Karl Taylor's High-End Product Shoot - Made Easy!

[@austinlindsay]

Years later and this is still one of the greatest product photography tutorials ever.

[@darylnd]

Agreed! And featuring one of my favorite products, The Balvenie Doublewood.

[@shinajvlog]

Agreed 💯

[@carlosdias1940]

Indeed!

[@scuffmacgillicutty7509]

I'll drink to that!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

A couple of people keep coming up with the same comment so here's an explanation: - There were no constant lights used for the actual photos. All studio 'flash' lights have what is called a 'modelling lamp' that is on all the time to let you see what you are doing and the effect of the light. Based on the camera settings these lights have no effect on the picture. When you push the camera button the flashes fire and that's what makes the picture. You may not see the flash every time in the video because the video frame rate doesn't always pick it up. But you can hear the flash go off every time. Cheers Karl.

[@stegokitty]

I guess I was (yet another) person with the same comment that prompted your response. Now I'm confused by your response. I don't understand. I don't understand at all. "You may not see the flash every time in the video because the video frame rate doesn't always pick it up". Actually I do see the flash fire every time, and I'm confused that you're using a flash, when you've got all of those lights set up.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

stegokitty The burst of flash comes out of all of those lights that are set up. All of those lights that are set up also have a continuous light source so you can see what you are doing and figure out what your flash is going to look like. We don't use the continuous light (they are called modelling lights) as they are not as clean, pure or as powerful as the burst of light from the flash that makes the picture. The continuous light has no effect on the picture, based on the camera setting the continuous light doesn't even show up in the picture only the flash light is recorded to make the picture.

[@stegokitty]

***** Okay,so are you saying that all of the lights you set up are synched to the camera, so that they put out an extra burst of light when the shutter release is activated, and then go back to their normal state?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

stegokitty Yes you got it!

[@skatertwig26]

+Karl Taylor Please!!! Where can I find the black plexiglass/perspex? I can't seem too find it anywhere at all I live in USA thanks!!!

[@temporarymomentary]

Hidden reflective gold cards ! Genius idea !

[@matthewmorganphoto]

Anyone know the easiest place to source these?

[@thomastuorto9929]

Try craft/art supply stores. US, Michaels & such.

[@meshalalshehri9207]

This type pf informative videos can be rarely found on youtube Thank you

[@dphotos007]

The best explanation of product photography on KZbin. I am an old Art Center College of Design grad and used to shoot this stuff with 4x5 and film. Just one tip always use Dustoff before shooting on a black surface.

[@photopicker]

Your training must be awesome. This video is awesome. Appreciate it!

[@Zash21]

I swear. This just changed my LIFE! Did a shoot for a wine company and i struggled so much. Next time will be so much easier. I never thought to use something like tracing paper to further diffuse my soft boxes. I feel so dumb but i've learnt SO much! Amazing.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great glad it helped. If you want to get to the top of your game then check out our more in-depth pro courses on our website. Although these are paid courses they have tips well beyond this free sample and they include our customer training support service, so if you need help we are there.

[@wra7h]

how did you get a job shooting a wine bottle if you didnt know how to do it?

[@charlottejoanna22]

I was going to say you can just improvise and swap it out for what you have, for instance using a pringle tuble with both ends off on a torch will create a good snood like for focusing then just using lamps and tracing paper and black perspex is cheap!! i loved the tutorial Karl thankyou

[@peter_shadow7559]

That Hasselblad is just the "=" button of a calculator when you do a calculation, which in this case is planning, organizing and being patient and above all enjoying the process. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@citipunk]

Like the tip about those little reflectors behind glass object. The idea is simple but I guess saves problems with reflections in the bottle which act as lens to

[@EdwardBliffin]

I really like the reflectors behind the glass and bottle..I took a shot like this before..I really wish I had that horizon light..that is awesome

[@johnrisby8063]

I've been taking photos of bottles for over 10 years (and getting better each year I hope!) but I still enjoy watching videos like this. I first saw this one years ago and it was one that helped me learn. What I love about this one in particular is the aim to do as much as possible in camera with a single shot rather than taking 50 different pics and comping them all. There's a time and place for some comping of course - product photography is about the final image not just the process - but too many photographers take too many photos and that tends to end up with a fake looking pic, not to mention the extra time. Nothing beats the satisfaction and the 'natural' look of a well-thought out and well-lit (almost) single shot! Nice one Karl.

[@paramjitchawla]

Thanks Karl, got very pro tips. I shoot Alcohol few times, hopefully mine next shoot will be much better after watching this video.

