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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> What equipment for small product studio shoot?
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 04/20/2007 10:43:47 AM · #1
I was hoping I could get some suggestions on what lighting related equipment I should purchase for a shoot I'm doing for my company. In the past I've relied heavily on Photoshop to make up for my lack of studio, but I'd like to do it right this time.

Our budget would probably be in the <$600 range. Shooting with a Nikon DSLR and tripod. Mainly interested in lighting equipment and stage setup.

We're going to be shooting 8.5" x 11" paper label sheets in about 30 different materials with very different lighting properties (reflective, clear, glossy, flat white, etc) and also those labels on a variety products that range from boxes and containers to jewelry.

How many lights should I use and what kind? Should I use an external flash? What about diffuse lighting setup? Do I need some kind of light dome?

I was thinking of using something like this Micro-shooting table, one of those small cloud dome kits, or making my own.

We'd be doing shots similar to things like this:

//www.onlinelabels.com/images/super_size/waterproof.jpg
//www.onlinelabels.com/images/super_size/fluorescent.jpg
//www.onlinelabels.com/images/super_size/wx.jpg
//www.onlinelabels.com/images/super_size/foils.jpg
//www.onlinelabels.com/images/super_size/pastels.jpg

Help and guidance would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks everyone.

-Bill
 04/20/2007 10:52:16 AM · #2
I would build a big light tent. Make the supports from PVC and use some white material to diffuse the light. For lighting the cheap way would be to use some desk lamps. You could also get hold of some 2nd Nikon flashes (like the SB-24) and connect them with a PC cord.
 04/20/2007 10:52:23 AM · #3
I don't think you need a special table. Just get a normal table. Check out lighting tents or you can build one from PVC and some fabric. I would spend the money on the lighting instead of the table.
 04/20/2007 12:24:42 PM · #4
What kind of lamps do you guys suggest if I go with a light tent style setup? Most pre-assembled kits use two lamps placed 180 degrees apart it seems.
 04/20/2007 12:30:00 PM · #5
Originally posted by bil2k2:
What kind of lamps do you guys suggest if I go with a light tent style setup? Most pre-assembled kits use two lamps placed 180 degrees apart it seems.

If you want to save money get some standard desklamps. They are fairly cheap, so get 3 or four of them and play around a bit with the lighting. You put CFL energy-saver bulbs in to reduce heat.
 04/20/2007 12:36:33 PM · #6
Check out this Setup By Strobist, 10 dollar setup to pull off stuff lol.





A few more bucks onto that to shoot a nikon camera with relfection ona black surface with a bluelit background

//strobist.blogspot.com/2006/08/on-assignment-shoot-your-shiny-new.html




Just Proof you dont have to spend too much money.

Message edited by author 2007-04-20 12:40:29.
 04/20/2007 02:11:09 PM · #7
Thanks everyone for your help. There's a kit with a 24" light shed and two 500w flood lamps that seems like it'd do the job perfectly.

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=402604&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I could probably just build a similar light shed but since it's for work I'd argue my time is better spent getting the shot done and over with.

Thanks once again

-Bill
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