Photography Lighting

Current time, product photography lighting has gained full attention we’re techniques are used carefully. Therefore, pictures in the best light can help window shoppers purchase products. Various types of product photographers determine the amount of light required for shooting. Yet, placement and direction plays a big part. Distance between light and modifiers control the outcome.

Some types of shots include:

• Individual shots: One product with white background to achieve soft look
• Lifestyle shots: While the product is being used
• Scale shots: Shows the size of a product
• Detailed shots: Highlights the essential product features
• Group shots: are shot with more than one product

Quality and Quantity of Light

In photography, lighting plays a crucial role. Most of all, they commonly include continuous and strobe lighting. However, the first step is to decide what look a photographer wants. Non-diffused light helps to cast hard shadows. Diffused light produces softer results. Balancing and position of lights give intensity to a shot. Umbrellas, soft boxes, sheets, and reflectors are to achieve a specific look. Adding grids can control shape and focus the beam. This is instrumental in placing hot spots on the desired areas. Especially relevant, when shooting indoors or out. Don’t forget, we’re your shooting. Shadows play a big factor. The backgrounds also reflect light. You can use them as reflectors. Bounce light off them if needed.

Reflector kits are available for photography lighting. They assist fill light bouncing back into shadow areas. This in return produces good quality results. Quality is a factor, beautiful shots attract buyers to purchase the product. If shots look dull and boring, high chances they won’t get customers attention. The number of lights due play a factor. But, you don’t need a lot to get started. Three or four lights are plenty. Most noteworthy, buy the same type of lights. They differ in color temperature.

Basics of Lightening

Placement of lightning is crucial for photographers once the basic setup is finalized. Critical area of concern is the placement of lightning affecting highlights. Controlled lighting modes various in different environments.

Types of light bulbs vary in powers, shape and color temperatures. Divide lighting into two major groups.

Traditional Light’s

As the word itself suggest, traditional lights include bulbs used in everyday life such as lamps. Light bulbs are convenient to use in product photography and cheap. However, it’s imperative to properly create attractive product photos.

Traditional lights commonly include:

• Incandescent bulbs, radiate more warm light and are energy efficient.
• Fluorescent bulbs are more durable and energy efficiency. For instance, a 15-watt fluorescent bulb can generate the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. However, considered selecting the correct bulb.

Product photography lighting In most cases, require more than one light. Use bulbs that have the same color temperature. Especially relevant, purchasing bulbs from one specific manufacturer can help to achieve this.

Photographing in a room, bulbs should be used with a color temperature of around 5,600 K. If daylight enters the room, all the light will have correct color temperature.

Studio Light’s

Studio lights are considered the most advanced and convenient lighting. As a result, can be adjusted easily with variable brightness. While, various types of studio lights include Florescent, LED, and Tungsten. Furthermore, studio lights are energy efficient and relatively cheap for off brands. However, the output of light is comparatively low which ranges from 60-100 watts. Whereas, LED lights produce very little heat. Tungsten lights produces a lot of heat. Moreover, in Tungsten, the bulbs are cheap, but change color temperature.

Sunlight

Sunlight, is a reliable source of lightning. Often delays the product shot. Weather is usually very unpredictable and often tends uncooperative. Additionally, while getting the perfect shot, it’s imperative to have the right balance. Most of all, cloudy and overcast days are great for shooting. This makes the work more convenient. Since, daylight is the best light. Therefore, shoot outside if possible. Most of all, it’s free light. Furthermore, it’s great color balance.

In product photography, most noteworthy, diffusion plays a crucial role in lightening. This gives a more professional touch to all the shots. Diffusion sheets are usually made of frosted plastic sheets and white nylon fabric. Sheets suspend a layer of light diffusing material right in front of the bulbs. At times, paper as well as baking sheets are used

Finally, To avoid usage of diffusion sheets, light tents serve as a good alternative. They are comparatively more user-friendly and easy on the pocket. Results also produce good quality product shots. However, light tents often bounce to much light which may produce shots that look flat. As a result, you might not get the look your looking for. Do you want specific areas with light and others without? If so, you’ll need to use light independently. This dictates were you want the light. How the strong the light. What part of the item is lite. Rather, the hole item.

Recommendations

Product shoots acquire certain equipment. This is based on the results they want to achieve. Most of all,  stay within your budget especially for beginners. In addition, below are some recommendations on good photography lighting.

Firstly, if you have a budget of $ 100, professionals suggest buying four important items. Two 26W/120V bulbs, two clamp lamps, diffusion sheet, and 2-3 spring clamps. Whereas, the budget is slightly above $100 then buy a portable photography light tent. They are easy to setup with high reflective interiors. Some include backdrops in black and white. Strips of flicker-free color corrected LED lights. Easy to carry around and ensure uniform lightning. Most of all, everyday household lighting will work for great photos. Be sure to adjust your camera settings. Therefore, choose the correct lighting. You will have four or five to choose from. Also, remember to shot in manual mode. If you don’t know how. Research on line.

In conclusion, to improve the shot quality, practicing frequently and keep tweaking. Perfect shot takes time. Hard work helps with details. Most of all, hard work will pay off. Determine what your trying to say. Because, every photo has a story. Look at other photographers work. Be sure to review many. Their are a lot of professionals. Some like to help and some don’t. Find those that want to help. The internet is a great source of information. Use it to your benefit. Also, watch videos. Learning photography can be very time consuming. But, very rewarding.