Product Photography

[James Newman]

I have been given the opportunity to photograph some of the products that we manufacture in our Houston facility. We are a custom manufacturer specializing in plastic injection molding, decorating, and assembly by the way. Most of our products are electronics, computer, and communications related so this is sort of a departure from the norm for us.

[Imagine, as I can't show the company's project at this stage]I shot these with my Nikon D3 and 105mm f/2.8 macro lens. For the lighting I used two small
SB-R200 macro flash units, in front at angles left and right of the part. I also used an SB-800 speedlight above that hit the top of the part as well as the background paper. One thing I found right away was dust on the parts. \

I would appreciate your [approach on this kind of work] attempt because I really would like to do this project and I need to know what I can do to get the best possible results. Maybe a light box would look better [to avoid] glare? [So how do you approach these projects?]

 

[John Angulat]

Hi James,
I laughed when I read your post, in that I've got 2 owners of my company who feel the same: "Hey, John takes pictures...why don't we use him to..." and the fun began. At last count I'm doing all the catalog/web product images, trade show images, company portraits, etc.
It's a blast and it gets me away from my desk.

Here's my take on your images, for what it's worth:

1. Use a white paper background. You can get a 48" wide roll (Savage brand) dirt cheap from B&H. I also use the the white background to set the white point when editing in PS. Works very well.

2. I'd not use the SB-R-200's for something as large as this. They're really designed for close/macro. I use a pair of light stands w/ a couple of AC strobes, bounced off umbrellas. A 3rd strobe hits the background. It pretty much eliminates harsh shadowing. I've also had a lot of luck using 3 compact 100W fluorescent lamps in reflectors (if you don't want to go strobes).

3. I'd clean up the wiring a bit - roll the 2 wire red cable into a loop and do the same for the braided shield. It will look much neater and also cut down on weird shadows. You may also roll the wires around a pencil to create a coiled pig-tail.

4. Lastly, I'd stick with the 45 degree angle on the image. Few products (like people) look good shot straight on.

That's it, I hope it helps (or at least gets this thread started with some more comments/suggestions).

 

[Ken Tanaka]

I'd add that your goal for these images of industrial products is probably principally to be informative rather than seductive or persuasive. (I doubt that many [] meters (?) are purchased because of pretty images.) So when you're making decisions regarding lighting camera angles I would be mindful of such a goal, as well as informed of other similar photography of such products.

 

[Kathy Rappaport]

Glasses

I think it was about 2 years ago one of my accounting clients decided that I was skilled enough to try shooiting their product line for their website - reading glasses. Sure, I thought it would be easy. My flash would work. Ha ha. I had taken one studio class - i could do it.

Well, so I ended up researching and not wanting to invest in his products as well as losing money, I embarked on my attempt. I ended up buying a light tent and continuous lights -- it was the most boring project ever. The white has to be bright white and I wasn't getting it right. The glasses did not work on the bottom of the tent. And then there was reflection. Anyway, after pulling out my hair, I did finally get it. What a learning experience that was. I would do it again - but - now my equipment is better and I certainly would demand more money for it.

Here is the tutorial that I found the best on product lighting: http://www.photoflexlightingschool....nced_Lighting/Product___Still_life/index.html

 

[Charles L Webster]

As always, I suggest you get and read the book "Light, Science & Magic" It has lots of information to help you learn how to do product lighting correctly. There are no easy recipes, every product presents its own unique challenges.

 

[James Newman]

Thanks everyone for the great input. You have given me much to read, try, and experiment with. I shall return. And thanks again for your help Asher.
James Newman