DIY Single Light Home Studio

eye4get

New member
Dramatic! I love it! But what (how much) lighting is needed to fully illuminate a product for a catalog?

I am building a jewelry studio. I've built a [60cmx60cmx60cm] light box and three florescent daylight (23w 1200 lumen) color lamps. I just purchased a new D3200. Every shot (auto, A, S, M or Macro) the flash is indicated and fires. A ? flashes over the shutter speed setting. I've added additional two 360 LED lights, a macro ring light and the camera still indicates a flash is needed. I know I am leaving out critical information, but I don't understand why seven lights (regular hardware store bulbs ~ 700watts) are still not enough. Do I really need a bigger brighter softbox or studio lights?

My question is: How much constant (however it is measured) lighting is adequate to photograph jewelry, products, etc.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
My question is: How much constant (however it is measured) lighting is adequate to photograph jewelry, products, etc.

What ISO are you shooting? I would think that this would be enough in close proximity. I would imagine if you're on a tripod with a remote that you should be able to get your shots with no flash required. And just because the flash indicator is on it doesn't necessarily indicate that you're short on light.

I did a bunch of product shots at ISO 100 with a pair of 250W fixed lights and white umbrellas. Shutter speeds weren't quick enough to handhold, but since I was on a tripod who cares, right?
 
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