Tips for product photography (noob)

I hate posting this but I can't seem to find a whole lot on product photography. I generally shoot outside and have never really geared up for studio but my mom is expanding her clothing boutique to an online storefront and asked if I could help her (at least initially) photograph some of her clothing. She's got a a mannequin that she models clothing on.

I currently have a 7d with a cannon 50mm 1.8 and a tamron 17-50 2.8. The only flash I have is a 430ex II. I figured I would buy a white seamless background and a stand but as far as lighting goes I have no idea where to start, I've read the FAQ's but was hoping to find some reasonably priced options.

Thanks!

IntrstlarOvrdrve wrote in post #17009877
I hate posting this but I can't seem to find a whole lot on product photography. I generally shoot outside and have never really geared up for studio but my mom is expanding her clothing boutique to an online storefront and asked if I could help her (at least initially) photograph some of her clothing. She's got a a mannequin that she models clothing on.

I currently have a 7d with a cannon 50mm 1.8 and a tamron 17-50 2.8. The only flash I have is a 430ex II. I figured I would buy a white seamless background and a stand but as far as lighting goes I have no idea where to start, I've read the FAQ's but was hoping to find some reasonably priced options.

Thanks!

A handful of links from a Google search.

http://www.shopify.com …tiful-product-photography

http://www.wikihow.com …duct-Photographs-for-Free

http://www.wix.com …photography-for-websites/

http://petapixel.com …ne-quality-product-shots/

http://www.tabletopstu​dio.com …uct_Photography​_Tips.html

http://www.handmadeolo​gy.com …ography-with-a-12-set-up/

https://www.creativeli​ve.com …photography-don-giannatti

https://blog.etsy.com …hotography-for-beginners/

Start by taking your mom out to find a plain background, preferably one that is in the shade for a good portion of the day. Then shoot her there with the bright sky providing the main light and a wall or whatever offering some reflected fill. Look at the images with your mom. Use camera angle, etc. to create something that's a bit funkie.

If she like the test shots use that as your "location" for the catalog and web site shots.

get something to make sure your white balance is on target. Lots of ways to do that, I use a photovision target card, set exposure first, then set the wb in camera - will be pretty important to make sure you have an accurate color rendition at least to start with.

but there are tons of ways to set wb --.. pick out whatever method makes sense to you.

I would buy Light Science and Magic from Amazon... gives pointers about different lighting schemes.

Lastly, you need to look up product photography specific to clothing.. like all photography, that is a special nitch with special considerations - how to get good light, good color, good texture and how to 'pose' the clothing to make it more interesting are probably specialized things to think about.