Capture a Cup with Bob Coates

Photographic Studio Lighting - Metal

I was tasked by Larry Teifenbrunn, AKA Dr. T, with producing before and after photos utilizing lighting techniques based on the Light, Science and Magic book by Fil Hunter and Paul Fuqua. Reviewing the book for this project was a great review of theory behind many things I do and pushed me to add more depth and dimension. Here’s one lighting metal.

Light, Science and Magic

If you are looking to increase your lighting knowledge and skills I recommend either borrowing this book from your local library or adding it to your bookshelf. This was one of the first books I used to learn about product lighting when I was starting my commercial career. When Larry asked me to work on this project I reached for the book on my shelf. Low and behold, I remembered I lent it out. Can’t remember who got the windfall but I hope they are putting it to good use! I got my hands on another copy and was glad for the review.

Assignment

Larry asked me to work with multiple subjects and the only instructions were… Metal, wood, glass and plastic. That’s a wide open field of possible subjects. I scoured the house for some pieces and went to the local second hand store for others. While making my morning brew I thought, hmmm, ‘Look at this coffee gear!’ and my first subject was selected. Metal.

Technique

One secret to adding shape and form to circular metal objects is a large light source. One way to make a light source large is to adda diffusion material. I used a Westcott 20 inch circular panel. (ended up using a second Westcott panel for smoother diffusion) It’s relatively small but becomes large in relation to the subject due to how close it is. The diffusion panel was held in place with a Platypod eXtreme base, Handle, Elbow and a Mini Super Clamp. 

A second eXtreme held the Zhiyun Mollus 100 Bi-color COB Mono light on a Platypod Elbow. 

More gear and uses

A second eXtreme held a Zhiyun Molus 100 Bi-color COB Mono light on a Platypod Elbow. In addition, three Platypod Handles and a Platyball Traveler ball head allowed me to position a Falcon Eyes Pocketlite F7 RGB light panel. If this panel wasn’t used, the coffee beans would would not be rendered properly.

Yours in Creative Photography, Bob

Thanks Bob Coates for this piece. Check out more of his work on his website.