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Product Shots of Dolls & Lamps I am trying to photograph some lamps/dolls to build a online catalog for the internet. I'm having problems with a shadow of the object on the background; using a Canon AE with a 199a flash attachment and a 50mm f1.2 lens and 200 speed film. I'm taking the photos in the vertical plane. I tried flashing straight in with the flash attached to the camera and I've tried an off shoe cable aiming the flash down(even worse shadows). Would it help to use a black background and move the camera and flash back (I'm presently about 4 ft away) and use a zoom lens? Also would it help to bounce the flash off of a white ceiling at about a 45 degree angle. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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John A. Lind |
The macros I've done of small objects use highly diffused, indirect daylight just in front of a large window. I set up a slightly tilted panel (about 10 degrees from level) and cover it with an old bedsheet which extends beyond the back of the panel and then vertically over the side of a large cardboard box for a backdrop. With the camera tripoded I worry more about aperture for correct DOF and set the shutter speed for a proper exposure, sometimes as long as half to a full second. I also lock up the mirror and stop down the lens prior to tripping the shutter to eliminate vibration from mirror slap and stopdown. I've uploaded a photo done earlier this year using this method for an on-line auction. There is some very slight shadow, but no sharp contrast or edges to it. If complete elimination of all object shadow is important, you might experiment with a "tent" made of white material covering the object to diffuse multiple flashes positioned around it, possibly on a light table to allow modest lighting from underneath too. Make an opening in the tent just big enough for the lens. I have not yet tried it because it requires a very complex setup, but have heard of others using this method.
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