 Being a product photographer will usually translate into becoming a multi-talented artist. As a professional picture taker the variety of clientele you have depends upon the knowledge you acquire that will transform you into a clothing photographer, a necklace photographer, a ring photographer and even a shoe photographer. The end result is that it is important to understand how to set up, light and shoot any type of subject whether it is an inanimate object or a living breathing creature. No matter what or who you have in your sights, being versatile enough to handle any project will make you invaluable.
When the subject is clothing the first part of the shoot is all about the prep. Regardless if the clothing is to be on a live model, a mannequin or to be laid flat, making sure the material is clean, pressed and as wrinkle free as possible is job one. Wrinkled clothing creates unwanted shadows that will drive you crazy so be sure to have an iron, steam press and what ever it takes to keep the clothing wrinkle – free and even.
Lighting for clothing depends on how the clothes are to be showcased. If you are using a mannequin the light set up has some similarities to using a live model. The advantages to a mannequin are more than just the fact that you don’t have to feed them, worry about their feelings or how tired they get. Although live models have many positive attributes, a mannequin requires less lighting set ups, can be manipulated and hold any position you desire for unlimited amounts of time. They are always available, never have to use the bathroom and hardly ever come with an agent to deal with.
Soft box lighting is best for most product shoots and for mannequin work place the boxes on either side of the model and increase the box size to its largest setting. These diffused light sources at this scale will produce excellent illumination when shooting at the longer shutter speeds. Set two primary light sources on the clothing and then focus one additional source on the white wall which will help blanche out the backdrop. Be careful not to allow any of the background light to shine on the model. This is only to diffuse the area behind the mannequin so the model is the only thing seen in the shot.
If your assignment is as a shoe photographer similar advice is warranted in the prep. Shine the shoes but be cognoscente of any glare from shoes with a polished finish or patent leather.
Being a bracelet photographer, a ring photographer or a necklace photographer is again first about the prep work, making the pieces sparkles and shine is always the first order of business. Jewelry photographer is all about capturing the brilliance of the subject.
The setting for smaller, stationary product shots like shoes, jewelry, clothing that lies flat or hung needs to be established using table tops platforms or wires and pins for hanging setups. Make sure that all the light sources match in color so the images stay even and balanced. Mixing different colored bulbs is not recommended especially for those just starting out. If you want to alter the mood with different hues the easy thing is just use gels. Choosing the right gels and how those colors react and interact with the colors of the clothing or jewelry takes practice and an understanding of chromatic scales. Most product photography uses simple diffused white because colored lights create challenges when trying to mix and match the right colored light with the textures, colors and shapes of the subject.
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