Here are some before and after photos. Thanks to Daniel, who e-mailed me, and thanks to Tea clipper for posting his suggestions:
1.Turn on macro mode by pressing the flower button (you should see the flower icon)
2. Turn flash off
3. Set camera to AP and set f/stop to 8
4. With the lights on, and everything in place except the pen:
a. place a white card/paper in place of the pen
b. go into your cameras setup and pick custom white balance and press set button
c. remove white card/paper and place pen
5. Take picture
This is what I came up with. I'm pretty much satisfied with the after photo other than it doesn't show the shine like I want it to. I'm not using any photo editing software at all. I'm now using a plastic frosted color tote to diffuse my 3 lights (1 each side, 1 top)and I've got one in front (undiffused)to help show the shine.
Before
After
1.Turn on macro mode by pressing the flower button (you should see the flower icon)
2. Turn flash off
3. Set camera to AP and set f/stop to 8
4. With the lights on, and everything in place except the pen:
a. place a white card/paper in place of the pen
b. go into your cameras setup and pick custom white balance and press set button
c. remove white card/paper and place pen
5. Take picture
This is what I came up with. I'm pretty much satisfied with the after photo other than it doesn't show the shine like I want it to. I'm not using any photo editing software at all. I'm now using a plastic frosted color tote to diffuse my 3 lights (1 each side, 1 top)and I've got one in front (undiffused)to help show the shine.
Before
After