the pieces in their glory.

Maybe I need to take a short course in adjusting white balance for my camera (tutorials I have found online do not address my needs) but any pro tips would be so welcome.
 
Hi Chris,

Thanks for your response,

I am not a professional photographer and the problem I have found with trying to adjust the white balance on my camera is that you can only use it on certain settings which then causes problem with focus and shutter speed. This may just be because of my own lack of knowledge.

Like you I only use natural daylight, I find it highlights clothing in the most natural and authentic way.

Would it be ok for you to link a picture of one of your white dresses so I can see what you are able to achieve?

I am currently experimenting with using a mirror to bounce some light on to the subject.

Thanks again.
 
white balance adjusts the yellow and blue which turns up in whites when using fluorescent or flash lighting if your camera is set on automatic this won't be available to you....
 
yumyumvintage said:
white balance adjusts the yellow and blue which turns up in whites when using fluorescent or flash lighting if your camera is set on automatic this won't be available to you....
Click to expand...

Yes this is the problemI have had. When I use manual setting in order to adjust the white balance I have such issue with focus and shutter speed. I have a canon EOS 110D camera. It is an amazing camera which I have had for years and it has served me well. Think I just need to take my photography skills to the next level.

In other news the mirror worked pretty well. I have only used it with garments that have some print so it's not a true tests as yet but will keep experimenting and come back if I find anything really useful.
 
I generally take photos of my antique and vintage whites outside, but not in direct sunlight. A cloudy day can often be perfect. Or a shady spot right outside of, but still close to, the sunlight.

Maybe it is my camera, a pretty darn old digital camera, but whites have not been a problem, using the Macro setting in good light with no direct sun on the garment.

I suspect it may be a case of playing around with your camera.

I am sure others will come in with some good advice.
 
Rue_de_la_Paix said:
I generally take photos of my antique and vintage whites outside, but not in direct sunlight. A cloudy day can often be perfect. Or a shady spot right outside of, but still close to, the sunlight.

Maybe it is my camera, a pretty darn old digital camera, but whites have not been a problem, using the Macro setting in good light with no direct sun on the garment.

I suspect it may be a case of playing around with your camera.

I am sure others will come in with some good advice.
Click to expand...

Hi Roux, thats great advice, thank you. I have not taken pictures outside for some time but i think it really might be beneficial to do it with the whites/creams.
 
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