C&C on product type photo

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helpme

Diamond Member
Feb 6, 2000
3,090
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I usually do sports and motorsport, but I just picked up a 285hv and an umbrella to help my gf do some portraits.

I've been interested in trying to do some catalog style photos, but didn't have any lighting to do it with. Now that I do, I grabbed a lens as a subject and tried it.

I don't know anything about what the best practices are for this type of photo, so I figured I'd share an example of mine and ask for comments if any of you do this type of thing.

http://iidx.smugmug.com/photos/667534702_rRLih-XL.jpg

Info (EXIF should be in the jpg but just in case):
60mm lens
1/40s
f/22
ISO 200
Flash WB (I don't have a grey card)

Lighting from umbrella to subject right, foam board used as bounce from the left. Flash was set to 1/1 or 1/2 power (I can't remember now). Subject was sitting on another piece of foamboard.

Yes, my sensor is dirty. I tried using DPP and the dust data from the camera, but it didn't get all the spots. I usually use lightroom, which of course does not support the dust data.

Edit: As requested, a brighter version

http://iidx.smugmug.com/photos/668221373_8cV9h-XL.jpg
 
P

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Looks a bit underexposed to me. If you shot it in RAW you can just bump that up a bit.
 
T

twistedlogic

Senior member
Feb 4, 2008
606
0
0
Originally posted by: helpme
Info (EXIF should be in the jpg but just in case):
60mm lens
1/40s
f/22
ISO 200
Flash WB (I don't have a grey card)
Click to expand...

Yeah, EXIF has been removed from the JPG.

And as PurueRy mentions, its about 1 stop underexposed. Other than that, it looks great.


Originally posted by: helpme
Yes, my sensor is dirty. I tried using DPP and the dust data from the camera, but it didn't get all the spots. I usually use lightroom, which of course does not support the dust data.
Click to expand...

LR has spot removal that works for a quick fix.

 
H

helpme

Diamond Member
Feb 6, 2000
3,090
0
0
Originally posted by: Maximus96
1/40s and f/22 for product photos??
Click to expand...

I was trying to get as much DOF as possible. Shutter speed could have been higher since it was flash illuminated, but the camera was on a tripod anyway.

As far as dust removal in LR, I was trying to use the dust data for auto removal. Never used that feature in DPP before.
 
M

magomago

Lifer
Sep 28, 2002
10,973
14
76
up your iso or push that exposure to the right if you are in LR. Otherwise, test and find out what f# you need to get the whole thing in focus. If it isn't f/22 then taking a larger aperature will give you more light.

just casually glancing, it looks like the top left of the frame background is darker than the rest. Maybe some kind of reflector to even out the exposure gradient a little if you aren't using one?
 
H

helpme

Diamond Member
Feb 6, 2000
3,090
0
0
Originally posted by: magomago
up your iso or push that exposure to the right if you are in LR. Otherwise, test and find out what f# you need to get the whole thing in focus. If it isn't f/22 then taking a larger aperature will give you more light.

just casually glancing, it looks like the top left of the frame background is darker than the rest. Maybe some kind of reflector to even out the exposure gradient a little if you aren't using one?
Click to expand...

I'll increase the exposure tonight (at work now). I ended up at f/22 because bigger was leaving too much of the end of the lens soft.

I was using another piece of foam board to reflect light onto the foreground, but I could use a longer piece to make sure the area behind the lens is also evenly lit.

Thanks for the suggestions, I will put them to work the next chance I have to set everything back up.
 
H

helpme

Diamond Member
Feb 6, 2000
3,090
0
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: helpme
Brighter version as requested:

http://iidx.smugmug.com/photos/668221373_8cV9h-XL.jpg
Click to expand...

Much improved. I'm not sure about the "rules" of product photography but I might try to get a bit more light on the side facing the camera as the side facing away appears to be brighter.
Click to expand...

Yes, I was only using a foam board to reflect light on the side facing us. The umbrella is to the right and above the lens. I had a problem with the lens having a shiny line when the umbrella was to the left. I needed to experiment more with the angle of the light to keep the reflection from the camera.
 
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whoiswes

Senior member
Oct 4, 2002
850
0
76
this may sound stupid, but would you mind taking a picture of your setup and posting here?

I've never really done any sort of studio work but am intrigued by it, even if it's a purely academic (read: fun) exercise for me and would be interested in how you did your setup, given that it sounds like you're just getting started in this too.
 
H

helpme

Diamond Member
Feb 6, 2000
3,090
0
0
Originally posted by: extra
You want to have the background even except for (if desired) a shadow in one direction from the object, usually. Here:

http://img136.imageshack.us/im...9/6682213738cv9hxl.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks! I wonder if the even background is mostly adjusted in post (as you did), or if it is easy to get the BG pretty even out of the camera without using a softbox or larger overhead/side diffusers.

Whoiswes, I don't have the umbrella setup anymore, I went to use it for some shots in a park, when I set it back up I will a picture.
 
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