Product Photography - What do I need to get started?

[FlipsidE]

I'm not sure if this is the right board to post this on. But, since most of what I'm asking about has to do with EOS Cameras and EX Flashes as well as how to support them, I figured this was the best place.

In my search to find what I like in photography, I'd like to give product photography a shot. I'd like to be able to use both white and black backgrounds.

Based on what I've seen around these forums before, here's what I think I would need. Any suggestions would be excellent though.

1 x Canon 580 EX master flash
2 x Canon 420 EX slave flash
1 x Light Tent (where do I find these? and how can i get different color backgrounds)
3 x Flash Tripod (what would you suggest for tripods only used for flashes?)
1 x Canon Off Camera Shoe 2
1 x Camera
1 x Lens (I'm guessin the Thrifty Fifty and/or the 28-105 would be fine here)
1 x Camera Tripod

Thanks in advance

FlipsidE

[FlipsidE]

Obligatory bump after 24 hours of no response. I honestly find it hard to believe that no one on this board does product photography.

Also, I would use PM's to ask people I know do it, but unfortunately, PM's have been disabled by default on the new board. You have to enable them before anyone can send you one.

FlipsidE

[45R]

I'm not sure if this is the right board to post this on. But, since most of what I'm asking about has to do with EOS Cameras and EX Flashes as well as how to support them, I figured this was the best place.

In my search to find what I like in photography, I'd like to give product photography a shot. I'd like to be able to use both white and black backgrounds.

Based on what I've seen around these forums before, here's what I think I would need. Any suggestions would be excellent though.

1 x Canon 580 EX master flash
2 x Canon 420 EX slave flash
1 x Light Tent (where do I find these? and how can i get different color backgrounds)
3 x Flash Tripod (what would you suggest for tripods only used for flashes?)
1 x Canon Off Camera Shoe 2
1 x Camera
1 x Lens (I'm guessin the Thrifty Fifty and/or the 28-105 would be fine here)
1 x Camera Tripod

Thanks in advance

FlipsidE

Flipside

For Product Photos my gear has been pretty minimum. I shoot mostly small obects such as cutlery and firearms.

I use the following

Canon 10D
28-135mm IS USM with +3 close up filter for those small details
420 EX with Omni Bounce and Mini Softbox
Circular Polarizer
Tripod for camera
Lightbox (www.pbase.com, search "LIGHTBOX" will show you how to make one from PVC)
Can of compressed air or a foot pump that blows air for dust and dirt

I've been able to do without the off shoe cord and the extra flash.


Here is my check list for product photography.
If you dont have some of these functions just omitt them.

1. Check Batteries in camera
2. Turn off Image Stab mode
3. Check Flash card
4. Turn on 2 sec timer (decreases shake on tripod)
5. Turn on MLU (Mirror Lock Up)
6. Turn on Manual/Custom settings
7. Check lens for artifacts.ie dust spots etc.
8. Check backgound for dust, dirt, wrinkles....
9. Remove Dust, oil, dirt, finger prints, animal hair etc from product
10. Check lighting
11. Secure camera to mount
12. Double check for stability on tripod
13. Secure, secure
14. Shoot test photo.
15. Custom White Balance for test shot
16. Shoot away

[45R]

Here is an example of an Aluminum adpator that I shot with that setup about 2 months ago.

http://www.pbase.com/45r/image/35080819.jpg

[leo11877]

I'm not sure if this is the right board to post this on. But, since most of what I'm asking about has to do with EOS Cameras and EX Flashes as well as how to support them, I figured this was the best place.

In my search to find what I like in photography, I'd like to give product photography a shot. I'd like to be able to use both white and black backgrounds.

Based on what I've seen around these forums before, here's what I think I would need. Any suggestions would be excellent though.

1 x Canon 580 EX master flash
2 x Canon 420 EX slave flash
1 x Light Tent (where do I find these? and how can i get different color backgrounds)
3 x Flash Tripod (what would you suggest for tripods only used for flashes?)
1 x Canon Off Camera Shoe 2
1 x Camera
1 x Lens (I'm guessin the Thrifty Fifty and/or the 28-105 would be fine here)
1 x Camera Tripod

Thanks in advance

FlipsidE
Hi

What type of product are you trying to photograph? big/small/tiny, metal/plastic/gems/diamonds etc. your setup might vary depending on the type of product.

thanks
leo.

[Longwatcher]

Based on what I've seen around these forums before, here's what I think I would need. Any suggestions would be excellent though.

1 x Canon 580 EX master flash
2 x Canon 420 EX slave flash
1 x Light Tent (where do I find these? and how can i get different color backgrounds)
3 x Flash Tripod (what would you suggest for tripods only used for flashes?)
1 x Canon Off Camera Shoe 2
1 x Camera
1 x Lens (I'm guessin the Thrifty Fifty and/or the 28-105 would be fine here)
1 x Camera Tripod
FlipsidE

I recommend that you upgrade one of the 420 to 550 or 580 so you will have a backup if your one and only 580 goes down for repair. Same reason to recommend a backup camera.