[@desti22action]

I m portrait photographer but new to product photography. I must say, your lighting is so professional. thanks for sharing

[@almfoto]

Update to my last post. I've spent another 12 hours dialing in this shot. I absolutely nailed it. Beautiful. I added a blue filter for the horizon and wow the picture just jumps out! It's clear to me now that knowing how to set up for this shot and actually having the knowledge to produce the image are two completely different things. I couldn't figure out how you got the neck light so I used my own method and comped it in separate from the wrapper. Thank again Karl, you're a great teacher and I appreciate your sharing it!

[@victorrivera6375]

Karl, that was great lighting creativity. Nice soft touch with the sketch paper and glass table. . Very interesting, thanks.

[@BenjaminRootPhoto]

Fantastic video! Tried it today with two flashes and umbrellas and paper in front for extra diffusion. Worked great.

[@iwpsurf]

One of the best demonstration videos i've seen. Great job.

[@FaelRJ78]

Lovely Tutorial Karl. You are "The Guy". Unfortunately, here in Brazil, spots and another photo stuff (high grade, of course) it's too expensive, cause the customs fees. Thanks again, following...

[@Beeboys8]

I really enjoyed this Karl, thanks for sharing. I cannot believe I have not bumped into you yet!

[@Beeboys8]

p.s. It's David Gilliver here by the way. I just realised you would not have a clue from seeing that last comment...

[@BrianPex]

This is, as all Kar's stuff is, fantastic. People complaining about this and that - maybe come back when you are able to understand a few things more clearly. AND that is not at all a knock. This stuff takes time to grasp. I know in modern society everyone wants everything done yesterday, including learning photography and the high end post processing. Take your time and you will get there!! GREAT JOB KARL!

[@JacobVanko]

This is one of the most informative and helpful videos I've seen. No fancy lingo or jargon. Just a simple breakdown. Thank you.

[@6magazine643]

OMG you are a life saver. Stressing about a shoot I have been challenged with for a Whisky company. Many thanks

[@javedchunawalach2383]

hi babe

[@reallyu812]

Thank you for the great incite. Its the little touches that you show that most people would over look when trying to create a shot like this that make this tutorial great. I will definitely be getting your series.

[@rideskor]

I love learning from Karl, this series and these photographers are treasures

[@resroggo]

you are an excellent teacher, awesome as simple and complete explanation

[@oxidan78]

Good video and make me think in the analogic time, so differente than now, but even that we can see great pictures of products!.....

[@Pyrothraxis]

awesome.. this vid gave me some new knowledge about lighting in photography.. thank you for the video work.. cheers

[@KarlRobertson]

Hi Karl, just wanted to say thank you. Really great demonstration.

[@fetish4whiteshirts125]

Am a big fan of you work. Thanks for sharing you knowledge. Even I wanna be in product photography. And I'm glad I found you videos. Thanks.

[@adilbadshahmughal]

Super excellent step by step tutorial for product shots. I really impressed and appreciate your efforts.

[@davidcole8812]

Hi Karl. Had joined your educational channel and following your excellent instructions been able to create some nice images of bottles and more. Your video's are very well put together with lots of good information. Agree with you about if possible get it all in one shot. When I used film years ago that was about the only way.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@Orlafilo]

This video is wonderful, and the way you explain everything, man, it's just perfect. Thank you very much.

[@Paisteboy]

Great work. I didn't realize how much was involved in getting a shot like that.

[@vimalneha]

Excellent tutorial. One day I have to join your course. I fully AGREE with that you/your work is an inspiration to even an amateur photographer like me.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@judithrangga]

A nice presentation with detail of light. Thanks Karl.

[@jlcst60]

Enjoyed this Karl thank you I think the main thing that I take away from this tutorial is the importance of using what light I have to sculpt my products. Loved it. Kind Regards.

[@coreyparsons4366]

Brilliant mate. Superb lighting!

[@echerres]

Awesome video, i am doing an outdoors photoshoot very soon, with a Nikon d800, and 2 flashes

[@AbhinavanandSingh]

Karl Taylor = A strikingly amazing artist and tutor (since always)!

[@HDEFMAN1]

Truly stunning final image !

[@musiknrod]

Excellent tutorial video. I was looking to do the same for a product, but in video instead of photography. You kept me here for 16 min. You Sr. are a truly professional!

[@troglodyte1407]

best video on product photography and light I've seen on youtube

[@madhatter42o]

This is like the pure science of creativity. Good stuff!

[@kunaldebbarma77]

Really Mesmerized. No words to say. You are great sir.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cool, then please buy them from our website. As I mentioned in this video this is only a tiny fraction of information compared to what you get when you become a customer! :)

[@JoseCorrea]

Extraordinay results, i will try to achieve the nearest result posible with my humble equipment, your videos really challenge me to keep learning and trying. Thanks a lot!

