Isolated Photos

I have recently become interested in photographing small to medium objects isolated against a white background. To date I have been using a piece of white paper outside in a shady area to get softer light. I then use Photoshop to blow out the white areas and correct contrast and color balance.

Can you suggest any other methods for achieving better, more reliable results? Do light tents work well, and if so which brands? What lenses would you suggest for a Nikon camera to photograph small to medium, close-up objects? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I use white paper too .. but I do it in the kitchen where the natural light from the window is softened and diffused by net curtains. It works for me!

Mike

Great. Thanks. Any suggestions for a lens? I have a Nikon D50 and right now I am only using the kit 15-55mm lens. I have attached a photo so you can see my results (please critique it if you have any suggestions)