From my research the best lens for product photography would be one of the tilt-shift lenses. Failing that one of the 50mm lenses will probably work for most situations. If you can afford it I recommend the 50/1.4 as being slightly better then the 50/1.8 in terms of overall look to the pictures, but if on a budget then the 50/1.8 will serve well. If you are serious about product photography, eventually you may feel the need to go "L".

Also have you considered using studio strobes such as Alien Bees instead of the flashes? The strobes will give you more control over your lighting and don't cost much if anything more. In fact I think the AB400 and 800's are less then the 550 or 580EXs.

You will probably also need a remote switch for the camera.

Just my opinion and experience,

[chops]

I am also attempting the product photography route and this is what I have come up with so far....

Canon 10D; Tamron 28-75 F2.8 XR Di; Bogen 3001 tripod for camera; 2 - Vivitar 2000 flashes; 1 - Vivitar 2800 master flash; 1 - PC to Vivitar flash cord to master flash; two cheapie optical slaves for V 2000's; 2 - cheapie full size Slik tripods for V 2000's; 1 - Slik tabletop tripod for V 2800 flash; 1 - 30"x30" light tent with white backdrop and zipper up front panel.

Here's a picture of my full set-up. I also have the 10D connected to my laptop for remote capture and wirelessly transfering the images directly to my file server in another room.
http://chops.tzo.com/IMG_0575.jpg

And this is the results of that set-up...
http://chops.tzo.com/Capture_00023.jpg

[FlipsidE]

Chops,

That is one incredible setup. May I ask where you got that light tent? Also, have you enabled Private messages?.

Thanks

FlipsidE

[chops]

Chops,

That is one incredible setup. May I ask where you got that light tent? Also, have you enabled Private messages?.

Thanks

FlipsidE
Thanks FlipsidE!

I wouldn't say that it's an incredible setup, but it does get the job done (as you can see). Anyway, here's where I bought the light tent at....

http://stores.ebay.com/Tabletop-Studio-LLC_EZcubes-all-sizes_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQsclZallQQsotimedisplayZ 2QQtZkm

They seem to be very nice people to deal with, ship the items out quickly, actually give feedback (which is becoming a rare thing these days), and even has some very helpful "How To's" sections which really are helpful.

BTW, yes, private messaging is enabled.

[chops]

I was just wondering if you've gone any further with the product photography or not?


Things are beginning to look up for me in that field. What a way to start off the new year! ;)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Flip,

Giving this a bump and figured a move to "Pro" might be helpfull to get more input?

[richpix]

I'm not sure if this is the right board to post this on. But, since most of what I'm asking about has to do with EOS Cameras and EX Flashes as well as how to support them, I figured this was the best place.

In my search to find what I like in photography, I'd like to give product photography a shot. I'd like to be able to use both white and black backgrounds.

Based on what I've seen around these forums before, here's what I think I would need. Any suggestions would be excellent though.

1 x Canon 580 EX master flash
2 x Canon 420 EX slave flash
1 x Light Tent (where do I find these? and how can i get different color backgrounds)
3 x Flash Tripod (what would you suggest for tripods only used for flashes?)
1 x Canon Off Camera Shoe 2
1 x Camera
1 x Lens (I'm guessin the Thrifty Fifty and/or the 28-105 would be fine here)
1 x Camera Tripod

Thanks in advance

FlipsidE

Well, you can spend the money on a light tent ($90 on the ebay site referrenced), or you can make one yourself which will be twice as flexible for about 1/3 the cost--and you can make several different sizes and configurations for that same price. You won't be limited to one size, but can custom make any size you like. The material I would recommend is called Translum (http://www03.bhphotovideo.com/product/46170/SATLM/REG/2427). It comes in rolls 54 inches wide by 18 feet long. With it you can make a custom light configuration for any size product from tiny to huge. You can shape it into a cone for seamless effects. It's hard enough to set most objects on to use it as a light table. It cuts easily into any shape you might desire. It's also an inexpensive alternative to softboxes and umbrellas--it softens passed-through light nicely and reflects it as well.

B&H and other photo stores carry a variety of background papers in different widths and colors.

Lens choice will depend on the size of the object you're photographing. Do you know what sort of products you will be dealing with?

For holding the strobes you can use light stands (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=FetchChildren&Q=&ci=1173) and mounts (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=3536) . The mounts tilt and swivel to position the lights properly.

[Mike Panic]

ive shot w/ those photo cubes and frickin hate them... ill take seamless white paper (artic white) any day of the week over those cubes... i bought one and sold it within a week of having it

also - if you have the room for it the 100mm macro from canon or the 90mm tamron macro will give you better results then the 50 f/1.8 from canon

if your going to be shooting white objects or objects w/ clear anything to them, setup black boards on the sides of the tables so that the light will reflect back black and give an edge to the objects and not just blend in

most people who do isolated product shots will also tell you that getting it right 100% of the time in camera is not gonna happen - and for most of them they post process so quickly its ok w/ that. most common problem is grey edges where the light falls off from the shadows - easy fix in photoshop

[chops]

Bloo Dog:
You really DON'T need expensive flahes, nor do you need to have them interface with your camera. I DO slave two of them. The third is connected to my camera via off-camera cord. The camera and flashes are set to manual. The trickiest part of this setup is setting the white balance.
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Why would you have to do anything with setting up the white balance? I have never had an issue with white balance while shooting with my light tent and strobes. Unless you have really weak strobes and very strong ambient light in the room. Even then, adjusting the white balance will not give you good results becuase you still have a mix of two totally different light sources in you images.



