Taking photos of products, howto?

[Tjobbe]

Hey guys,

Are there any photography experts in here? My Dad is about to start taking photos for his Web site, he sells bags and boxes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Thing is, he, and I know nothing about taking good quality photos, so I'm looking for tips on what to do, what to use etc.

Whats the best light to use? Or a cheap alternative of the best one!?

As for the camera, we have a 5megapixel 3 year old kodak thing, will that do?

Background, reflecting things, do we use plain white sheets or do we need a proper screen?

TIA everyone, I've never done anything like this before!

[Christina]

http://www.tabletopstudio.com/documents/HowTo_page.htm

http://www.studiolighting.net/homemade-light-box-for-product-photography/

[Corey Bryant]

I cam across PhotoStudio Box (http://www.iwdn.net/showthread.php?t=840) as well a few years ago at CES.

It seems they have updated the link though and maybe even added a few more: Photo Studio in a box (http://americanrecorder.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=43). I don't know if they would be too small for you to use but googling the Photo studio found a few blogs where users have written about them as well.

[Tjobbe]

Brilliant, thanks guys!

[harrisandreson]

A big burst of flash might seem ideal for spotlighting your product. Butjuniper training (http://www.actualanswers.com/Juniper-certification.htm)
a built-in flash is usually too harsh (think of those pictures you've seen where glaring "hot spots" overwhelm the subject). Better would be an off-camera flash lpi braindump (http://www.actualanswers.com/LPI-certification.htm)
or a set-up with two bright lights.

Another option is natural light: specifically, soft and even - such as outdoors on a solid-overcast day, in the shade of a porchmicrosoft training (http://www.actualanswers.com/Microsoft-certification.htm)
, or indoors next to a window. Make sure all key areas of your item are well-lit. Otherwise, with amcts exam (http://www.actualanswers.com/certification/MCTS.htm)
subject in which one side is nicely lit and the other side in deep shadow: Use off-camera fill flash, or "bounce" light into the shadows with a portable reflector, a small white card, or large white poster board.