![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tog.ink\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/WindowLightSetup2-1.jpg\")
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You know how to design gorgeous paper products\u2026but do you know how to photograph them?<\/p>\n
As a professional photographer, I have all the lighting equipment I could ever want to make a product shine. However, the vast majority of people don\u2019t have access to this array of lighting, let alone photography lights. Buying these things can be very expensive, and may not seem worth it when it comes to your bottom line.<\/p>\n
Luckily, you don\u2019t need a fancy light setup to capture a beautiful shot! Window lighting is totally doable for the novice photographer, but you may have to Google a few things in this post depending on your experience level.<\/p>\n
Window light is readily available and free (you can\u2019t beat that price!). The light coming through your window will change throughout the day depending on the sun\u2019s angle and cloud cover. Pick a time of day when the light is soft, meaning the sun\u2019s rays are not beaming directly through the window. The variations of light will affect the overall look of your photo, so I highly suggest experimenting!<\/p>\n
Different specialty print processes require different photography techniques, so we\u2019ll start with the simplest to photograph: digital. The most common and contemporary way to shoot invitation suites is laying flat with minimal or no props, so that is the setup I chose for this post. While I\u2019m sure most readers have a good idea of what I\u2019m talking about here, a quick web search will generate a wealth of examples to start from.<\/p>\n
Step 1. Gather supplies:<\/strong> Step 2: Scope out your shooting location.<\/strong> Step 3: Choose\/prep the shooting surface.<\/strong> Step 4: Choose props that accent your product.<\/strong> Step 5: Compose your shot.<\/strong> Step 6: Choose your angle.<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Camera (DSLR highly recommended)
\n\u2022 Tripod
\n\u2022 Level
\n\u2022 White foam core
\n\u2022 Small ladder
\n\u2022 Background and props<\/p>\n
\nThe ideal window light is in a room with one large window and no other windows. If you can only use a room with multiple windows, make sure to cover up light coming in from other windows as much as possible (I recommend a blackout curtain). Also make sure no artificial lighting is on, in or near your setup. Having one light source will give the most control in this situation.<\/p>\n
\nI like to use a sturdy table with a height that\u2019s more or less even to the bottom of the window. A higher table will also make it easier on your back when you\u2019re adjusting and making changes.<\/p>\n
\nYou can often find what you need within things you already own. Sometimes, a trip to the store for a few fresh flowers or a twirl of ribbon is necessary to get your desired look. Also decide what to place under your product as a background, which will need to coordinate with the props and product. Well-ironed household linens can look great, as well as a piece of seamless paper. Keep it simple so your products remain the focus of the image. I used a small, painted piece of bead board and some greens from my garden.<\/p>\n
\nWhen arranging everything, keep your crop size in mind. You want to fit everything in without too much blank space. Also think about the direction of light, and where you would like your shadows to fall. You can rotate your arrangement to see what looks best because, unlike professional strobe lighting, what you see is what you get. I like to cut up small pieces of foam core and\/or cardboard, and place them under each item to give a bit more shadow and dimension to the shot (see comparison image up top).<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tog.ink\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/FoamCore-2.jpg\")
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\nIf you\u2019re shooting overhead, which is the most common way, it\u2019s best to use a tripod. Use a level to make sure your camera is parallel to your product. This will ensure little or no image distortion. If you\u2019re using a standard tripod with no attachments, like I did, the camera can make it very top-heavy and prone to tipping. I just leaned it against my table, and the fluffy rug gave it enough grip to be stable. Any sort of weight on the longest leg can help keep your tripod in place, too.
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tog.ink\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Setup2-2.jpg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tog.ink\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/WindowLightSetup-2.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tog.ink\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/FoamCoreComparison-1.jpg\")
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