How should I set up a small indoor copy station for photographing paper goods and small products?
Asked 8/6/2011
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I want a permanent indoor setup for quickly photographing small paper goods and similar items, such as small boxes, sheets of paper, book covers, mugs, plates, and larger printed pictures. My priorities are fast workflow, bright and clear results, consistent lighting, and easy transfer to a PC. What kind of camera support, lighting, and overall setup works best for this kind of overhead/product photography?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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I would look at some copy-stand setups with continuous cool (daylight-balanced fluorescent) lighting. That would keep the camera pointed straight down with angle-in lighting from both directions. As the lights are generally at or greater than 45 degrees from the film plane, you should have few problems with reflections, but consider polarizing gels if this becomes a problem.
Either set up low or on the floor so you can see the camera back when you compose the shot or tether the camera so you can arrange the shot without too much guesswork.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, there's an article here on how to build a simple copy stand. Advantages: Low cost and you can pick out the lights you like best. Disadvantages: You have to do it yourself. If you're not handy, then Adorama, B&H, Calumet and a whole slew of other folks will be more than happy to sell you one.
Finally, these things have been around forever and there have been few improvements to the overall design. It may be worth looking around on eBay for a used one.
Two side notes:
A copy stand kind of setup will work great until you get to the mugs. They have depth, so you will have to work with your aperture to maintain focus acceptably.
If your "large" pictures are too big, you won't be able to fit them into the table of a conventional copy stand. Take this into account when you choose.
Originally by user5270. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user5270
15y ago
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A copy-stand style setup is the best fit for this job. It keeps the camera fixed and pointed straight down, which makes framing repeatable and fast for flat items like paper, books, and small boxes.
Use continuous, cool, daylight-balanced lighting placed from both sides at about a 45° angle to the subject. That gives even illumination and helps reduce reflections. If glare still becomes an issue, polarizing material on the lights can help.
For workflow, set the setup low enough that you can easily see the camera’s rear screen while composing, or use tethering so you can view and adjust shots directly from a computer. That also makes transferring images to a PC easy.
In short: prioritize a copy stand over a normal tripod for consistency and speed, use two daylight-balanced continuous lights angled from each side, and tether the camera if possible for the easiest shooting and transfer workflow.
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