Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Capturing A Home Theater Without Stealing A Scene



It is quite tricky trying to photograph scenes in the Emerson House. I love all of the glazing but it becomes my nemesis when trying to capture images of miniature scenes. In an effort to keep my ugly face from being reflected in the windows and/or my workspace from being the scene's backdrop, I've purchased some polycarbonate panels from TAP Plastics to take the edge off.

So far, the panels have proven to be a decent choice. It was a pleasant surprise to see that the textured panel makes it look like rain outside of the mini scene. I'm still exploring the best way to marry camera angles and lighting so that I don't intrude upon my own photos. I've tried the "hide behind this" and "hide under that" but I never seem to quite master it. Sigh. I really should take a photography class...maybe get some proper equipment...

Anywhoo...what's going on in the scene above? It's supposed to be a study or den that was transformed into a small home theater. I tried to give it a masculine flavor and sprinkle it with vintage seasoning...stir and shrug.

The Goods: Sofa is PRD; Credenza/bookshelf is PRD; Ottoman is MiniModernistas; Home Theater Screen is made from a photo and My Realitty's gift of wood samples; Floor lamp is Character Options; Beautiful Plants are from MiniDork; Wall Art and Rug are Tim Holtz; All accessories are Lundby, Re-Ment, AG Minis, X10NY, random ebay finds, and common items from hobby stores.
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17 comments:

  1. *annina*May 31, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Ha! I'm actually really curious what you look like so I wouldn't mind if we would see you in a photo :-) Lovely scene as usual - I love the earthy tones.

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  2. PepperMay 31, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    I freakin' LOVE this room! The polycarbonate is truly inspired and you're right, it does look like there's a storm outside. I don't think there is a single element of this room that I don't like...yup, my favourite minimodern scene EVER

    Have you tried propping your camera on a pile of books (or similar) and using the timer? Then you can dive out of the way and keep your reflection out. I know it's difficult in a small space but its a thought *shrugs*

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  3. PubdollMay 31, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Fun idea! PRD's sofa is wonderful and very masculine - I absolutely love it!
    And like you I like the rainy day effect from the TAP plastics! Great solution to the photo problem!

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  4. Modern MCMay 31, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    I'm sure we will meet one day, Annina! I really don't want to ruin the scenes with my "cabeza grande". Chuckles. I'm glad you dig the scene. I really wish I could photograph well like you do.

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  5. Modern MCMay 31, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Hey Pepper!
    Wow--thanks man. I am glad this scene has your seal of approval. You'll appreciate that I actually tried to get crafty here--I wrapped jute around the floor lamp = ohh ahh, such a crafter, I am! Ha ha! My goal is to try to not be afraid to try my hand at building miniatures and structures. Yes, you make me THINK about it--chuckles!

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  6. Modern MCMay 31, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Oh! Forgot to say Pepper...
    I have tried the duck and cover but then my camera shows up. I need to get some professional equipment but hard to decide if I want to spend the money on that or more miniatures...hmm, such tough decisions, ey?

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  7. Modern MCMay 31, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Hola Pubdoll!
    Yes, I do love this sofa that Paris made. Definitely one of my treasures. The panels have come in handy so far. My Realitty showed me how the panels make nice blinds too and they do look a little like vertical blinds in one shot. BTW, Are you still signing autographs for the Finnish mag? Smiles. I feel lucky to be rubbing elbows with such a cool celebrity.

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  8. PubdollMay 31, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Haha, I can still go fairly undisturbed on the street :-) And don't indulge me, you know when I started blogging I had an ambition that once, maybe, I would get a comment from you :-)

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  9. Modern MCJune 1, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    So funny, Pubdoll!
    Chuckles! Well, I'm glad that the gods blessed you with much higher accolades, man. Even so, I do feel quite blushed...

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  10. AMCSviatkoJune 1, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Love it!

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  11. Mini DorkJune 5, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    OMG "ugly face" please. You are funny.
    I LOVE the panels, I will totally be stealing that idea. I never would have thought to put My Realitty's wood samples together like that. It looks incredible! Hey, what kind of adhesive do you use to wall mount things? Museum wax leaves greasy residue on everything and I'm trying to find a local store that sells the white earth quake proof tacky stuff. Love this room!!

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  12. Modern MCJune 5, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Thanks TSS!

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  13. Modern MCJune 5, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Ha Ha! Hi Mini Dork,
    I use (and reuse) standard Kwik Fix Stick E Tak and Scotch Removable Adhesive Putty. Sometimes they do leave an oil residue on items. I think Shellie's has that earthquake proof tac.

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  14. Peter TuckerJune 7, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Have you tried cutting a hole out of a big piece of black poster board or foamcore and sticking the lens(and camera I guess!) behind that? You'll still get a reflection but it will be blank and black -two good attributes

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  15. Modern MCJune 8, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Hello PETER TUCKER!
    Thanks for the suggestion.I have tried something similar but will definitely keep this idea in the pocket since I know I will have these photography "issues" for as long as I continue to chronicle these miniature scenes. Next time I see black poster board or foamcore, I will need to grab a piece or two.

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  16. My RealittyJune 9, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Cool scene. Hey I've seen your face it is lovely and seems to be always smiling. CM

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  17. Modern MCJune 9, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    Ha Ha!--Thanks My Realitty
    You are too generous. And that constant smiling is just pure insanity.
    :)

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