I think this is a one that’s been done several times!
After vewing the soso photo of the Patriot fly I can tell I need some help!
The camera has been used to photograph a “Fly of the Week” so I know it’s capable.
Somewhere in here there was a post by a member that built a small light defusing “Studio” for such a use.
Anyway I’m open to all suggestions, ideas, etc.
Jack,
Is this what you remembered? My son built it for taking pictures for his e-bay postings (unlike most of the junk photos we find in e-bay). We change the background sheet using various pieces of colored poster board from the craft stores. The real key to this setup is using a tripod and the macro setting on your camera.
Here’s the Zoo Cougar that was photographed during that session:
Camera & lens used for this shot cost around $1200.00. Here’s a picture with my $169.00 camera on macro (not in the light box):
This was shot using my Panasonic DMC-FX01 without a flash. I shot it on my desk blotter just holding the camera. Built in image stabilization makes a big difference, especially with shaky hands.
Joe
So Joe, did you just volunteer to become the official fly photographer for FAOL? You do beautiful work…
Ed
A wise man once said:
If nominated I will not run; If elected I will not serve.
I am on a 1 year sabbatical from most of my volunteer activities, and I must say it’s been enjoyable. I have enough pressure in my life without adding more to it. What I do now I do at my own pace, and I’m enjoying my hobbies.
Thank you for your kind words.
Joe
One advantage about becoming the ?official photographer? would be the huge selection of flies that would be mailed to you for you to keep 
I like the light setup, which bulbs did you use, standard or ?sunlight? bulbs?
Larry
Joe, Sagefisher is correct about the perk, getting lotsa flies. You do beautiful work, so I was asking only half in jest (the other half in geste). Hmmm, now the question is whether or not we can cook up a conspiracy for Fish-In, 2008. People could tie up several flies to give to Joe to photograph for FAOL. I love evil plots. 
Oh well, have fun with your photography. It seems that is just another in the long list of things that you do well when you turn your hand to it. 
Get out there and catch some steelhead for those of us who don’t have access to them.
Ed
Ed, my friend. You, of all people, should know that “all that glitters is not gold.” What good is a collection of flies if one lacks the free time to use & lose them? They would just reside in boxes along with the myriad other flies I have tied or acquired over the years.
My volunteerism sabbatical is still in force, and I will continue to share ideas for others to pursue.
Joe
Larry,
My son said he uses a 100 watt Phillips Natural White bulbs. He said that what’s very important is to make sure all your bulbs are the same make and wattage. Today’s digital cameras will white balance to whatever bulb you use, provided they are all the same.
Joe
Hey Joe as a photo buff myself awesome pictures. I like the light set up very nice.
Jack here’s where I copped my outfit from.
http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent
Almost the same as Joe’s setup.
Good luck
Joe,
Could you please tell me what the black thing is that is holding the fly and where are they purchased.
Thankyou
Gil
Do not miss the terrific articles and lessons Al Campbell produced on photography of fly fishing subjects and the
terrific photos of the set ups:
Electronic Test Clips
Available at Radio Shack and other electronics places.
As Joe stated make sure all the bulbs are the same type from the same manufacturer and preferrably the same lot number. If you are not sure of how to adjust the white balance setting and you have the RAW setting feature on your camera and a RAW converter like Adobe photoshop, then shot away knowing you can adjust the white balance later with the RAW converter.
I have two - great hackle pliers. Try one.
I have 8 of them, and should pick up more. They make great material holders for things like Flashaboo, Angel hair, Puglisi fibers, etc. when you are just using short amounts for flies and don’t want to chew up your bundle of material. Simply cut one bundle and put it in the clip. Then cut your short pieces off of that.
I also use them to display flies at shows or during lessons. Like these sparkle eggs in various colors.
I’ve had these 8 since 1999 and I believe they last forever!
Joe
i have always had good luck in reading the manual and not having to spend $650 for photoshop.
not everybody can spring for an expensive photo editing program, but theres some good free ones on the net waiting for download.
picasa
the gimp
photofiltre
irfan view
i’m not good with tools and if you are not either, you could get the “studio in a box” from american recorder at amazon.com i have one of these and it works great
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-images/B0009E3UUY/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_2?ie=UTF8&index=2
Normand,
You are absolutely right about free editors available. I use Picasa for my grab shots (point & shoot) and email them to family and friends.
I recently found one of the fastest and easiest, “photo clean up/resizing/fixing” sites on the Internet and it’s FREE! http://www.wiredness.com/
It IS in “beta” stage, right now but I’ve used it for about 7 months now for really quick editing and such for our Kennel pictures when sending photos to customers in email, etc. Works very well, is very fast and straight to the point!
Paul