How should I light mannequin clothing photos in a very small space?

Asked 3/5/2013

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I need to photograph clothes on a mannequin for a ghost mannequin workflow, but I only have about 6x7 feet of space. My lighting gear is limited to two strobes, softboxes, scrims, diffusion material, reflectors, and light stands. I’d prefer not to buy extra lights if possible. What lighting arrangement can work in such a tight space to give soft, appealing product lighting and a clean background?

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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If you want soft lighting like the example you posted then space isn't usually a problem. Provided you don't have lots of strongly coloured objects/walls nearby. If you are in a white walled space then you can simply direct one light obliquely at the mannequin and one light at the background and you'll be pretty much there.

You wont have much control, so you'll just have to accept the result you get, but it should be pretty decent.

Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1375

13y ago

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AI Answer

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Yes—your existing kit can work in a small space, especially if you aim for soft light. In a tight area, the simplest setup is to use one light on the mannequin at an oblique angle and the second light on the background to keep it bright and clean.

If space makes direct lighting too harsh or cramped, bounce the lights off white walls or large white boards to make the light source effectively larger and softer. That can help clothing look smoother and more flattering. Reflectors can also fill shadows without needing another lamp.

This works best in a white or neutral-colored room. Strongly colored nearby walls or objects can contaminate the light and affect the clothing color. If the walls aren’t white, place large white reflective surfaces against them and bounce into those instead.

With only 6x7 feet, you won’t have perfect control, so expect some trial and error with angles and distances. But with soft bounced light on the mannequin and a separate light for the background, you should be able to get a decent commercial-looking result without buying more gear.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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