D Cox
•
Forum Pro
•
Posts: 32,979
Re: New to Product photography
Rodger in Edmonton wrote:
Joel Klein wrote:
Product photography is something I’m being asked to do. I have the tools (or maybe not) Nikon Z7ii and Z MC 105 lens, a tripod, remote shutter release.
It began with a bottle of alcoholic beverage, And now I got an expensive Bourbon that requires a white clean background with no shadows for the graphic designer.
I called B&H, explained that I have the skill to capture Eagles at the Conowingo dam with a Z9 and long glass, I have a full fledge kids portrait studio, lighting softboxes, props, and everything in between. but I have never done products professionally, and I’m being asked to do so. Why say no to additional opportunities? I don’t want to use my giant soft boxes for products, I want them to stay where they are.
So the rep recommended this
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1436269-REG
I would love to learn more / read more about this genre of photography.
Any ideas? Tips? Do’s and dont’s?
Thanks 🙏
This book is the source you need , it has entire chapters dedicated to form & specific substances like metal, glass, reflective metal etc etc...it teaches how to choose and use the proper tools and lighting scheme depending the size, substance , topography, reflectivity and dimensions of the object before us ie light interact with glass, meta and wood differently.
A glass bottle can be portrayed as translucent, darkened with a rim light, backlit for structure etc
It teaches the Family of Angle sand how to apply them effectively for your purpose etc,
This edition is from a few years back

That book is very good indeed, but you won't read it in a day.
Look out for an old Kodak booklet called "Studio Lighting for Product Photography". Used copies can be found.
Don