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American Recorder's Photo Studio In-A-Box

By Barbara Crews, About.com

American Recorder Studios

American Recorder Technologies has one of those products that you wonder why no one has done it before. Actually it's been done before in a much bigger and costlier version. But American Recorder's Photo Studio In-A-Box is a perfect fit for me.

What is it?
It's a complete photography set-up that folds away to a briefcase size box, selling for approximately $120.

Background
I chatted with American Recorder's President Alan Adelstein about the Photo Studio In-a-box and how it came to be. Adelstein related it was because of his personal use and needs. He said he spent quite a bit on equipment to take pictures, but even though it was costly and cumbersome, the pictures were still terrible looking. He said, "I just couldn't take it anymore and decided to design something that would work better". It looks like he got the job done.

Specifics
The Photo Studio In-A-Box is available direct from American Recorder Technologies for around $120. for their "classic" version (the one reviewed here). New products have been added to their line, including both smaller and larger versions. Different color backgrounds are available, as well as extra light stands.

The price includes:

  • a table-top soft light box
  • a two-sided fabric background (grey/blue)
  • two tungsten lamps on stands with retractable legs for hand held use
  • an adjustable table-top camera stand
The lights, stand and background fabric all into into storage compartments and the whole set-up folds up into a handy canvas travel carrier.
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The size of the lighting box is 16" x 16" x 16", large enough for most collectible items. If you are a power seller you might want something more permanent, but if you are the casual seller or collector who wants to take occasional, good quality pictures of their collection, this is a terrific product. I bought it, I use it and I love it!

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