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Hello lovelies,

Today I want to show you my new photo set up and it's a goodie! It's been five years since I've been taking pictures of my nails and started this blog and I've always been looking to improve my photos and my photography set up. I've gone through so many different set ups over the years from plain black cloth next to a window, diy light box to photo tent. Unfortunately none of these options seemed good enough and I've always fiddled with the lights, the background and the whole set up. That's why I started to look for something even better. I came across MyStudio photo set ups for product photography and I was captivated! I reached out to the owner and he was happy for me to review this kit for him. This is how it looks like in the official photos (courtesy of the company):

This particular set up is MyStudio MS20 Professional Tabletop Photo Studio Kit containing:

• 20 x 20 x 12-inch seamless cyclorama infinity background
• 15W, 5000K "daylight" color-corrected fluorescent bulb
• 3 light reflectors - one overhead "ceiling" reflector and two 9" x 12" side bounce cards
• Stand for the bulb and overhead reflector

It is recommended that two people assemble this kit and I agree. It would be possible to do in one person but it is so much easier if you can get someone to help. There is a sheet with instruction and a DVD to help you with the assembly. The sheet with instructions wasn't very clear but watching the video assembly helped a lot and it was quite easy after that.

The construction for the light and overhead reflector is made of sturdy metal although once assembled it moves a bit when it's shuffled around. Not a major problem though. I have newer design of the legs than in the photos but it doesn't change the function and you might notice I've put the inside, not outside - that's because I wouldn't have enough space as you'll see later. There are also two side bounce cards which I feel helped when photographing objects but I don't use them when taking photos of my hand.

I've left the best for the last - the cyclorama infinity background. It is a one piece of hard plastic and it is so great! I've always struggled with getting that seamless background and I don't have to worry now. I was surprised how large it is but once I started to use it it felt well-sized for smaller object photography and for my hands.

I have a very little space at the moment so my set up lives in a corner. Here is how my photo set looks:

Before you say anything - yeah, I know, I put the light bar upside down!

As you can see, it is absolutely perfect for product photography which I appreciate when taking bottle shots or collection shots. Sometimes the background looks more grey than white but a small editing can change that. As for the hand and nail shots it works really well for me. The only things that are slight drawbacks are the light which I don't think one bulb is strong enough so I'm helping myself with another lamp I already owned (I was recommended to "adjust the exposure by shooting in Manual mode" to solve my problem). The second drawback for me is that when I take hand pictures I take them at the very edge of the infinity background because of my space restrictions which causes grey-ish background instead of nice white but the hand it perfectly lit. I know I will never achieve bright white background unless I'll have backlit set up but it doesn't bother me very much. You can see more examples of hand pictures/swatches taken in this set up here and here.

MyStudio MS20 is available to purchase on Amazon and it's offered with a discount right now for $179. If you are able to invest in your photo set up then I am happy to recommend this one, I really like it, especially the infinity background (but I'm just repeating myself!). There are additional Accent Lights available to purchase as well here.

TIP: Even if you are not interested in purchasing this kit, check out the product page anyway for videos with useful photography tips (the creator of this kit is a photographer ;).

I hope I've shown you something new to you and that you've enjoyed today' review. Have a lovely day everyone! Lucie x

*PR sample

1. Aromatherapy Associates Joy Candle* - I love candles and this one currently ma go-to candle. It is large with three wicks so you really get a lot of scent released. It smells lovely with lots of rose and some other scents. I also really like the whole design of it from the matte glass to the gold Aromatherapy Associates logo. Simple, clean and elegant. It is a limited edition re-released for the holidays so it won't be available forever! Here's a bit more information about it: "This decadent multi-wick candle makes a much anticipated return to the Christmas collection for 2014. Complete your festive decorations with this elegant candle which boasts a delicate yet seductive combination of rose and ginger essential oils to enrich your home with a warming and welcoming atmosphere. Our candles are hand-poured and made in the United Kingdom from the highest quality soy wax with unbleached cotton wicks. 100% GM free."

The Joy candle is available here. For £45 it's on the pricier side but I like a bit of luxury from now and then.

2. A England Crown Of Thistles and Queen Of Scots* - These two new shades stood up for me the most and I absolutely love them! They are both from the Elizabeth & Mary collection that has been recently released. I love their flawless formula and stunning colour! I've reviewed them here.

3. All That Jazz Louise’s - From Riches to Rubies - I got this polish just last Thursday, painted it on Friday and I'm still wearing it on my non-swatching hand! It's so pretty and sparkly! Even though it's not Christmas yet (and this truly is Christmas on nails) this red glittery polish is something I'll never tire of wearing. I'll do a proper review later but I wanted to show you early in case you want it for the holiday season! If you like China Glaze's Ruby Pumps and Essie's Ruby Slippers then you'll love this one! It is available here (you need to register to shop).

4. Models Own Ebony Green* - I'm not usually swooning over green polishes but this one grabbed my attention. It's vampy and dark and it has slightly jelly formula. It also represents all the new HyperGel shades added to this line. They are all super glossy and jelly-ish and I must say I like them all! Thay are available at Models Own website for £4.99 each.

5. Glossybox Harvey Nichols edition* - I simply must include this month's Glossybox because I love it! I used to subscribe to Glossybox for around two years but none of the boxes was ever as good as this one. This is a special Harvey Nichols edition valued over £150 and you pay only £30 (+P&P) for it. My favourite items out of it are:

• OPI Avoplex Moisture Replenishing hand lotion with generous 120ml. This lotion is very light, fast absorbing and doesn't leave sticky residue. Great to carry in a handbag! I'm so glad I got this lotion rather than OPI polish
• Macadamia Natural Healing Oil 10ml - I love this stuff and all products from this range, makes my hair super soft and glossy! I've tried all of them and I'll purchase again if I'll find some good offer
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer 30ml - I like this one because it feels very light, I can't feel any silicone and it doesn't leave a sticky feeling.
• SHOW Beauty Sheer Thermal Protect - this is a full-sized product you'll get worth £35! I don't know about you but I'm terrified of damaging my hair with heat so I don't use tools (iron, curlers, wands) very often. But when I do I like to use heat protecting sprays so I'm very glad for this one.

Those are just some of my top picks but I will use most of the items like the Benefit mascara, Harvey Nichols Party Candle, NARS Satin Lip Pencil... This limited edition Glossybox is available from 17th November but you can register of one at Glossybox.co.uk now!

6. Macadamia Oil Extract Hair products - I really want to share this find with you even though it's not nail-related! I have come across this video from Laura aka Fitz N Bitz where she talks about a new range of macadamia oil products being released for Lidl in Ireland. I watched it but thought that it probably won't be in the UK for a while. And it's not, I have been to Lidl yesterday and didn't find it BUT I have found it in Savers some time ago! I really like the packaging - it's black with white or orange ' floral doodle' drawings on it, very pretty. I purchased shampoo, conditioner and hair mask and in just one wash my hair went from hard, tangled and horrible to smooth, non-frizzy and without tangles, all for £1 each!!! I can't recommend this enough and big thanks to Laura for making the video!

So that's it, those are my favourites from the past month! I hope you've enjoyed this post even though it's a little bit different to what I usually do. Leave a comment, I want to hear your thoughts ;)

Have a lovely day! Lucie x

*Products previously sent for consideration