Product Photography at Home Using Natural light... Is it even possible?

If you're attempting product photography at home using natural light: There are 2 VERY VALUABLE skills to take from this video:
First, DON'T let a lack of equipment limit your ability to move forwards with your photography. For shots that throw-up lighting challenges, even if you have limited (or zero) studio lights, use problem-solving to get the job done.
I demonstrate how to capture a natural light product photo (which you can copy at home) and compare it to a version using expensive studio lights. The techniques and results will surprise you!
Secondly... Have you ever needed to follow a client's project brief?
As a professional, commercial photographer, I must have worked directly with hundreds of customers on thousands of project briefs over the past 25 years.
Understanding and following a brief correctly is a skill in itself. You want to get this right if you want to get paid and win more business! I recently challenged my KTE members to see if they could master this skill.
Following and satisfying the details of a photography brief - being able to replicate a specific image and style through camera control and knowledge of light is a fantastic way to learn photography.
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Product photography HACK using home desk lamps:
• Product Photography, s...
Product Photography Brief:
www.karltayloreducation.com/w...
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Start Learning For FREE:
To enjoy all the classes in my FREE Photography Course, simply follow the link below. There's no sign-up required and 10 exciting, knowledge-packed chapters to get you inspired!
Also includes a quiz to help you retain the knowledge and a helpful illustrated 90-page guide to download. www.karltayloreducation.com/f...

[@sigurvinpalsson5771]

Another bloody amazing video. Thanks Karl for your skills and generosity!

[@mikkyatser3209]

“...photographers with no brain or severe gear envy...” I’m here for this energy 😂😂😂

[@VisualEducationStudio]

👍

[@ShannonsEtsyShop]

I love that that's how he starts. And if you weren't paying too close attention, your'e like wait- WHAT did he just say?! XD he was so non-chalant about it.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

There's nothing more I enjoy than stuffing trolls with evidence :)

[@eagleeyemind4800]

@@VisualEducationStudio That's pretty much the only way to handle the trolls, option 2 is to just ignore it but this approach is much more satisfying!

[@vaschro]

Thank you Karl, a very useful video and I particularly enjoyed your feedback on the brief .

[@mr.t5610]

I'm very impressed with the knowledge you have regarding photography and light-settings and everything else regarding the art of photography.

[@davidmilisock5200]

I was just having a discussion about digital glow and shadow effects with a colleague, specifically how creating them with no thought for the natural lighting direction is the norm. Your video is a perfect instruction set for a file creator or a photographer. A file creator creates lighting effects that should not offend the eye and a natural light dispersion is key to that. Your study in light properties specifically the reflective properties are crucial and lighting a subject from multiple sources not only without offending the eye but enhancing the subject it's an art form and you certainly are a master of that. I won't bore you with my hobby but I use your reflective techniques for doing outdoor shots of insects and just last week a cow.

[@JoseBarahonaes]

I'm so impressed by your knowledge. Thank you for sharing.

[@victormultanen1981]

thanks for great tutorial and inspirational topic! I appreciate the possibility to overcome the challenges just using the approachable inventory.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful Victor!

[@juanpablogutierrez1265]

una vez mas enseñandonos una gran leccion de fotografia. saludos karl!

[@johnl4469]

G'day Karl. Once again you've nailed it. I do love watching and listening to your videos. Stay safe mate.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you kindly

[@gregrones9113]

Compelling teaching video. Well done. Appreciated.

[@machouston6448]

Hi Karl, An absolutely brilliant tutorial and some of your members did a fantastic job, I create and design wedding stationery and I usually as someone else to take the pictures of my stationery for me, but after watching your video on KZbin today I think I will have a go myself as you took the perfect shot of the wine bottle without any studio lighting and it truly looked phenomenal, thank you for sharing your incredible professional know how and your vast knowledge with us, looking forward to many more of your professional tutorials, once again Karl, thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks very much and good luck :)

[@tomaskaspar2597]

Awesome Karl as everytime! I think that everybody can have studio lights because we have option in cheap speedlights... but I think it is not completely easy to shape light of speedlights for beginners... so it would be cool, if guru like you make tuts with advices how to get the best of them.

[@srlkngl]

Just brilliant....Thank you Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lornanjanja6837]

I'm starting to also take the approach that one can produce excellent work without so much equipment. I think this is a great lesson that even without a studio, one can still create amazing images and it is especially beneficial for upcoming photoghers most of whom cannot afford to rent a studio. Thank you once again for showing us anything is possible with a little creativity🙏🏿.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Lorna... Best of luck!

[@borderlinesh]

I'm loving these videos on how to create great images using limited equipment, Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you like them!

