Still / Table top advice needed.

[riu]

As a novice to photography and no idea on lighting i am after some advice on how to light still/ table top subjects and what equipment do i require to get shadows etc right.

 

[Garry Edwards]

It's a big subject, there's no one-answer-fits-all solution.

Can you give more info on the type of subjects you want to shoot?

 

[riu]

It's a big subject, there's no one-answer-fits-all solution.

Can you give more info on the type of subjects you want to shoot?

Garry,

i am wanting to shoot small subjects such as pencils, drink glasses/bottles, anything that will sit on a table thats about 60cm x 60cm. Just want to explore creative still shots in the house.

 

[Garry Edwards]

Typically (but not always) you'd have an overhead softbox, slightly behind and pointing a little forwards. A boom arm is the best tool for holding it, but you can manage without one if you have to.
Then a key light, either with a reflective umbrella or a standard reflector (you need a choice of both) will cover most situations, place it wherever it produces the right kind of shadows, and control the hardness of the shadows by choosing either of those tools and adjusting the distance.

This can be done with hotshoe flashes but studio flash is a much better choice. The SmartFlash twin head kit with a 60 x 60cm softbox (you'd need a much bigger one if you wanted to shoot highly reflective subjects) has everything you need, but the SmartFlash is out of stock right now - give it a few days and they'll be back.

 

[riu]

Typically (but not always) you'd have an overhead softbox, slightly behind and pointing a little forwards. A boom arm is the best tool for holding it, but you can manage without one if you have to.
Then a key light, either with a reflective umbrella or a standard reflector (you need a choice of both) will cover most situations, place it wherever it produces the right kind of shadows, and control the hardness of the shadows by choosing either of those tools and adjusting the distance.

This can be done with hotshoe flashes but studio flash is a much better choice. The SmartFlash twin head kit with a 60 x 60cm softbox (you'd need a much bigger one if you wanted to shoot highly reflective subjects) has everything you need, but the SmartFlash is out of stock right now - give it a few days and they'll be back.

Garry, thanks for the advice, however as i am totally new to this i have just ordered your DVD on still life, maybe after watching it i will understand.

thanks

 

[alexam]

Hi Steve,

take a look at a site called prophotolife.com there are several videos that show you how to light table top objects with a single light or multiple lights. If you are just starting out, a single light with reflectors and mirrors would probably do the job on what you are shooting at present. Hope this helps

Malcolm

 

[riu]

Hi Steve,

take a look at a site called prophotolife.com there are several videos that show you how to light table top objects with a single light or multiple lights. If you are just starting out, a single light with reflectors and mirrors would probably do the job on what you are shooting at present. Hope this helps

Malcolm

Malcolm, cheers will check it out. Dont think the wife would be happy if i spend a shed load of money on lighting just at the minute as i have recently purchased two lens and a 60d very soon.

Steve