Beginner Lighting for Product Photography

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Jon
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I want to get a lighting setup for product photography, as I sell stuff on Amazon and the quality of the photo is important. I've got a few bits but I'm seeking some advice on improvements.

Current setup:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PhotoGeeks...87535782&sr=8-23&keywords=Product+photography

Considering something like this:

1 head version: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Camera-P...35737&sr=8-4&keywords=continuous+lighting+kit

5 head version: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Photo-285...753951?hash=item2c94304b1f:g:5MIAAOSwRQlXddn0

So, any comments on what I am looking at? Am I barking up the wrong tree? For example I don't know the benefit of 5 head verses 1 head. WIth 1 head can you just go for a lower ISO on your camera and so its not needed?

All advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon
 
So, any comments on what I am looking at? Am I barking up the wrong tree? For example I don't know the benefit of 5 head verses 1 head. WIth 1 head can you just go for a lower ISO on your camera and so its not needed?

5 vs 1 is obviously just going to give you more light as you surmised. Raising the ISO will compensate for lower light, but at the expense of noise, tho how much noise will depend on other factors. Alternatively, a longer exposure will have the same effect, but without the noise but of course subject to any vibration or movement.

I think most people here would come back and suggest a flash/strobe/speedlight based setup would be a better option.
 
Id like to know what improvements you're seeking.

Just buying more kit is rarely the solution, what exactly is the problem?
 
The 5 bulb kit gives you a bit more control over lighting ratios (how many bulbs are on), but you will need a location where you can control the room light levels (black out). 3 lights with a boom is a definite plus, but I can pretty well guarantee that the stands/boom are pretty crappy... just a 1/2 decent boom will cost nearly as much as those kits. However, they will probably be "ok" to start with and can be replaced/upgraded as needed.
 
My current lights are ok for the light tent, although its not massively bright in there. Currently taking photos with my phone camera. But if I get a reasonable (say £500) SLR, I can alter ISO etc, so the lower light is not so crucial.

A product I am trying to take photos of recently is a baby blanket. That's a bit harder to take photos off inside a light tent because its size at 47" x 47". So, I was thinking having the softbox as then I could get some diffused light with my blanket not needing a light tent, which is too small. My current setup is just open bulb and so perhaps not so good for the outside-the-light-tent experience.

All my photography will be taken using a tripod if that makes any difference, as they are all still shots.

I don't know enough about photography or lighting to know if 5 head is better than 1 head. Or is it just money down the drain?
 
Phil and Steve may well come back with more suggestions now you have given some additional details, but given you are thinking of spending the sort of money the 5 bulb kit would be, you are probably better off getting a studio style flash which will take standard modifiers - event the lower power models should give you more than enough light, and more importantly the ability to control the light to do what you want with it.

The most basic entry level is something like a Godox DE 300

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/tqc/Godo...8&qid=1487631768&sr=8-1&keywords=godox+de+300

For a bit more you can get a Lencarta Smartflash 3

https://www.lencarta.com/studio-lighting/lencarta-studio-flash-heads?product_id=470&ov=1

which is similar in general specs, but with greater range of power control, built in cooling fan, and the back up of a UK company for after sales.

You then need a stand, softbox (or umbrella) and a camera to trigger the light - but once you've learnt to use it the results should be significantly better than you can achieve with the much less controllable constant lights.
 
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