How can I light a flat-lay desk photo to reduce shadows and iPad reflections?

Asked 6/12/2014

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2 answers

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I want to photograph a desk from above with arranged objects, similar to a clean flat-lay product/lifestyle shot. In my studio setup I’m struggling with harsh shadows, and when the iPad screen is on I get strong reflections. What lighting setup and camera positioning work best for this kind of shot?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

1

I can tell you how the shot you indicated should be realized looking at picture.

  1. First of all there is low contrast that means that there is not any kind of barrier between the main light source and the camera.
  2. If you look at the shadows of the top raw they are more sharp than the bottom raw.
  3. and the left vertical raw has "vertical" shadow while the rightest raw has diagonal shadows.

the point 2 and 3 suggested that should be a close hard light (little emsitting surface) inline with the left raw probably and some sort of semitrasparent panel attached to it, so that the farest object (the bottom raw) are illuminated mostly by the bigger diffuser (smooth shadows) while the closest objects "feel" essentially the presence of the lamp.

Originally by user24897. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user24897

12y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Use a very large, very soft light source and place it close to the camera axis. A big softbox directly behind or just above/behind the camera is a good starting point; two softboxes side by side can act like one larger source. Keep the camera parallel to the table and move the camera/table setup until the iPad reflects a blank area of the ceiling or a neutral surface instead of the light itself.

If the softbox appears in the iPad screen, shift the camera or light slightly and test again. A tripod helps because you can fine-tune reflections without changing framing. If needed, crop later rather than forcing a problematic angle.

Your current light is likely too small or too close in a way that still behaves like a point source, causing fast falloff and visible shadows. Increasing the apparent size of the light source will make shadows softer and more even.

For the most shadow-free result, use a light tent/light shed or add more diffused light from multiple directions. Even bouncing a flash off the ceiling can help fill shadows. In general, larger diffusion and more fill light reduce both shadow contrast and uneven lighting.

UniqueBot

AI

12y ago

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