[@-123]

Karl - this video is FANTASTIC! BIG thank you!!! You Are The Best!

[@josephchan4198]

Awesome!! Great teacher. This is good for a store, hobbyist, or contract work. Thanks.

[@AlexAguirreC]

Karl , I think I've found the best tutorials on youtube about photography, thank you very much for sharing with passion and humility your knowledge , it is very difficult to find something like this for free , when I have money I will inscribe one of your workshops , greetings from Mexico .

[@9oman]

In fact you're right Karl. I have your pro series 'product and still life photography training DVDs' and i can say that this video is indeed a tiny fraction of what your quality videos are about. Great Work Karl. Thank You

[@djmoisesoliveira3]

Ohhh Man, fantástic work, congratulations !!! Very good

[@limbuvhanja5298]

Thanks for sharing ur knowledge...... I luv the way u describe light step by step... & one of the best viedo I had ever seen. .. thanks u a lot..

[@dannybuchin9433]

I loved this tutorial. It was very informative, concise and right on it. If you have very little knowledge about photography, especially lighting, This tut. could get intimidating. Great clear video.

[@imolaakpann4832]

Good science photography. There so much to understand in photography. Thanks Kar.

[@ionbuga]

I have watched many tutorials with product photography, but this one is the best so far! so much inside/detail information! keep on doing that Karl! p.s. the whisky is awesome!

[@avaraig]

karl, it was AWESOME to watch this. Well done the video and how you decompose all. Thanks.

[@ChrisJenkspiano]

Some great content here and all steps shown without hiding anything!

[@TheMattsociety]

Awesome video! Thank you! I will definitely order at least one of your videos when I stop spending all of it on new photography equipment.

[@maheshweta1]

awesome work dude, hats off, u are not only professional,but u also have a good teaching skills... . . good going bro thumps up

[@christopherscarpino8994]

A beautiful combination of artistic sensibility,imagination, and technical expertise. Really impressive. I am only an amateur who shoots outside above the ocean, normally at night or in storms. But recently, I tried to shoot some tall flowers in a tall, clear glass vase. Hard to do in a darkened space.

[@magnuseriksson8081]

Karl, you are the King. Well done!!

[@shinajvlog]

Every time when i watch your videos, i feel pretty much confident of achieving something very potential. Yes i mean it honestly ❤️❤️Thanks Karl

[@iampresean]

Thanks for the sharing, this is outstanding, I liked the way you used to take all the setup off to demonstrate us how things work, I've really appreciated that! Greetings from France

[@PffftCoZa]

Wow this is an awesome tutorial. I would have never thought of using techniques like putting cardboard behind the bottle and shining a light on the backdrop. Well done...

[@almfoto]

Thanks for sharing Karl, I pretty much got it nailed but my garage provides close quarters and lots reflective ambient light. I've got the glow and all but there are some gnarly ghostly images in on the bottle. Plus I'm using a sheet instead of the tracing paper. Lastly, I'm using ARRI hot lamps in conjunction with the modeling lights on my strobes. I've only got two power heads so I had to improvise. WB to tungsten and I'm almost shooting like you...! Thanks again for the how to, now I gotta get back to work.

[@PhotoPop61]

New subscriber here. I loved the video. So interesting. I really enjoyed it. I had no idea the amount of work that went into lighting on product photography. Thank you so much for sharing

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@javiervallecillo1987]

Muy buen trabajo me encanta la manera facil que usas para enseñar, Gracias por compartir tu conocimiento! Exito

[@AdamJonesPhoto]

This has been so beneficial i can't tell you ! Brilliant brilliant work 👏

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@photography3569]

Balvenie, one of my favorite whiskys. Thanks a lot

[@wickidsmaht]

Awesome video, man! Never tried putting reflectors behind a bottle like that, I'll definitely be giving that a shot next time I set up. Thanks!

[@MattPilchard]

Outstanding video. I really loved watching the steps to solve various issues/needs.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Matt

[@mike22edwards]

What I appreciate about your work Karl is how detail oriented your are with your photography. How methodical and calculated you are in composition. I'm trying to train myself to be more patient and thoughtful in my composition and photography. Thank you for sharing this. Blessings.

[@nazzanole9044]

Too amazing! I need to try this out. Thanks.

[@GromovPhotography]

Great video Carl, well done! I believe it will be very difficult to do this shot with speedlights, because there is no modeling light on them which helps a lot here to setup the shot.

