Need to take some clothing product photography, but don't know where to start.

Hey guys, I was recently assigned to take flat product shots of shirts and jackets, and need help in terms of lighting. We'll be shooting at my buddy's living room and we have a large white oaktag paper that we bought for the background. I know there are some workarounds such as buying lighting from hardware store, but I'd like to know how I can replicate the shot below, with lighting rental equipment or DIY methods.

Don't mess with diy. You have a 430ex. All you need is a set of triggers a softbox or umbrella and a stand. Since its flat a single speedlite in a 42 inch umbrella and a set yn603 triggers will put you in business for under $100.

You sure you want to replicate the lighting of those shots?! It uses a rather specular (smallish) single source as evidenced by the shadows cast. A rather small softbox (or medium size one, too far away).

Background

Shirt
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paper towel
strobe
   ^
Camera

And borrow a steam iron from somebody.

Thanks. How would I set up the camera so that it is perfectly on top of the product?

Thanks. I actually don't have the 430EX anymore... How would I set up the camera so that it is perfectly on top of the product?

Wondertwins wrote in post #17851936
Thanks. I actually don't have the 430EX anymore...

So use the one on your camera.

Ladder?

Wondertwins wrote in post #17851936
Thanks. I actually don't have the 430EX anymore... How would I set up the camera so that it is perfectly on top of the product?

Then amend my advice to include a YN flash. You are attempting to do pro work. Make a little effort.

Some tripods have an additional screw attachment on the bottom of the centre column which allows you to attach your camera and position it pointing down. However that will generally only work for small items as the camera will be quite close to the floor.

The traditional way of shooting from above, for larger items, would be to use a boom that attaches to the tripod (with a counter weight on to balance the weight of the camera). The problem with that is that focusing/altering settings can be difficult. At a minimum you would need a step ladder to get high enough to look at/adjust the camera. Better yet some for of remote controller (like Cameranger).

Wilt wrote in post #17851850
You sure you want to replicate the lighting of those shots?! It uses a rather specular (smallish) single source as evidenced by the shadows cast. A rather small softbox (or medium size one, too far away).

But if that's what the paying client wants, that's what the paying client gets.

A lot of catalog photos are like that - or worse, they have similar shadows 'shopped in.

Also, a small/hard light source will show texture and depth better than a big soft flat light.

Wondertwins wrote in post #17851933
Thanks. How would I set up the camera so that it is perfectly on top of the product?

Don't bother, It makes it harder to shoot. Set up a table (or a sheet of plywood) at an angle, maybe 30~45 degrees. Then shoot comfortable standing up. Way easier.

nathancarter wrote in post #17853587
But if that's what the paying client wants, that's what the paying client gets.

A lot of catalog photos are like that - or worse, they have similar shadows 'shopped in.

Also, a small/hard light source will show texture and depth better than a big soft flat light.

I don't disagree...I was merely asking the OP, to verify that style was desired by the client (and not out of lack of his own knowledge or the client's). As photographers we can suggest things to clients as consultants, telling them why do it any different (and let them consciously choose what style)
As for texture, the example photos only show wrinkles!

gjl711 wrote in post #17853598
Don't bother, It makes it harder to shoot. Set up a table (or a sheet of plywood) at an angle, maybe 30~45 degrees. Then shoot comfortable standing up. Way easier.

I was thinking that, but when the OP said that he "was recently assigned", it sounded like a class project & I figured that he was expected to add some of his own creativity to the mix.

Wondertwins wrote in post #17851933
Thanks. How would I set up the camera so that it is perfectly on top of the product?

i use a c-stand, grip arm and baby pin with a threaded hole in the end. Then a 1/4-20 rod to the camera. Works great, but I also use gaffers tape around the strap to both get it out of the way and have a failsafe should the 1/4-20 rod break or i do something stupid. Shoot tethered if you can.

the trick with this type photo (assuming just one light source) is going to be getting the light far enough away so fall off across the product is not too great. You can see in your examples that the right side is somewhat darker than the left, you're going to want to minimize that effect via Inverse Square Law.

gjl711 wrote in post #17853598
Set up a table (or a sheet of plywood) at an angle, maybe 30~45 degrees. Then shoot comfortable standing up. Way easier.

With those angles, you may have to pin the garment to cardboard to keep it from sliding off. Several pins through (e.g.) the back of a shirt where they won't show when it's buttoned.