p.1 #1 · Tabletop photography tips and tricks: a good use of a tilt-shift adapter for DSLR
Just another piece of our ongoing work:
I have not used my DIY tilt-shift adapter for DSLR for a long time, mostly due to its size and weight, which made it not an user-friendly device, especially on a "regular" tripod. However, things got changed after I've bough a giant 180 lb studio stand: In just a few seconds I can mount any size camera there.
So, this time I've used it to shoot a new set of pens for our long-term customer, company called PenzByDesign.com.
Three light sources were used: #1 and #2 (PCB 1600WS monolights through 10º honeycomb) at a very sharp angle to highlight acrylic body. This type of sharp light makes acrylic to glow, while leaving nice little highlights on an embossed chrome.
Main light, (#3 on small strip box through the 2 F-stop diffuser) positioned on top provided nice gradient reflection on a pen.
Because chrome surface is much more reflective then the acrylic body, the gradient is more visible on a chrome, leaving pen's body less impacted..
I tried to use my favorite Canon 180mm F3.5 L Macro lens, but it appeared that at given shooting angle I can't get enough DOF: even at F25 I did not see desired sharpness of whole pen I was shooting. So, I've grabbed my tilt-shift monster and tilted the front standard to the left, to be more in parallel with the pen. Tiny Rodenstock APO 80mm F4 was closed down to f16, and I've got a full pen in a focus:
This is what I call sharp shot, and it was only possible because of the lens tilt. Below the final, combined from 3 pieces image. We shot each object individually and got them together in PP:
p.1 #2 · Tabletop photography tips and tricks: a good use of a tilt-shift adapter for DSLR
Alex,
Very nice shot. Also informative regarding setup etc.
One note, PCB now refers to the Einstein by its actual Ws rating (640) rather than the "effective Ws" ratings he used for White Lightenings and ABs.
I've got 4 of them, they are very nice lights.
Your tutorials are getting me energized to document my wife's extensive ethnic jewelry collection. It will be great lighting practice. :-)
p.1 #3 · Tabletop photography tips and tricks: a good use of a tilt-shift adapter for DSLR
David, Yep, I know.
I I've mentioned 1600 because one of the lights we WL X1600 unit. I have only 2 Einsteins (waiting back-order to be cleared up)...
But you are right, we better use true WS numbers. I've updated the article.
thank you!
p.1 #4 · Tabletop photography tips and tricks: a good use of a tilt-shift adapter for DSLR
just wanted to say thanks for posting this. I really enjoy checking out your demos. thanks to you, I'm going to buy a fish tank just so I can dunk things into it.
