Suggestion for Product Light Kit

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Bump
Sometimes a blackfoamcore board is used to add some definition to a white product-ie dress.

So anybody use the black foil? It isn't extremely expensive and is reusable- just wonder what type of finish is on it-flat matte or what?

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by DEMDeepEllumMusic

Bump
Sometimes a blackfoamcore board is used to add some definition to a white product-ie dress.

So anybody use the black foil? It isn't extremely expensive and is reusable- just wonder what type of finish is on it-flat matte or what?

I've seen photogs use it, but never bought any myself. They often shape it around a head to make a custom snoot.

[Steelsun]

BTW: I often pick up foam core (white, black, blue and other colors) at Dollar tree for $1 a sheet - can't beat that.

I've also forgone using tents for product shots. Since most of the stuff I do now is at least the size of a football or bigger, most affordable tents are too crowded.

Instead I've been using shoot through umbrellas and panels (PVC squares with white diffusion mounted on them - either rip stop of shower curtain).

My biggest problem has been white balance, but I've been correcting that with post production in LR.

Here's an excellent vid that I've based alot of my product work on:
pro photo life Blog Archive video: episode 1 , DIY studio product photography

[Steelsun]

Here's a quick pic of a setup I am using today for a few pics of autographed footballs for a client's catalog.

It's basically a table made from 2 sawhorses with a wide white shelf on top.
3/4" PVC lies in the groove of each sawhorse with the shelf on the PVC - I use the PVC to insert 1/2" PVC tubes into that can be moved in and out for holding small lights & Foamcore.

The diffuser panel I made myself: a PVC frame with material velcroed on it (can be ripstop nylon, shower curtains, etc - this one is a cheap tablecloth).

It's currently located in my front room (front door seen in the top right), and that junk in the lower right is where I toss my junk mail / flyers / etc - so excuse the mess

[PhotoByLeal]

Brian, where is the final picture?

[Steelsun]

Here's one - A&M custom football signed by the "Junction Boys" (Those still alive, that is).

Still got a bright spot in the lower left I have to diffuse better.

[janikphoto]

I've assisted for the Neiman's, Horchow, JCP and many other catalogs in the past... I have learned just enough to know that I can't really do great tabletop work. I could do something like the football above, which looks nice enough, but I learned that great product shots require more effort and patience than I currently have. I really should practice it more, because there's money to be made in good product shots.