Product photos

So I have a last minute request from a small company I've been working with, they are needing for me to take some product photos for them - plastic containers with coloroful labels on them.

Here's what I'm thinking for quick and easy (mind you I've never done this before)

Some foam core, square bottom, and two back sides.

I have a 24"x24" lastolite softbox for my 580EXii firing from the top / front and my 24-70 f/2.8 on my camera mounted on a tripod.

I'm really not concerned with the sharp corner in the back as the Graphic Artist said he will "cut" the products out to use the images.

Input / criticisms / thoughts ??

Anyone ?

Is there a problem with this setup or can I do anything better with what I have etc ?

Thanks !

Are the plastic containers clear / transparent? Then it becomes a bit more difficult..

Your plan sounds OK, but I'm not sure if a 580EX + softbox is going to illuminate the bg to 255+ and properly light the containers at the same time.

Since this is last minute, if your softbox + 580ex proves not up to the challenge, you may (and I can't believe I'm saying this..) want to consider the cheaper continuous daylight bulbs at home depot, etc.. and a desk lamp or two..

Here's an example.

http://www.digital-photography-school.com …-a-inexpensive-light-tent

BrandonSi wrote in post #13684778
Are the plastic containers clear / transparent? Then it becomes a bit more difficult..

Your plan sounds OK, but I'm not sure if a 580EX + softbox is going to illuminate the bg to 255+ and properly light the containers at the same time.

Since this is last minute, if your softbox + 580ex proves not up to the challenge, you may (and I can't believe I'm saying this..) want to consider the cheaper continuous daylight bulbs at home depot, etc.. and a desk lamp or two..

Here's an example.

http://www.digital-photography-school.com …-a-inexpensive-light-tent

Thanks for the info, fortunately they aren't transparent, think the large nutritional supplement containers like from GNC, they are grey in color I believe.

I would consider a diy light tent. Suggestions for making them are at this link.

http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …0-macro-photo-studio.html

I use cheap white furnace filters and built a quick light box out of those. It diffuses the light very well with off camera manual flash.

Or shoot with available light and use reflectors to balance out the dark spots. This was taken with availble winter daylight and a simple white cardboard reflector. No flash and no light tent - just boring overcast light.

If you want to shoot a blown out white background you need to learn to light the background and foreground seperately.

OK so it came out only SO-SO seeing it was last minute and what we had to work with, the GA needs to put some effects on it so we did get some usable shots in the end.

I'm thinking of picking up a portable softbox for future use, maybe one of the light box "tents" ?

Anyone have any experience with any or any Ebay ones ?

Thanks again !

alexxn wrote in post #13690758
OK so it came out only SO-SO seeing it was last minute and what we had to work with, the GA needs to put some effects on it so we did get some usable shots in the end.

I'm thinking of picking up a portable softbox for future use, maybe one of the light box "tents" ?

Anyone have any experience with any or any Ebay ones ?

Thanks again !

Softboxes are adequet but not the best setup for product and white backgrounds.

It is better to light the background and object seperately.

The setup up shot doesn't show this perfectly but the top light is feathered so it does not light the object directly, just the graduated background.

There is another light then that lights the object (on the left).

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/67749103@N03/6​500971239/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/67749103@N03/6​501048283/

alexxn wrote in post #13690758
OK so it came out only SO-SO seeing it was last minute and what we had to work with, the GA needs to put some effects on it so we did get some usable shots in the end.

I'm thinking of picking up a portable softbox for future use, maybe one of the light box "tents" ?

Anyone have any experience with any or any Ebay ones ?

Thanks again !

My bad, I meant pick up a portable LIGHT BOX, not softbox, that's why I mentioned a light box "tent", I've seen some on Ebay but was just wondering if anyone's had any experience with them.

Thanks !

If you can, get a softbox with a small lip as this makes it easier to feather.

But this setup I have shown you is really a two light setup.

So you need two flashes (I recommend a yongnuo 565ex as a second) and two softboxes.

You will also need a white backdrop and a white pvc sheet if you want a reflective white foreground.

mtimber wrote in post #13691311
If you can, get a softbox with a small lip as this makes it easier to feather.

But this setup I have shown you is really a two light setup.

So you need two flashes (I recommend a yongnuo 565ex as a second) and two softboxes.

You will also need a white backdrop and a white pvc sheet if you want a reflective white foreground.

Wouldn't continuous lights be easier / cheaper ?

The clamp on lights with reflectors and energy saver CF bulbs.

alexxn wrote in post #13691480
Wouldn't continuous lights be easier / cheaper ?

The clamp on lights with reflectors and energy saver CF bulbs.

You can use those of course, it is totally up to you.

mtimber wrote in post #13692027
You can use those of course, it is totally up to you.

Have you ever tried one of those collapsible tents ?

Tents are great to start out with. But you will soon want more space and creative options. They have thier place, but they are not a complete solution.

Mark1 wrote in post #13692388
Tents are great to start out with. But you will soon want more space and creative options. They have thier place, but they are not a complete solution.

Yeah i can see that, unfortunately I have VERY limited space