Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

A few weeks back I said I would show you how to create photo lighting with objects that could be obtained at a local hardware store. I thought this would be a good time for it sense a lot of you are still trying to stay warm and this challenge will keep you in doors.

Starting off with basic equipment that can be found in any hardware store, or office supply. The two floodlights have clips on them that can be attached to the back of a chair, a step ladder, or any object that can be moved into position. The light bulbs should be the same type, incandescent or fluorescent, daylight or soft white. Even with computers it is hard to color adjust two different color temperatures in the same image. The black and white hard board are used as reflectors. The black to reduce light or block the light from the subject and the white to add light to the subject. The roll you see is mylar, it can be gotten where most drafting supplies are sold. A translucent shower curtain will work as well. This is used to defuse the light, cutting down on hot spots reflecting off the subject. Anything can be used as a background as long as it does not detract from the subject and in some cases does enhance it. Check out advertisements in magazines, see what they use to show the product off and make it more appealing. In these shots the background is draped over the table making it a continuous flow. Again knowing that most of you if not all do not have backgrounds a large piece of cloth will do. insure it’s surface is flat and not reflective.


Now we get into the nitty gritty. What are we looking for in a table top shot? Let’s look at the second, see the harsh shadows on the background, also notice that the bookend to the rear is in deep shadow. This is what we will concentrate on in this challenge.


Third image show an improvement of the far bookend and some of the harsh shadows are softened. However look at the glare on the books caused by changing the camera angle.


The fourth image shows little to no glare, the harsh shadows are softened so as not to be distracting to the subject. Also the background is now out of focus to soften the wrinkles. Are there things wrong with this shot, yes, and they can be seen even by the untrained eye. However, I am only covering basic concepts of tabletop photography in this challenge.


The final picture shows the lighting setup and placement used for the final illustration. Let’s see now what you can do with this information.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

I have been looking forward to this challenge. I have my thinking cap on...

judy juul Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Wow! Thanks for taking this on,Bush! Gonna take some concentrated effort...I'll be back! :lol: :lol:

Roadrunner Loc: Quebec, Canada

This is one I've been waitng for....... :thumbup:

Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

Some of you who are participating in this challenge may have questions or want advice please feel free to ask. I will do my best to help.

AnnMurrey Loc: Ohio

WOW. This will be a learning experience. I have camera club tonight after work so I won't get a chance to try anything till Tuesday after work. May be as good thing. Will be able to see what all of you do before I try.

Roadrunner Loc: Quebec, Canada

Great start and already my glare problem is taken care of...thanks

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Did these Saturday (needed a birthday card for someone who hates these vegetables) and didn't have all the equipment you showed, but improvised. Goodwill/Salvation Army/Yard Sales are great places to find curtains, sheets and even cheap velvet clothing that make good back drops. I draped a black curtain over a trifold cardboard poster and down onto the table. I used the overhead "chandelier" and a cheap round reflector (the white side, not the silver) to bounce light onto the "Veggie Cake". The second one was a done differently - turned the light down and used a flashlight to "paint" the arrangement with light. The arrangement was flat on the table and camera pointing almost directly over the "cake". A challenge to get just the right combo of shutter speed and exposure length. I also found an old "Super 8" movie floodlight in the attic - and it still works! I have had some success in diffusing the light through a white sheet. Although I was pleased with these, I am looking to improve.

Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

Very well done Pat. You have been thinking. The only things I would have changed in both images are: removing the tomato stems. They are not well defined as to what they are. This is due to the angle you are shooting at. The second is a dark shadow at 1 o'clock. All of the cake is well lit except for that area and it stands out. Move the broccoli or fill in the gap. Just food for thought. LOL

dane004 Loc: WYOMING

Bushido thank you for hosting this challenge. Great start I enjoyed your illustrations.

dane004 Loc: WYOMING

PAT very nicely done :thumbup:

Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

Thank you dane004. By the way is Wyoming cold or are you in incognito?

Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

Heading out for a while, however I will be checking in.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

I see what you mean. Could have used a reflector on the rt side too maybe.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Thanks, Dane. Want some veggie cake?