How to Take Product Shots in Natural Lighting
Photography dates to around 1826. Incandescent lights came almost 10 years later, so there was a time when all photographs were taken with only the sun or candles as a light source. Photography studios often faced north to provide even light. Even today, sunlight provides a wide range of effects, if somewhat unpredictably. Natural lighting remains a viable alternative to flash or other electric light sources and can be an excellent source of illumination for small product shots.
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Things You'll Need
- Table
- Seamless paper for backgrounds, various colors
- Tripod
- Cards for reflectors
Instructions
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Determine how the product shot will be used. Catalogs and magazines frequently strip backgrounds from products, so a white, seamless background will make the layout artist's job easier. Perhaps the product is to be part of a setting, such as a food mixer surrounded by fruits and vegetables. The approach to natural lighting in both types of scenes is similar.
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Orient your table parallel to the window, on the right or left as desired. While product shots can be done outdoors, the directionality of window light is preferred. If the window you are using is not facing north, take the photograph at a time of day when direct sun will not affect your set up. Overcast days provide soft, even light.
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Create the setting for the product. For a seamless background, attach the paper to the wall so it hangs down the back of the table, across the surface and over the front edge. Use tape or clamps to hold it in place with smooth curves. In a feature setting, arrange the elements surrounding the product. Make sure light from the window is not blocked where the product is placed. Hanging seamless paper straight behind the table may help minimize background distractions.
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Place the product on the table. Set your camera on a tripod and compose your scene. On the side opposite the window, set a white card to reflect natural light back into the shadow areas of the product. The card can be any size required, from 8 inches by 10 inches to poster size or beyond. Keep the card outside the camera's view. Adjust the level of reflected natural light by moving the card toward or away from the product.
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Check for reflections in shiny surfaces. Try placing reflectors in other locations, such as under the camera lens or over the table. Placing translucent paper or sheer drapery material over the window will further diffuse the light.
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When you are satisfied, make your exposures. Use a low ISO and a narrow aperture, such as f8, f11 or f16 to assure adequate depth of field across your setup. Natural light is not as strong as studio lighting, so your exposures must be longer. A tripod will ensure the sharpest photos.
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Tips & Warnings
Covering reflectors in silver or gold foil may produce interesting highlights.
Small changes in camera position to the left or right create the effect of moving the light source.
If you have lighting umbrellas, they can be used as diffusers and reflectors.
For low-key product shots, use dark, seamless paper and minimize the use of reflectors. A large piece of black material with a velvety texture is also handy for making the area around the product "disappear."
Black reflectors, carefully placed, can define the edges of glassware on a white background.
Resources
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