[@snookerant]

Thanks karl for this free video, I have all you training DVDs apart from this 1 & your new fashionscape DVD but as soon as I have the money I'll be ordering them. Can't believe thanks to you just how much better & creative my photography has got.

[@Chad902101]

I love those reflectors behind the liquid. Took a studio photography class in high school and there was always something new to learn with photographing glass. Very helpful video :)

[@WakenerOne]

VERY informative and well-presented. I just watched another video (also well-done) on photographing a bottle using about two dozen shots composited together. It's great to see a different approach to control the light and get that quality shot in just two shots. Also . . . forgive me, but . . . _hot _*_damn,_* Fabienne is *gorgeous!*

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you. I'll pass that on to Fab, but she's married with two kids now :)

[@bimmerkarl87]

great tutorial and flawless execution! Every one of your videos I have watched has taught me something... ladies and gentlemen take notes, Karl Taylor is pulling the curtain waaay back for you to see the secrets of the industry...

[@stonyellow8180]

very nice👍，If no one told us, we would never know how glasses and bottles glow, the techniques and ideas are amazing

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you liked it

[@48snapper]

Many thanks Karl for giving me the link to this video. Good to see that reflector cards are still in regular use. You say "This isn't magic, you know. This is basically physics, science, mixed with a bit of art". How very wise and true that is.

[@chasinglightandtrails]

Excellent tutorial. Very clear and very clever. Thank you for sharing.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrethomebarbosa2462]

This was the best marketing ever! I'm sure going to check out your training after seeing this demo!

[@lordello]

Great tutorial... You got it in 10 min for sure! Cheers from Brazil...

[@kjbkix]

Fantastic video, amazing this content is available to anyone. As someone who often shoots whisky bottles (poorly), I may need to adopt this setup! Thanks again for putting this out and especially for showing the differences live as the lights were moved / removed / etc

[@stranraerlad1]

Hi Karl another great vid, just one thing ice should never be put into a malt, lol. Thanks for all the great tips.

[@EdwardMorganphotography]

great. probably one of the first tutorials I've watched from start to finish. Really useful ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@whoshotyaphotographystudio4541]

Omg Im so happy I came across your Channel unlike a lot of youtubers you have been able to keep my attention for longer than a 1 minute attention span lol. Your videos are very detailed and it gives me a hands on classroom feel to your work.

[@MsMandeeGee]

Who Shot Ya Photography Studios lol are you a biggie smalls fan? Or is that name a coincidence?

[@lailajlalan9028]

Great Still life Photo shoot. Thanku Sir for sharing skills.

[@dkosky5487]

I agree great teacher, patient, and a great assistant. Very informative!

[@Acconda]

Brilliant, surprising how much goes into a setup. Would you always use fish strobes vs a constant LED light for example ? I would love to get into this type of photography and combine it with product videos, not a clue where to start with what type of lighting. can you get an all in one solution, flash & constant LED or would I need two separate kits for photo and video ?

[@vidcreations]

Very nicely done. When I was filming some instructional videos for a blacksmith, he asked if I could take some still pictures of his work to be entered for a publication. One item was a Damascus knife. I dabble in photography and said I would try. A Damascus knife is mirror like with lots of mirror swirls in the steel. It took 2 hours of moving my amateur equipment around and holding a bounce card to get the right shot. Point is, you can have all the expensive equipment you want, but in 15 minutes a pro like you can show you how to use it.

[@goodman23100]

WOW Karl, it was AWESOME to watch this video. You're a great teacher with lots of patients in you and your girl assistant .Goood job by the person who has covered this video.This is an excellent tutorial :) Keep it up guys:) I wish to see you all in an another good tutorial :)

[@dijo2007dijodmd]

thank you really helpful for the product photographers, your lighting technique classes are amazing man

[@tryingtogrowup5652]

thanks Karl, brilliant video, well explained with loads of value!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you liked it!

[@danwhiteside5452]

This is amazing, thanks. Could you get a similar outcome using a couple of continuous lights and a flash?

[@skillman2009]

Karl, great video and a simple and clear breakdown of how to achieve amazing results.

[@Advection357]

This is the most comprehensive breakdown of studio lighting i've come across on YT. The cover picture of the final shot caught my eye right away as I was browsing similar topics... I'm glad I clicked the video. I don't know how it has 29 dislikes... probably from other jealous photographers :P

[@thomastuorto9929]

An excellent vid. If I was going into Photography as a career (or even thinking about it) I would sign up for his classes!

[@averingsuperbob]

I really appreciate that you put so much work and effort in this tutorial just to show us how it's done right!

[@MrSimonj1970]

Learned a lot from this, thanks Karl.