first product shoot, help

[yikes]

Hi All,

I'm trying to do my first product shots. Its a tough item too shoot and I'm looking for some advice.

I have the following available;
Canon 10D
17-40L
50mm 1.8
70-200L f/4
420Ex

Im shooting framed sports cards, they are in black matted frames with fairly high-gloss plexiglass covers. Approximately 4 sports cards accross and 1 card high.

I have no clue how to shoot these, and any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've been thinking to try this as a start.

tripod, 70-200, (approx 80-100mm) items tilted upright on table covered with a heavy white sheet???? I may be way off but hey... thats why I;m asking.

Nick

[chops]

I would suggest either the 70-200 OR the 50mm f/1.8. I would also suggest buying a light tent, a few cheap strobes and slaves, and go from there.

Here's my set-up.... 10D tethered to my laptop running Remote Capture, one Vivitar 2800 flash on a tabletop tripod under the 10D triggered via a PC cord shooting up and into the tent through the glass coffee table, two Vivitar 2000 flashes on tripods mounted on cheap tripods above and behind the tent triggered by the 2800 via optical slaves.
http://chops.tzo.com/IMG_0575.jpg

http://chops.tzo.com/IMG_0578.jpg

And here's the result... BTW, this is also my first time doing product photography!
http://chops.tzo.com/Capture_00009.jpg

[cmM]

If you can, take the plexiglass out of the frame and shoot them like that. You'll probably end up with God knows what reflections and flare if you don't.

[yikes]

so with my current equip, im pretty much outta luck :( so I guess im off to Henrys. :)

nick

[aam1234]

chops, you have a very nice setup there.

[cmM]

so with my current equip, im pretty much outta luck :( so I guess im off to Henrys. :)

nick
Not necessarely. You can do without the tent, and one flash can be plenty set up off camera, and maybe use a reflector (any reflective surface...).

For example you can use white/colored poster boards, and set the 420 on a tripod on the side, and then put like a... silver windshield protector on the other side for a reflctor, and use your 50 1.8
I'm sure you can do just fine. Of course it would be easier if you had more stuff, but you can always improvise.

[chops]

chops, you have a very nice setup there.

Thanks! :D

I know it's not the greatest, but so far I'm getting pretty decent results. :wink: