Friday, October 18, 2013

Lighting

A couple of weeks ago I read this article on how to buy lightbulbs in The Washington Post. It made me realize that the problem with photographing things on my design wall wasn't just a problem with my little point and shoot camera but also the lighting. My sewing room is in the basement so my only source of light is artificial.

I learned from the article that the lower the kelvin number (2700-3000) the more yellow the light. The higher the kelvin number (5500-6500) the bluer the light. White light is 3500-4100. Typically, modern decor looks better with whiter light and traditional decor looks better with yellow light.

Last night Dave was going to Home Depot so I asked him to pick me up some light bulbs on the white/blue spectrum.

Here is a before photo of the Sisters Choice blocks I've been working on.

CFL 750 lumens 2700 kelvin

And here is the after photo (with a few additional blocks).

CFL 800 lumens 5000 kelvin

Quite a difference! I'm going to pay more attention to lighting in the rest of my house now.

These blocks are for a quilt for baby Halle, my great niece. What do I need more or less of? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I just started making blocks without much of a plan. I really should take the time to pull fabrics first.
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15 comments:

  1. Steffi´s Candy QuiltsOctober 18, 2013 at 5:55 PM

    Wow, what a difference! That is really interesting, thank you.
    Your blocks are beautiful! My favorite is the second from the left in the upper row (with the yellow background).

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  2. Vic in NHOctober 18, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    Huge difference! I love now knowing what to ask for at the lighting store.

    As for Halle's quilt, I'd reinforce the trend that you've already set by following through with the pink/red/purple/blue selections. They look marvelous in the blocks you've already amassed, so who wants to argue with success?

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  3. Janet O.October 19, 2013 at 12:34 AM

    Wow, your photos speak volumes! Thanks for the education!
    I love Sister's Choice blocks. These are beautiful and will make a sweet baby quilt. My only thought is making a few more random blocks where the corner colors are darker, like the lower right block.

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  4. audreyOctober 19, 2013 at 3:01 AM

    So interesting! I can't believe the difference. Will have to look into this a bit more.:)

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  5. BarbOctober 19, 2013 at 8:59 AM

    so interesting! what a difference the light makes.
    Most photo programs let you fiddle with the exposure and color - have you ever tried that?

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  6. JanetOctober 19, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    So interesting to see the difference between the two pictures! I think your blocks look great.

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  7. Kindred QuiltsOctober 19, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    Good information Maureen... can't believe the difference! Love the Sisters Choice block... my favorite is in the one in the middle of the second row...

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  8. MerilynOctober 19, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    The difference in lighting is quite remarkable - very good info on lightbulbs, as my sewing room doesn't get much natural light either - not that I've spent much time in there lately LOL!!!!
    The quilt for your neice turned out beautifully, I agree that light small flower print you used is very pretty!!!!

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  9. DawnOctober 19, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    What a great example. Not only helpful on the design wall, but pulling fabrics for projects. Love the blocks, it will be a darling quilt.

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  10. DonieneOctober 19, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    I'm amazed at how much difference the light makes!!! Does it make a difference when you are sewing too? The blocks look awesome!!! It will be a fabulous quilt - you know me - stars and traditional - can't go wrong!!!

    How is your fall going? We have had another big rain - 5 inches over three days! We have been cooler than norm - but no freeze yet. So we are green like spring. We probably won't turn brown until close to Thanksgiving.

    Always glad to see your projects!!

    Blessings dear friend!

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  11. ElyteOctober 20, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    Thanks for the insights about the lighting, it does make a huge difference. I think that your great niece's quilt is growing beautifully. Keep doing what you are doing. Maybe some sashing if you think it needs something.

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  12. The Quilted Finish October 21, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    I am astonished at the huge difference the lighting makes! Thank you for such an Illuminating (had to say that, what a dork I am) lesson on the different light bulbs available. I am definitely going to have a closer look at the lighting I am using when quiltmaking and photographing. Love the Sisters Choice blocks.

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  13. reganOctober 21, 2013 at 6:40 PM

    WOW! What a difference! I had no idea! Thanks for the info.....and I LOVE those blocks! It's going to be so sweet!

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  14. libbyquilterOctober 24, 2013 at 12:47 AM

    what a difference indeed~!!
    i think that i better pay more attention to lighting too . . .

    this is a beautiful collection of blocks~! i think you are doing just fine with your colors/fabrics. i like the 'pops' of red here and there.

    :-)
    libbyQ

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  15. MarieOctober 26, 2013 at 9:06 PM

    It's almost hard to believe that it is the same image. I sew in the basement as well so me thinks its time to try out new bulbs - thanks.

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