Figurine Good

Figurine Good

How Crystal Figurine Displays Fool the Camera

 Okay, you've been collecting figurines for awhile and your curio cabinet is filling up and looking beautiful. You're proud as punch and decide to mark this beautiful display for posterity by taking a few photographs. After all, the display is gorgeous and the photographs will record your collecting and display skills.

Second, you are undaunted so you open the glass doors to catch the sparkles dancing off the figurines. Snap, review image, no sparkle! Once again, the intensity of the flash wiped out any sparkle that your cabinet light created.

Third, you get a good shot, but the cabinet looks cluttered.  Your frustration is really growing. What happened this time? It's simple. Your camera saw everything in front of it and recorded it. If you have a mirror in the back of your cabinet, your camera recorded the front of the figurines and the back of the figurines as reflected by the mirror. You can focus your eyes to see one thing, but the camera sees everything. Notice how the mirror reflected the back of the door panels. Also, in the lower right corner five Swans appear. There are only two. Your eyes and the camera see two different things.

This cabinet in the photo looks cluttered and disorganized. But it is not. This is the manufacturer's display case of over sixty figurines nicely arranged so each individual piece can be seen. If you stood in front of the display, you could focus your eyes on one figurine, a small cluster of figurines or the whole shelf without ever noticing the mirror reflections.

What does this all boil down to? Simply stated, crystal, crystal figurines, jewelry and glassware are very difficult to photograph, whether shot as single units, as a group or in a display cabinet.

Photographing crystal and crystal figurines is a real challenge for the collector.  There are so many factors that go into taking a good photo and so many things that can go wrong. 

Unfortunately, to get really professional looking photos requires a huge investment in photography equipment ($4000 to $10,000) and a great deal of training and experience. The pros use a light box and place the figurine inside with spot lights placed outside the box.  You can find them online under Photographic Equipment or you can get a home version from WalMart called a Portable Lighting Studio for about $50. 

But don't despair.  You don’t need special equipment.  You can get some good shots with your digital camera if you are willing to experiment and exercise a huge amount of patience

1.  Don't shoot crystal behind glass doors.

2.  If the back of the cabinet has a glossy surface

    (or a mirror) block it off with a flat finish material.

3.  Stand four to six feet away from the cabinet and use

     the zoom lens to frame the shot.

To shoot individual figurines on a tabletop:

1.  Be certain to have light fall behind and in front of the figurine and use the flash.

2.  Start taking your shot 12" to 14" away from the figurine and check the image. 

If the outline of the figurine is fuzzy, you are too close or have too much zoom   power.  Move back in 2 to 3 inch intervals until you have a clean outline of the figurine.

3.  You can use color lighting or colored background material to help bring out the outline of the figurine.(View other photo problems with crystal figurines at CrystalSplendor.blogspot.com).

Now that you are now aware of how to improve your shots, let me also tell you that two of our best photos were taken with no regard to lighting, a light box or special equipment.  It was simply “dumb luck.”  That’s why photographing crystal figurines is a “hit or miss” proposition.

Remember, all photography is trial and error until you achieve mastery.  Keep experimenting and sooner or later you will find the right combination of techniques to achieve good results.

About the Author

Lowry Mell is a retired Merchandiser and former Marketing and Business Consultant. His articles focus on new and creative ways to use and display crystal and crystal figurines. For more information, visit: http://www.CrystalSplendor.com

Renaissance Good Shepherd Figurine $39.99 ">Figurine is made of a resin-stone mix and measures 12" in height.>"

Good Fortune Elephant Figurine $29 An elephant depicted with its trunk up is said to be good luck. Keep your dreams in view with this exotic pachyderm on display. Handcrafted of ceramic with cutout design and celadon glaze. 7" x 6".

Diamond Select: Star Trek TNG Figurine - All Good Things Worf 6 $28.11 Figurine articulée taille env. 15 cm.

I BUONANNO Figurine by Alessi $48 "They promote good vibes between couples, encouraging laughter, dancing and the desire to celebrate," says designer Laura Polinoro. The Alessi I BUONANNO Figurine, which means "Bearer of Good Cheer" in Italian, was designed in 2008. "The discreet and symbolic presence of the small ornament is seen as an inspiring, reassuring cult object," Laura says, "that accompanies everyday rituals associated with stories and images." Alessi, known as the Italian design factory, has manufactured household products since 1921, the stylish and fun items offered are the result of contemporary partnerships with some of the world's best designers of unique and modern home accessories. The Alessi I BUONANNO Figurine is available with the following: Details:Made of PorcelainHand-paintedDesigned by the Laura Polinoro Workshop and Marcello Jori Shipping: In Stock items ship within 1 business day. Others usually ship within 2 weeks unless otherwise noted. Dimensions: Item: Height 5 In., Length 4.25 In., Depth 1.75 In.

