How many lights do I need for a 120cm light tent when photographing clothing on a mannequin?
Asked 9/1/2013
40 views
2 answers
0
I’m using a 120×120×120cm light tent to photograph clothing on mannequins. I currently have two daylight lamps, one on each side, and I’m wondering whether that will be enough for a tent this size or if I should add a third light above or in front. My goal is soft, even lighting for catalog-style images. If I add a front light, will it create shadows on the backdrop? I’m also using a Fujifilm Finepix S4300 and would like to know the best general camera settings for this setup.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
2
Hi Pavel and welcome to StackExchange, Photography.
A phototent is used to get even overall lighting of the subject.
The lighting, instead of hitting the subject directly, shines directly onto the translucent walls and ceiling of the phototent. The phototent in turn becomes the "source" providing indirect, diffuse and soft subject lighting.
Two of these light sources with a tent may be enough (amount of) light to make a shot; but, I don't think you'll be happy with the quality of the lighting.
A third source would be helpful to get even lighting of the phototent. You want even lighting. More wouldn't hurt; but, you are after flat lighting, more or less, with a light even background so a clipping path can be easily used to put the subject into layouts.
There should be no shadows cast on the walls of the inside of the tent so long as the sources remain outside the tent and their light does not fall onto the subject directly.
Take some care to prevent stray light shine into your camera lens during the session to reduce flare since you will be shooting toward the source.
Originally by user21789. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user21789
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Two lights may be enough to make an exposure, but for a 120cm light tent and mannequin-sized subjects, a third light will usually help a lot. The goal with a light tent is even illumination of the tent walls so the tent itself becomes a large, soft light source.
Place lights so they illuminate the translucent sides/top of the tent rather than the subject directly. Two side lights can work, but adding a third light above is a good way to improve overall evenness. More even light also helps keep the background bright and makes product cutouts easier.
A front light is less ideal if it shines directly at the subject; it can reduce the tent effect and may create less controlled lighting. If the tent is lit evenly, there generally should not be strong shadows on the backdrop.
For camera settings, use the lowest ISO available, mount the camera on a tripod, and use a white balance that matches your lamps (or set a custom white balance if possible). Since the subject is static, it’s fine to use a slower shutter speed to get proper exposure.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I get a pure white background when photographing clothing laid flat?
How should I light still-life photos of leaves for controlled, even results?
Basic lighting setup for photographing clothing on a mannequin
How can I power Yongnuo YN-560 II flashes from AC and mount them around a light tent?
How can I make a white background blow out evenly with one speedlight?