Does a larger light tent affect product-photo background and diffusion?
Asked 4/24/2011
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I'm choosing a light tent for product photography and noticed that larger sizes cost only a little more. My current needs are small to medium items like cameras, lenses, and camera bags, and I want a seamless, low-shadow background with lighting from multiple directions, possibly including underneath.
Aside from taking up more space, are there disadvantages to buying a larger-than-needed light tent? Does tent size noticeably change how diffuse the light is or how seamless the background appears? For example, would a 48" or 60" tent behave differently from a 36" tent for these kinds of products?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
3
In my opinion, not at all. I've done various sized DIY rigs for this and the seamlessness of the background is more due to good lighting angles, the background itself, the and technique used instead of specific sorts and sizes of tents. I've also done seamless without a tent structure and it works, you just need a little more care with the lights.
In any case, the tents are great, and so the size question is probably more relevant to use. If the 36" does it and you just don't anticipate going beyond that size need, then don't get a larger one as it's less space, neater package, and easier to handle. Go for the larger sizes if you do, in fact, anticpate needing to shoot something larger or are unsure if the case will arise. However, I think the whole difference is space... :)
Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user472
15y ago
0
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For most product shots, tent size has little effect on how seamless the background looks. That usually depends more on your background material, light placement/angles, and technique than on the tent itself.
A smaller tent can place the diffused surfaces relatively closer to the subject, which may give slightly softer, more wrapping light. A larger tent can have a bit more light falloff and may require a little more care in lighting. In practice, though, these differences are usually minor.
So the main tradeoff is convenience: a larger tent takes more space and is less tidy/easy to handle, but gives you flexibility if you later need to photograph bigger items. If a 36-inch tent comfortably fits what you shoot now and you don't expect larger subjects, it's a sensible choice. If you may need the extra room, going larger is reasonable.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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