Tabletop Product Lighting

[pearce_jj]

Hi All

I really need some help choosing some lighting to help photograph circuit boards and other small products (typically 4 to 6" square). These 'Cubelite' things caught my eye:

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lastolite-58cm-cubelite/p12375

But would one or more table-top (or flash?) lights be needed too?

Camera is 5D (Mk.I) with 24-105 F4L and speedlite 430, however I have really no knowledge at all of product photography or lighting in general so any comments or advise, however basic, would be very much appreciated!

Main requirements are that it needs to all fold away small as space is limited. And ideally not be too expensive (budget doesn't run to a TS+E lens, for example!).

 

[Garry Edwards]

I hate these things with a passion for most product photography, but they will be OK for things like circuit boards.
You will need a light each side, these lights can also light the top at the same time. Flash is easiest but any other type of light can be used instead.

But why pay £85 for one? There are plenty available for far less, for example this one is £11 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50cm-Phot...graphy_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item1c3f91b95c

 

[Phil V]

Today's headline news:

Garry Edwards in recommending Ebay light tent shocker

To the OP; as you're completely new to this, as Garry says they can be lit with 'anything' but you need to remember about balancing colour and intensity, I'd recommend you pick up a yongnuo YN560 tx and a couple of YN 560 III flashguns, some cheap light stands and speedlight brackets and some black card to use to make GOBOs.

Also pick up Syl Arenas speedlighters handbook to make sense of it all.

 

[pearce_jj]

Thank you for the replies on this, much appreciated.