We’re not the best photographers, but we are trying to get better as we go. And that’s why we find ourselves doing things like this in the middle of homespun photoshoots.
See how neon blue it looks behind me in that picture? That’s because when shooting our artificially-lit kitchen, any natural light looks like that. Usually not a problem, except when some window light shines through and makes a subtle blue splash on the freshly painted cabinets that we’re trying to take pictures of. Sherry doesn’t always notice these things, but they drive me crazy. See the blue-ish light reflecting off the doors and the side of the peninsula? It’s taunting me.
So with the help of my trusty blanket (which blocked the light coming in from the living room) and Sherry behind the camera, we got this shot instead.
It’s subtle, but it makes me very happy. According to Sherry “it’s exactly the same thing.” And I might have been called a dork. But no sir, John Petersik sees the difference. And will not stand for pesky lighting inconsistencies. Not on my watch.
Rose says
Hm, it’s definitely subtle but it is there – John’s not crazy. ;) I, of course, would not have noticed if it wasn’t pointed out with an “after” shot with which to compare. I will say that the hardware looks so much better in the after shot. Everything looks crisper and so much more “true-to-life” in color (I’m guessing! haha). The shadow in the corner by the front door is gone, the shadow/reflection of the glass … thing … (with the plant in it) is gone. I have been trying to learn more about how to take better photos, so this is cool!
Kristin says
John, I can totally see the difference and I am just as OCD! You can definitely see the blue on the fridge and the cabinets in the first one.
I just did the same thing last week by covering my darn livingroom window with a blanket over the blinds because the shadowing was weird :)
Ashley Ez says
Totally not crazy to me. I’m first assistant for a pro photog and on shoots it is always my job to be the first person to find all the crazy reflections, grab the proper reflector and have someone stand and hold the reflector in the most awkward position possible. Then there is adding in more lighting…. On set days when we have 15+ locations….it gets crazy. And bystanders often ask “What does that guy with the gold thing really do??”
Just to throw it out there…you could totally have covered up your cabinets on the opposite side of the room with a white blanket to prevent that black reflection going horizontally through the center of the fridge. : )
Young House Life says
Oh my gosh, this tip is going to send John over the edge! Haha. Love it.
xo,
s
Amy says
Do you use a custom white balance for your photos, or one of the pre-set ones? That might make a big difference…
Young House Life says
We use a custom set one. Still get the blue stuff when another room’s light interferes though!
xo,
s
Wrenaria says
I totally see the difference! Like John, I am a little crazy about that kind of stuff in my own photos too, so I am in complete support his neurosis.
That being said, I probably wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t posted the perfected picture to compare it to.
Stacey says
I definitely see it, but I tend to notice things other people wouldn’t, haha.
I’m actually glad you shared this though, because it totalyl explains why the new CFL we bought called “daylight” looks more like “bug zapper blue” in our living room. I actually thought that’s what was behind John holding the blanket.
Heidi P. says
Wouldn’t have noticed it on my own, but John’s right! The 2nd picture IS a lot better! Speaking of snuggies, have you guys read/heard about the snuggie texting on this http://itjustgetsstranger.blogspot.com/
blog? He’s a friend of mine, and although it’s a little lengthy, it’s pretty dang funny. And maybe a little sad. :)
Young House Life says
Haha, so funny!
xo,
s
Emily says
You could also fix the problem in photoshop. Shadows and highlights or burning could help get rid of the effect. That being said, a blanket is probably a quicker and easier solution.
Amanda says
I tottaly can see the difference too.. I’m adorkable too
Keep using the blanket, Linus < you know.. from Snoopy
Young House Life says
Haha, Linus is my favorite!!! No wonder I married John. He’s my Linus. It all makes sense now…
xo,
s
Barb says
I’m on your side, John. The first one has a blue sheen and the second is clear as a bell. White, white, white!!!!
Keep on keeping on!!!
Have a great weekend. I have a list a mile long of honey do’s for my husband. Be afraid Glenn….be very afraid!!!
B.
Lisa says
I see the difference! Although I have to say, I like the first one better. More natural; you’d see the reflections/shines from the window in real life. :)
The second one it just seems like there’s no window coming from that angle where you’re holding the blanket.
Randa says
No worries John, you may have been called a dork, but I suspect that next year’s Christmas gift will include a badge for “Photography Samurai”! :)
Young House Life says
Haha- I’ll have to get on that!
xo,
s
Jill says
I saw a big difference. Good job J-fizzle.
Elizabeth says
Big difference. I probably wouldn’t have noticed the blue without the comparison, but subtle details make all the difference sometimes. :)
Tirsa says
Definitely see the difference between the two! I hate those shadows and glares in my pictures. Thanks for the blanket idea – now I know how to fix it. :)
chelle says
I’m with you, being OCD [well kinda] things like this can drive me crazy, way to be picky John =]
Emily Anderson says
OK. Totally unrelated to this post but I had to share this somewhere…I just watched this video this morning (it’s hilarious) but the baby looks so much like Clara! In fact I initially watched because I thought it was Clara. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/baby-video-whos-your-favorite_n_1190150.html
Her long lost Australian twin?
Young House Life says
Haha- so cute! We totally see it!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
Wow, it really does make a difference. There is also no shadow from the glass containers on the counter once you blocked the light! That is something I would never even think of, or notice until comparing the 2 pictures.
Mary S says
There is almost no difference in those photos to me…but if your powers of detection are so refined can you please come clean my baseboards? Cause they look ok to me but I know they are really dirty. I am with Sherry on this one but must say having a perfectionist in the house can come in handy. You go OCD Man.
Rose says
Haha. Mary S, that baseboard comment cracked me up! I know what you mean too.
Sandy says
I’m with John on this one! That’s what transforms a good picture into a great one. Nice light blocking moves.
LauraC says
Team John! Totally see it.
And that, dear John and Sherry, is what I consider a fake comment, because I am totally uncool, and would never in real life say such a thing. But of course in blogland it’s easy to pick up and repeat such utterances. Thanks for all your work! (Dorkily looking forward to Feb 22 when I might get to meet you in Portland!)
Elizabeth says
I love that this stuff bugs you. It bugs me too. More than it should. Embrace your OCD and make those cabinets the “right” white!
Courtney says
I see it! Big difference!
Sally says
Now that you mention it…I can totally see it. But if you’d just posted the first picture, I’d be thinking about your cabinets instead.
This is what keeps makes YHL great – your attention to detail in your photos and editing your posts. Lots of bloggers post photos and descriptions of their cool renovations. But I read YHL because you bring a whole other level of professionalism!
Young House Life says
Aw thanks Sally, that’s so nice of you!
xo,
s
stacey erin says
Well done John! Color temeratures are so pesky and can totally ruin an otherwise great shot. Such a pain, but this reader appreciates your efforts!
Julianne says
I just found one of your old posts through your recent Monthly-Round-up, and Sherry Mentioned that pesky blue light too… :)
https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/01/take-it-away/
Two peas in a pod! You guys are so cute.
Young House Life says
Haha- so funny!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Totally not the same thing…sorry Sherry…
Great tip! :)
Liz@interior decorating classes says
I was searching for a solution to this problem and found this post. Great idea. I will try it!