Mike Panic:
ive shot w/ those photo cubes and frickin hate them... ill take seamless white paper (artic white) any day of the week over those cubes... i bought one and sold it within a week of having it

also - if you have the room for it the 100mm macro from canon or the 90mm tamron macro will give you better results then the 50 f/1.8 from canon

most people who do isolated product shots will also tell you that getting it right 100% of the time in camera is not gonna happen - and for most of them they post process so quickly its ok w/ that. most common problem is grey edges where the light falls off from the shadows - easy fix in photoshop
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1) I've tried other methods and the light tent works best for me.

2) No one ever said anything about the 50mm F1.8. He said he uses the 50mm MACRO F2.5

3) I have yet to do any kind of post processing after shooting products. I use Remote Capture to control the 10D, and I make any needed adjustments on the fly while shooting, and I have no problems with having 100% perfect shots straight out of the camera. That's why they call it a "Controlled Environment".

Here's a few pics of some shots I did yesterday.....

All of these shots were taken with the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 @ 75mm and at f22. They were all shot with two strobes above and to either side of the light tent, and one directly underneath the item. I had the 420EX mounted to the 10D and bouncing straight up just to trigger the other strobes. No sharpening of any kind was done, not in PS nor in-camera. White balance was set to Auto and there was no adjustments to levels. In other words, other than resizing, these images are straight out of the camera.

The background does not matter to much since it will be cropped out completely in PS.

To give you an idea on the size of these milling bits, they are .5" in diameter and 3" long.
http://chops.tzo.com/Capture_00059.jpg

http://chops.tzo.com/Capture_00077.jpg

http://chops.tzo.com/Capture_00070.jpg

http://chops.tzo.com/Capture_00052.jpg

With this image, I held a generic black DVD case to one side to get the desired reflection to show the highly polished surface.
http://chops.tzo.com/Capture_00024.jpg

[robertwgross]

Maybe it's a matter of time. It has taken me a long time to embrace digital technology, so maybe the learning curve is longer for me because of my age. I weigh myself regularly, and I seem to be losing mass. I'm convinced that it's all coming out of my brain.


What some of us have lost in mass is made up for by a change in density.

---Bob Gross---

[PhotosGuy]

The material I would recommend is called Translum (http://www03.bhphotovideo.com/product/46170/SATLM/REG/2427). Thanks for that. I could never remember what it was called. Draftsmen use a similar material in smaller sizes. I used that stuff a lot on location & in the studio. It was light, easy to carry, & you could vary the size of the light source just by moving the light closer or farther away.

You really DON'T need expensive flahes,... Very true! About 30 years agon I bought some (very) cheap Spiralite strobes for about $20 apiece & ganged several of them together - figured that when they died I'd just throw them away & get new ones. Thing is, they didn't! Tested them last week and, after sitting around in a closet for the last 10 years, they STILL work! What a bargain!
When I had to travel I always had 2 Vivitar 283's in my bag. Set one on-cam as fill to match the room light & one at the side about +1/2 stop. It was "Quick & Dirty" lighting but worked well, especially with the 20mm lens which rapidly became one of the "Loves of my life"!
Point is, while you don't need elaborate, expensive stuff to take good pics, it does make life easier when the pressure is on. Only you can decide what is right for eash specific situation. Then there's the "client factor" - someone posted that he needed a hand held light meter 'cause it "looked more professional!" :D That might be important when you're just starting out.
I once had a client who complained that I was using quartz lighting instead of "professional" strobes. He was a real pain in the butt, so I fired him! But, that's just me! ;)

[ENIAC]

off topic:
chops, whats that canon tripod?? i like it a lot. :)

[KennyG]

A few years back I met someone who used to do photographs for DIY manuals and small components. I always remember he kept an Angle Finder in his shirt pocket and used to decry AF, "bloody never works as it should". Things don't change much. Anyway, the question I would like to ask, in small product photogaphy, particularly of reflective objects, how many of you use AF.

[Jon]

I think he's talking about the right-angle viewfinder.

[iwatkins]

Kenny,

I do a small amount of product photography for my friends website. Most of his stuff is highly reflective (chromed car parts etc.).

What I tend to do is set up the shot exactly as planned, then I pan a little left and place a small focus target (simply a 3x3 black and white checkboard paper target stuck vertically on a coin). I get AF to focus using the custom function button on my 10D and then pan back to the object and take the shot.

As long as you are ballpark close getting the same distance between camera -> focus target and camera -> object, it works out fine. Anyway, much better results than spending half the time wondering is it has achieved object focus or achieved focus on a reflection. :)

I would go for the C finder but without a split focusing screen, I still wouldn't be 100% happy.

Cheers

Ian