Washington Nationals 3D Logo Figurine $34 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This three dimensional Washington Nationals logo figurine is a perfect addition to any office, living room or game room. Show off your team with pride!

Resin Figurine $178 Resin Figurine

Louisiana State (LSU) Tigers Memorial Tower Figurine $84 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This delightful figurine features a tiny replica of the Memorial Tower. A perfect gift for a Louisiana State (LSU) Tigers alumni.

South Carolina Gamecocks Replica Football Helmet Figurine $29.95 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This unique figurine features a South Carolina Gamecocks replica helmet on a "grassy" field. Perfect for any office or study.

Boston Red Sox 3D Logo Figurine $34 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This three dimensional Boston Red Sox logo figurine is a perfect addition to any office, living room or game room. Show off your school with pride!

Florida Gators Replica Football Helmet Figurine $29.95 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This unique figurine features a Florida Gators replica helmet on a "grassy" field. Perfect for any office or study.

Chicago Bears Replica Football Helmet Figurine $29.95 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This unique figurine features a Chicago Bears replica helmet on a "grassy" field. Perfect for any office or study.

Lucky Elephant Glass Figurine $24 According to folklore, an elephant with its trunk raised brings good fortune. Our pink pachyderm turns on the charm with silver flecks swirling within handblown glass. 4 1/2" x 6".

Jomon Figurine $49.99 Jomon Figurine - Giclee Print

Figurine of a Wrestler $49.99 Figurine of a Wrestler - Giclee Print

Asiatic Figurine $49.99 Asiatic Figurine - Giclee Print

YTC SUMMIT 7468 Lucky Dragon Figurine C12 $65 There is more than just power and fury to these fabulous fantasy creatures. There is good fortune as well particularly when you are gifted with this lucky dragon figurine. Anyone with a passion for the literature and art of mythology will love the design of this amazing piece that takes the skin scales and feathers from different beasts and draws from them an unbelievable work like this one. Vibrant color controlled fury a terrific figure that will speak to the dragon devotee in everyone. Hand painted cold cast resin. Length: 9 . Height: 6.25 .

Deco Breeze DBF0358 Figurine Fan Cat $104 If you are a true cat lover the Deco Breeze Cat Figurine decorative electric fan is the perfect fan for you. Using reliable all metal construction this fan has a truly adorable cat design that is sure to bring a smile to your face. It has a stylish bronze finish that fits in room and is extremely petite allowing you to easily place it on desks and tables. This figurine fan is easy to clean and maintain to ensure years of good use. The fan itself runs smoothly and creates a steady flow of air circulation in its immediate area. Features Durable all metal construction for longevity Works with any standard household outlet Small size for easy placement on desks or tables Offers great air circulation Easy to clean and maintain Dimensions 17.5 x 10.5 inches

Arkansas Razorbacks Rooftop Santa Figurine $39.95 Enjoy this item featuring the NCAA Arkansas Razorbacks. The perfect gift for any Arkansas Razorbacks fan!This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.It is no secret that Santa can only be seen by true believers, and that’s why he is always visible to children. They hear the clatter of tiny hooves and leave cookies and milk by the tree! The fan was a believer, too. He believed that his team was the best in its conference - maybe in any conference! The fan wanted the whole world to know how loyal he was, so he decided to add a special decoration: a huge banner to hang from the roof. The lights would illuminate it for miles around, and his excitement grew as he prepared to complete the task. With banner trailing behind him, the fan climbed the ladder. As he reached the roof, the fan stopped climbing and stared in disbelief! Standing before him was Santa and a sleigh filled with gifts - only Santa wasn’t wearing his customary suit: he was wearing team colors and the gifts in his bag were all team related! “Shush!� said Santa. “This is our little secret! You see, I’m a fan, too! Let me help you with the banner.� The fan was sure no one would ever believe him anyway, and each time he looked at the banner, he smiled.This beautiful figurine features Santa on a rooftop with your team's colors.

Arizona State Sun Devils Replica Football Helmet Figurine $29.95 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This unique figurine features a Arizona State Sun Devils replica helmet on a "grassy" field. Perfect for any office or study.

Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA Replica Baseball Cap Figurine $29.95 This clearance price is only good while supplies last. If you need MORE than one quantity, please call Online Sports: 800-856-2638.This unique figurine features a replica Arizona State Sun Devils baseball cap. Perfect for any office or study.

Karate Kid Figurine $8.95 Karate Kid Figurine.

Ceramic Rabbit Figurine - 1.0 $1.95 Ceramic Rabbit figurine - 1.0".

Karate Kid Figurine - Large $12.95 Karate Kid single figurine

Glazed Green Buddha Figurine $4.95 Green Glass Buddha Figurine

Bone Frog Figurine $9.95 Miniature Bone Frog Figurine

Female Musician Ceramic Figurine $12.95 Ceramic Female Musician Figurine

Male Musician Ceramic Figurine $12.95 Ceramic Male Musician Figurine