Need some help with a quick, cheap lighting set up...

Hey guys!

I'm applying for a job shooting products in a week (accessories such as small handbags, jewelry, belts, etc) and I am trying to come up with some sort of lighting set up i can shoot under w/o having to rent lights b/c i need to keep my costs down in order to get the shoot. Anyone have any tips for rigging some lighting that would allow me to get some nice shots with, basically, really inexpensive materials?

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Permalink Reply by Robert on February 2, 2008 at 8:35am

It may sound ridiculous but I would suggest these two cheapies from your local Walmart.

Closeups of jewelry can be achieved with this one.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8204477

or you can use a floor lamp to achieve a nice "Rembrandt" effect. A model such as this one would work for any taller objects:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=872140

My suggestion though is to change out the traditional harsh bulbs with an environmentally friendly fluorescent trio. Then angle them as you see fit. Keep in mind to adjust your white balance for the type of lighting you are using.

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Permalink Reply by soulminer on February 2, 2008 at 9:41am

Thanks heaps for that info. That's exactly the sort of thing i was looking for! As far as bulbs go, what sort of wattage should i be looking for?

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Permalink Reply by Robert on February 2, 2008 at 6:11pm

I would go with whatever the manufacturer (and the Underwriters Laboratory) recommend. Happy shooting!

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Permalink Reply by Robert on February 4, 2008 at 7:01pm

Soulminer,

Here is a link to a really good article on that same subject, and a great website to subscribe to!

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/diy-flash-and-lighting-hacks-for-digital-photographers/