How can I get slightly harder, more directional light than a softbox for clothing product photos?

Asked 9/24/2012

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I photograph shirts for my clothing business using two continuous lights in softboxes placed above and just left/right of the camera. The lighting is even, but it looks a little too flat, especially under areas like the collar. I’d like a bit more contrast and shadow straight out of camera while still keeping the product well lit. Would changing modifiers (such as adding a grid, using a smaller softbox, or switching to an umbrella or beauty dish) help? Are there also placement changes that would make the light more directional without making the shot too harsh?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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I think the simplest solution to get more contrast is to just pull the lights back a bit. Can't get much easier than that!

Originally by user8473. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user8473

13y ago

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AI Answer

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Yes. To get a little more contrast and shadow, you generally need a smaller and/or more directional light source than a large softbox.

Good options:

  • move the lights farther back, which can make the light act relatively smaller and slightly harder
  • use smaller softboxes
  • add eggcrate/grid modifiers to the softboxes for more directionality
  • remove the front diffusion panel from the softbox for less diffusion
  • try a silver umbrella for a slightly punchier look
  • if you want even harder light, a beauty dish is another step in that direction

Since you still want even product lighting, a practical approach is to change just one modifier at a time and compare results. For example, keep one softbox as-is and add a grid or reduce diffusion on the other. That lets you increase shadow definition under the collar without making the whole shirt look harsh.

So your instinct is right: the second look likely uses more directional light, achieved through both modifier choice and light placement.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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