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You can use the sun as your only source of light when shooting product photography. This lesson shows one solution for shooting outdoor product shots by softening the usually harsh light of day.
(Click on any image below for an enlarged view.) |
Topics Covered:
- Setting up a Small LitePanel Shooting Tent
Equipment Used:
 Figure 1 |
We gathered up our equipment and headed for the beach.
Once we found a suitable spot, we set up two LiteStands placed about 7 feet apart. We then attached Main & T Clamps to the brass posts on both of the LiteStands (figure 1). |
 Figure 2 |
A 39" x 39" aluminum LitePanel frame was set up. The LitePanel frames are shock-corded for quick assembly (figure 2). |
 Figure 3 |
A 39" x 39" Translucent LitePanel fabric was then secured to the LitePanel frame (figure 3). |
 Figure 4 |
This LitePanel frame was then secured to the receiving "T" clamp section of the LiteStand's Main & T Clamp (figure 4).
This process was repeated to build another LitePanel frame to secure to the other LiteStand. |
 Figure 5 |
Two LitePanel Connector Clips were placed on each of the upper bars of the LitePanel frames (figure 5). |
 Figure 6 |
This image shows the placement of both LitePanel frames on our "set" (figure 6).
We then began building the 39" x 72" aluminum LitePanel frame to bridge the first two LitePanels. |
 Figure 7 |
Again, the shock-corded frames are easy to construct (figure 7). Hard plastic corners and mid-span connectors make for a rigid, dependable frame. |
 Figure 8 |
A 39" x 72" Translucent LitePanel fabric was then secured to this LitePanel frame (figure 8). |
 Figure 9 |
This frame was connected to the other two frames with the LitePanel Connector Clips. The frame is now a "ceiling" for our ourdoor shooting tent (figure 9).
The translucent fabrics on all three frames allows sunlight to penetrate. This light is softened allowing for soft, even lighting of objects without any harsh shadows or blown highlights. |
 Figure 10 |
We found some driftwood on the beach to use as a prop for our shots (figure 10). |
 Figure 11 |
This shows our lighting solution in action (figure 11). Notice the direction of the sun and how the filtered light is falling on our product set. |
 Figure 12 |
Here is the opposite view of the set (figure 12). Notice how the LiteStands and Main & T Clamps are holding our shooting tent in place. |
 Figure 13 |
Here is a result image of our shooting tent (figure 13). See how there is no harshness to the lighting. The shadows are very soft. |
 Figure 14 |
To brighten our shot, we built another 39" x 72" aluminum LitePanel frame with the white/gold fabric attached. The gold side was used to reflect the sunlight onto our product (figure 14). |
 Figure 15 |
Here is another angle of the same set up (figure 15). See how both the product and driftwood have a "beam" of bright, warmer light falling on them. |
 Figure 16 |
Here is the same lighting set up shown from behind the camera (figure 16). |
 Figure 17 |
Our result image shows the product more brightly lit (figure 17). |
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Figures 18 and 19 show a comparison of shots without any reflected light and with the gold reflected light. The overall light is still soft and pleasing, yet the addition of the reflected light adds nice highlights to our product. |
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Once you establish a nice lighting set up, you can zoom in on your products for more detailed shots (figures 20 and 21). |
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 Figure 22 |
Then you can swap products in and out of your set quickly and with great result (figures 22-24). |
Equipment Used:
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