How to shoot black products on a black backdrop using two lights

Photographing black products on a black background can give you elegant and dramatic shots. However, it can be tricky to separate your product from the background. In this video, Karl Taylor walks you through his process and shows you how he photographs dark products on a dark background.

For his setup, it’s important to have the product separated from the background so it doesn’t blend in and create a dull shot. Karl uses a large softbox to modify his backlight and adds a diffusion to feather the edges of its reflection. The second light is diffused with a small softbox and it acts as the key light. Karl places it close to the product and also introduces a large mirror on the opposite side to shine some light back on the product. I believe that a reflector could also be useful here, although keep in mind that it gives a softer light than the mirror.

In addition to the lights, you may also need some foamcore boards to direct the light, or to block it where necessary. Make sure to check out the video and see how Karl does it, as it can be a useful guideline. But also, don’t forget to experiment and adjust the setup to your own preferences and your taste.

[How to photograph black products on a black backdrop using 2 lights. via LensVid]