How To Tame Contrast And Shadow In Product Photography
Last month I talked about choosing a light source for your product photos. If there is one secret or tick to product photography it focuses on the characteristics of light. Learning how it affects the finial outcome of the image is critical for a product photographer. Each different light source will affect the final outcome. The one thing that is universal is contrast and shadow. It doesn’t matter if it’s light from the sun, a desk lamp or a fluorescent bulb, unfiltered light will create a shadow when it falls on the subject.
In the photo below the boots were shot on a sunny day. Notice the shadow. The same thing happens when you are using lights inside in a studio.
Photo taken on a sunny day
The problem with the photo of the boots is that shadow. It is so dark we can’t see details in the item we are trying to feature. What a photographer needs to do is tame that extreme dark and light area in the photo (referred to in photography as contrast). In other words, soften or diffuse the light.
Photo taken on an overcast day
Sunny day using an eTent
The photo of the boots were shot on the same sunny day as the fist photo. They were placed inside a box called an eTent.
Boots inside an eTent
This is an eTent. It is by far the easiest and simplest way to set up diffused light. It is simply a nylon box that you set your item into and shoot light through to diffuse the light. There are not big tonal changes between light areas and shadows.
They come in several different sizes from the size good for jewelry all the way up to a size good for a doghouse. They are fairly inexpensive – and make the job of product photography a breeze.
There are other ways to produce diffused light. Photo ‘shoot through’ umbrellas are also designed specifically with the purpose of softening light rays. They are essentially the same translucent nylon material that the eTents are made out of. You shoot the light through the umbrella so it is between the light source and the subject.
If you are interested in these items please feel free to check out www.easyauctionphotography.com or my eBay store for more information about them.
If you are just not ready to jump in and purchase these items to improve your product photos there are other ways to diffuse the light. They tend to be awkward to work with though.
For instance, you could hang a translucent type material, even a shower curtain will do, between the light and the item you are photographing.
Diffused lighting really is the big secret or technique for producing outstanding product shots. That’s way I keep coming back to it. Let me show you a side-by-side comparison.
The top photo was taken using an eTent. I set the Leatherman on a piece of white paper. I positioned one light on either side, outside the eTent. Look at the detail you can see in the tool!
The bottom one was taken with the diffused light, using a flash. It has lost a lot of its detail. The Leatherman has lost detail not only from the harsh glare spot caused by the flash, but because there is so much contrast between the light and the dark tones.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use an eTent, Light Cube my guide: Light Tents covers specifically how to use any variety eTent you many have purchased. More information about Light Tents can be found out by going to http://www.easyauctionphotography.com
Light Tents - Guide Book - Out Of Stock
If you interested in purchasing an eTent, CloverCity carries a complete line of them. And, if you purchase through my eBay store I’ll include the book Light Tents instruction at no additional charge.
Good luck – happy photographing.
Cindy Shebley
If you want reprint this article or use it for your website, please feel free. The only requirement is that you keep the links in place and credit me as the author.
In the photo below the boots were shot on a sunny day. Notice the shadow. The same thing happens when you are using lights inside in a studio.
Photo taken on a sunny dayThe problem with the photo of the boots is that shadow. It is so dark we can’t see details in the item we are trying to feature. What a photographer needs to do is tame that extreme dark and light area in the photo (referred to in photography as contrast). In other words, soften or diffuse the light.
Photo taken on an overcast dayI live in the Northwest USA. To soften light and prevent those harsh shadows I can take my items outside and shoot on a cloudy day. It’s a quick and easy way to diffuse the light. But, when it is cloudy, often times that means rain – so it’s often not the best solution. That’s where using a few simple tools or techniques help.
Sunny day using an eTentThe photo of the boots were shot on the same sunny day as the fist photo. They were placed inside a box called an eTent.
Boots inside an eTentThis is an eTent. It is by far the easiest and simplest way to set up diffused light. It is simply a nylon box that you set your item into and shoot light through to diffuse the light. There are not big tonal changes between light areas and shadows.
They come in several different sizes from the size good for jewelry all the way up to a size good for a doghouse. They are fairly inexpensive – and make the job of product photography a breeze.
There are other ways to produce diffused light. Photo ‘shoot through’ umbrellas are also designed specifically with the purpose of softening light rays. They are essentially the same translucent nylon material that the eTents are made out of. You shoot the light through the umbrella so it is between the light source and the subject.
If you are interested in these items please feel free to check out www.easyauctionphotography.com or my eBay store for more information about them.
If you are just not ready to jump in and purchase these items to improve your product photos there are other ways to diffuse the light. They tend to be awkward to work with though.
For instance, you could hang a translucent type material, even a shower curtain will do, between the light and the item you are photographing.
Diffused lighting really is the big secret or technique for producing outstanding product shots. That’s way I keep coming back to it. Let me show you a side-by-side comparison.
The top photo was taken using an eTent. I set the Leatherman on a piece of white paper. I positioned one light on either side, outside the eTent. Look at the detail you can see in the tool!
The bottom one was taken with the diffused light, using a flash. It has lost a lot of its detail. The Leatherman has lost detail not only from the harsh glare spot caused by the flash, but because there is so much contrast between the light and the dark tones.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use an eTent, Light Cube my guide: Light Tents covers specifically how to use any variety eTent you many have purchased. More information about Light Tents can be found out by going to http://www.easyauctionphotography.com
Light Tents - Guide Book - Out Of Stock
If you interested in purchasing an eTent, CloverCity carries a complete line of them. And, if you purchase through my eBay store I’ll include the book Light Tents instruction at no additional charge.
Good luck – happy photographing.
Cindy Shebley
If you want reprint this article or use it for your website, please feel free. The only requirement is that you keep the links in place and credit me as the author.
posted by EZAuction Photos at 3:51 PM
