Help me improve the lighting and my photographs

[wolf2009]

I got a Sony W120 today.

I will be taking pics some pics of hardware for a review. Help me get the lighting straight. I have been told by the wise men people here not to use the flash, instead get an even lighting in the room. Right now I'm only using 2 table lamps for this, and I have no other lights in my apartment.

Can't change the camera, no money for that. But can buy some cheap lighting or adjustable flash or some other accessories for W120.

Here are some pics I took, please help me improve this.


http://i172.photobucket.com/al...eerat1563/DSC00088.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/al...eerat1563/DSC00081.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/al...eerat1563/DSC00064.jpg

Here are some other pics I took with a borrowed Sony DSC-V1 with adjustable external flash

http://i172.photobucket.com/al...eerat1563/DSC02992.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/al...eerat1563/DSC02979.jpg

 

[jpeyton]

Without a flash, you really need to build a light box as suggested in your other thread.

A light box lets you concentrate light on your subject, provide a non-distracting backdrop, and remove shadows by softly diffusing the light source.

Even if you buy some cheap lighting right now and aim it at the subject, the light will be harsh (direct) and will be bouncing all around your entire room at a reduced intensity.

Here are more DIY lightbox ideas (with pictures) for you to consider:

http://www.cheapshooter.com/20...ourself-pvc-light-box/

http://jyoseph.com/diy-light-b...r-product-photography/

http://photography-on-the.net/...howthread.php?t=281524

http://www.flickr.com/photos/w...129553/in/photostream/

 

[Fardringle]

I took these in a light box made with about $5 worth of scrap plywood covered in matte white paint and lit with a $3 "natural light" bulb. It's much easier on the budget than expensive studio lighting and (in my opinion) equally satisfying results.

 

[ghostman]

Your lights seem like they are pointed directly at the computer case. That's creating the harsh shadows on your wall and hot spots on your case. You want to generally reflect the light off a wall or ceiling and have that reflected light fall on your object. If that's not possible, trying passing that light through a sheer cloth or paper (taking care that it doesn't catch on fire!) before letting it light your subject. That will spread your light source and soften the shadows.

 

[virtuamike]

Buy this, read it first -
Light: Science & Magic