In the world of product photography, the light box photography has become synonymous with quick and easy solutions for creating clean, uniform backgrounds. Ideal for hobbyists and small businesses alike, the photo tent can be a versatile tool for achieving good-looking images with minimal effort.
At marszalstudio, as veterans of the industry, we have been keeping a close eye on how shadowless tents, including those of larger sizes, have made things easier for many of our colleagues. Nevertheless, as a photography studio with many years of experience, we have our own working methods, which usually go beyond the standard solutions.
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Shutterless Tent With Light
A light tent with lighting is a solution that anyone looking for simplicity and speed while maintaining good quality product photography will appreciate. Their main advantage is that they are usually ‘plug and play’ – just take them out of the packaging, unfold them and you’re ready to go. You don’t have to worry about setting up external light sources, as these tents provide even lighting that minimises shadows and emphasises the contours of objects.
Using such a tent is trivial. An example of this is the Puluz light box photography, which comes in a variety of sizes and is equipped with LEDs to provide clean and soft light. This allows even those who are new to product photography to achieve images of a high standard.
Photography Tents Without Lighting
At marszalstudio, we are of the opinion that full control over lighting is essential in professional product photography. Shutterless tents without an internal light source may seem like an attractive price option, but they require much more lighting knowledge and experience from the user. Studio lighting gives us unlimited possibilities – we can manipulate the direction, intensity and colour of the light, allowing us to create images to suit our artistic vision and our client’s needs.
Exceeding the Limitations of the Tent
In the case of tents without lighting, using additional studio equipment can be a challenge – you need to know, in a shadeless tent, that the light is properly diffused and does not create unwanted shadows. We are of the opinion that it is then no longer worth being limited to the space of the tent, the moment you have studio lighting. Working with lights allows much more flexibility.
Photo Tent – What Size?
When deciding to buy a light tent, size is one of the key aspects to consider. There are a variety of tents available on the market, from small tents that are ideal for photographing small objects like jewellery, to large shadowless tents that can accommodate larger objects such as electronics or furniture. A small tent will obviously be less expensive and easier to store, but a large light box photography opens up more possibilities for the photographer in terms of composition and light arrangement.
How Size Affects Work and Possibilities
The size of the tent has a direct impact on the photographer‘s scope of work. A tent that is too small can limit the creative possibilities and complicate the lighting setup around the product being photographed. Conversely, a large light tent may be impractical in small spaces and may require more lighting to fill the space with even light. We recommend that you carefully analyse your needs before making a choice – whether you are planning , what your clients’ requirements are, whether your working space allows you to use a large size tent comfortably. A well-chosen tent size is an investment that pays dividends in the long term and allows for greater versatility during different photo shoots.
Shadeless Tent 60×60
The 60×60 cm light box photography is an excellent choice for those who specialise in photographing small subjects. Its compact size makes it ideal for capturing the details of jewellery, watches or small electronics. It allows precise positioning of light and background, which is key when presenting small products in a way that will catch the eye of potential customers.
80×80 Shadeless Tent
The 80×80 cm light tent is a great medium solution that provides sufficient space for a greater variety of products. It is perfect for photographing shoes, medium-sized home appliances or even medium-sized artwork. With more space, you can experiment with your set-up while keeping control of the lighting.
Light Box Photography 100×100
If you are dealing with larger sized objects, the 100×100 cm shadowless tent will be most suitable. It allows you to work comfortably with larger electronic equipment, for example. Its spacious interior is ideal for creating complex light settings, which is essential for the accurate and effective presentation of large products.
Professional Approach to Product Photography
At marszalstudio, we approach product photography with the precision of a craftsman. We carefully analyse each element of the scene and light it in such a way that the strengths of the product being photographed are highlighted.
A light tent with lighting can be a tempting option due to its ease of use and speed of set-up, however, it does not give you the full control over lighting that is crucial in professional photography. Instead, it makes sense to focus on techniques that allow you to use the full potential of professional studio lighting.
While light tents can be useful, they are rarely used in a professional studio. In professional product photography, especially high-end product photography, it is the individual approach to each shot that counts. It is the advanced lighting techniques and the skills of the photographer that are key to creating images that attract the attention and interest of potential customers.
When a Shadow-Free Tent Works Best
For beginner photographers who are just starting out, a light tent can be a great way to get used to photographing products. Also for smaller online shops, where the photos are primarily to show the product clearly, a light box photography can be sufficient, especially when the products have no reflective surfaces.
How Do I Choose a Shadeless Tent?
Choosing the right model of light tent is a key decision for anyone who is serious about product photography. At marszalstudio, we do not recommend specific brands or models; instead, we encourage you to deeply understand your own needs and expectations. The most important thing is to determine what products you will be photographing, how often you plan to use the tent and what your requirements are in terms of lighting quality and flexibility.
Do you need a tent with a large working space, or a compact solution that is easy to store and transport? Do the subjects you are photographing have reflective surfaces that require special light treatment? The answer to these questions will help you choose the light tent that best suits your needs and will help you create high-quality product images.
DIY Light Box Photography
Your own DIY light tent can be an inspiring and cost-effective solution for hobbyists and budding product photographers. Instead of investing in ready-made shadowless tents, you can easily create your own, tailored to the individual needs and size of the products you plan to photograph.
One way to make your own DIY light tent is to use a cardboard box, the inside walls of which are lined with white calico paper or parchment paper. These materials are great for diffusing light, preventing harsh shadows from forming. A hole can be cut in the top of the box to accommodate a light source, such as an LED lamp or even natural daylight.
Another option is to use white fabric, such as old bedding or curtains, which can be stretched over a simple frame made of PVC tubes. This design is not only lightweight and portable, but also allows the size of the tent to be easily modified.
For those who need more space, it is possible to create a DIY shadeless tent in sizes that far exceed standard commercially available tents, for example using large sheets of polystyrene foam as walls, which reflect light brilliantly to create soft and even lighting.
Either method allows you to create your own DIY Light Box Photography, which can be both a practical and affordable solution for many photographic projects.
A Word at the End
Great product photography starts with understanding the tools we use. We have analysed both the capabilities and limitations of light tents to help you choose the best solutions for your needs. Remember, product photography isn’t just about the right tools, it’s about how you use them to create an image that tells your product’s story and appeals to your customer’s imagination. Whether you opt for a DIY light tent or a professional studio, the key is to choose the right solution for your needs at the time.
In conclusion, optimally capturing the essence of a product requires more than just a convenient setup; it demands an attentive eye for detail and the flexibility offered by advanced approaches to lighting and composition.
While a light tent is an expedient tool for those starting out or operating on a tight budget, true craftsmanship in product imagery often lies beyond the confines of the light box photography method. Embracing the versatility and precision of professional lighting equipment not only enhances the visual appeal of your product but also communicates its unique story, shaping the viewer’s perception and elevating the consumer experience.
Whether you’re working with a light tent, a spacious light box, or a custom DIY solution, the artistry of photography is ultimately expressed through the skillful manipulation of light, shadows, and angles to create a compelling narrative around the product.
