Using a Single Starlite QL to Light a Small Product
For this lesson, we chose to photograph a stirrup with intricate detail as a background prop for a shiny bolo tie to create a Western theme.

For lighting, we started with a Starlite QL head, a 1000w halogen bulb, and a medium SilverDome soft box. We placed our stirrup and bolo tie on a Plexiglas tabletop, then set up our camera and tripod and composed our image.

Using only one light without any type of fill light, you can create visually dramatic images, but you also risk losing detail in the shadow areas that do not receive light. For product photography, it's often best to illuminate the details of the product you're trying to sell. [figures 1 and 2]

Using a Starlite QL and a LiteDisc to Reflect Light
When using a LiteDisc, the only way to control the intensity of the light reflecting onto your subject is to adjust the distance between the LiteDisc and the subject. In this case, we used the LiteDisc as our fill light. [figure 3]

Essentially, we used the LiteDisc to fill in the shadow area to attain more detail on the right side of the stirrup. Notice how the LiteDisc also adds highlights to the specular (shiny) bolo tie. It's important to remember that the reflection off of the LiteDisc will only be as large as the LiteDisc itself, so be sure to use a large enough LiteDisc to fully illuminate your object. It should also be noted that the farther away from the object the LiteDisc is positioned, the smaller its reflected light will appear to be. In the case of small product photography, you will most likely want your reflector as close as possible.

In this first set of images, we used a white LiteDisc, placed approximately 3.5 feet from our object. The increase in the brightness in the shadows was not enough to justify using a reflector at this distance. Remember the only way to increase the "power" of the fill light coming from the LiteDisc is to position it closer to your object. [figure 4]

Next, we placed the white LiteDisc approximately 2.5 feet from the stirrup. Here, we've brightened the shadows somewhat, but not enough to leave the LiteDisc at this distance. [figures 5 & 6]

Finally, we positioned the white LiteDisc approximately 1.5 feet from the stirrup. As you can see, there's a very noticeable change in the shadow detail as compared to the previous distances. [figure 8]

Below, we see a comparison of all three distances using the white LiteDisc. Notice the levels of detail in each result, particularly in the shadow areas. If there are important details on the shadow side of your product, make sure to get enough light in there for your viewers to see them. [figure 9]

Silver LiteDisc Versus White LiteDisc
Next, we switched to a silver LiteDisc and positioned it at the same distances as we did with the white LiteDisc. Here, we have the silver LiteDisc at 3.5 feet. [figure 11]

Next, we see the results of the silver LiteDisc at 2.5 feet. As you can see, there's a small but noticeable increase in detail in the shadow area. [figure 13]

Finally, we see results of the silver LiteDisc at 1.5 feet. Here, we have a sufficient amount of light in the shadow area that enables the viewer to better see the intricate details. Also note that the silver LiteDisc has created a nice highlight on the top corner (closest to the camera), which helps to increase the sense of depth in the photograph. [figures 14 & 15]

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three different distances of the silver LiteDisc. Notice the increase of detail in the shadow area the closer the LiteDisc is moved to the subject. [figure 15]

When we compared the results of the two reflectors at 1.5 feet, we saw that the silver LiteDisc provided more contrast because of its highly reflective characteristics, which we found more appealing for this shot. [figure 17]

Eliminating Shadows Using a Second Starlite QL
Next, we decided to eliminate the background shadows in order to cut down on post-production efforts, so we added a light below our Plexiglas tabletop and positioned it straight up. Here, you can see the result with just the bottom light turned on. [figures 18 & 19]

Finally, we turned the main light back on and took a shot with the two lights and LiteDisc combined. [figure 20]

Benefits and Drawbacks of Halogen Bulbs
The major benefit to using halogen bulbs is that they throw a relatively large amount of light, which can help if you need increased depth of field and your subject is is live or in motion.

The major drawback to using halogen bulbs when you have your lights close to your subject is that they produce a significant amount of heat. This can result in an uncomfortable work environment if you're working in a small room during the summer, and depending on what you're photographing (food, flowers, etc.), this heat can wreak havoc on your product.

Benefits and Drawbacks of CoolStar 150w CFLs
When you're working with your lights very close to you and your subject, a good alternative is to use Photoflex's CoolStar 150w CFLs. The bulbs put out very little heat, which results in a much more comfortable work environment for you and any heat-sensitive products.

The only downfall to these lamps is that they emit less light output, which can result in limited depth of field or longer exposure times if your subject is in motion or you are shooting without a tripod.

However, one solution to this scenario would be to use to use the new Photoflex Constellation3 head, which allows you to install up to three CoolStars in the same soft box.

For more information on the Photoflex Constellation3, visit www.photoflex.com