[@Resonable_man]

​@@VisualEducationStudioHow about all the same but without mid format hasselblad and awesome lens , because yeah, natural light is way more flattering when you capture it with such incredible tool. Most of your subscribers ain't have even a decent full frame camera. Btw i agree that hands&brains are the first and the main tool every photographer must achieve, buuuuut a big suitcase full of pounds & dollars - helping a lot. Thanks for your video, but i dare you to go deeper in next one

[@piersoncampbell1500]

Pure inspiration. Thank you!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@carmencarmensita5422]

Hi Karl! Thank you for all the knowledge you pour over us,the amateurs and begginers. It would be really great if everyone (not just the members) could submit the challenge photos for critique. I've done this one yesterday,but I am not happy with the results,although it's been a great lesson and I will keep working at it. Thanks again!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Carmen, I appreciate the suggestion but it wouldn't be fair on our paying members as we would be overwhelmed with extra work from non paying customers. The point of our members is that they get a much better level of service, knowledge, classes, live shows and customer support. That after all is why they joined and we have to put them first.

[@stevebikes995]

Very . . . illuminating.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very good :)

[@drpentecost]

Fantastic tutorial Karl. Thanks. Could you achieve the same look by Light Painting using a Torch/Flashlight ?

[@renedeboer7348]

thnx Karl for explaining it again show it in a different way so that ppl get a better understanding about light ( you explain this for years ) (it is number 1 ) wonderful job how you explain it :-)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@sergeantcrow]

Brilliant... Only the best education from this gentleman...

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@MrChristopher0003]

Inspiring! It is all about the basics and how well do we know about them.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes and thanks.

[@photobizmethod]

Hahaha, I love how you started this video. Awesome! Great video!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha Ha yes had to get that in.

[@josephchan4198]

The courses are still great. Give creative ideas. Thanks.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

More to come!

[@hemantkharkongor5433]

Thanks again Karl ...👍

[@VisualEducationStudio]

No worries

[@jiteshrohra]

Hey Karl, thanks for this demo, am curious to know what was the white board used for just under and in front of the camera by your assistant?

[@alessandroskocir]

When I see photos of wine bottles my heart opens.... You know, I live in Italy and in one of the regions, Friuli Venezia Giulia, where the vineyard is the most widespread plant. However I remain of the opinion that it is better to drink wine, and photograph just to remember how many bottles you have already drunk ...jokes aside ,thanks for your videos !

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Drinking them is a good policy too.

[@shawkeen_admi]

Limitless Inspirer You Are Mr. Taylor 👏🏻

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thanks

[@celo2043]

Love the lessons and the rant! haha

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@KanonMadness]

Awesome stuff 👏🏽 is it possible to shoot that pic of the Tom Ford cologne with bluish liquid with natural light? Would b cool to see a video of that awesome shot 👏🏽

[@andycurrie1772]

Nice video Karl. Who needs a bottle image in this climate. Yet another nail in the coffin of commercial photography world wide. Also you need to update your images on your square space see sponsored backhander.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Andy, I don't quite follow on the bit about needing to update images on my SS website?

[@takaharu]

I love tutorials like this for budding photographers to work with what you have, rather than seeking what you don't have. I've used cardboard to block out light from a window and popped a disposable glove over a flash because I don't own a strong enough diffuser. Don't knock it if it works :-)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@evaeriksson9950]

This is a very good video! I'm one of them with minimal studiolights (like only one and it's a cheap One). 👍👍👍

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darlingtonjonesimagery9247]

Brilliant!! Thanks sir

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Most welcome!

[@Duphe]

Love the Videos. Yes you have Monster gear but you can back it up with Monster knowledge and skill.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Duphe :-)

[@richardwintle1020]

Thanks Karl - always something to learn from your videos! I'd never considered that a window frame could cause a problem (or that it could be addressed by adding a second layer of diffusion). It does look like your assistant is holding another fill card below the table at 4:13 - presumably to add a bit of light to the label?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Richard. That fill was to add a bit of light to the edge of the table.

[@rock25on]

Thank you Karl sir you are genius

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thank you.

[@GrandEpicPhotos]

Thank you Sir!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are welcome!

[@messylaura]

As a retired panel beater, this last month i have been making my own C stands, 8 of them from steel so they will be nice and strong, and infinitely adaptable as i can make any clamp, braket or doojyflip i need down the road. i mostly do wildlife at the 400-800 range but love doing creative studio stuff, now i have the grip to set up some stuff i might have to give some of your challenges a go, the messier the better :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It's great when you can make your own stuff

[@Sondercreative]

It annoys me to think that people assume you're only a brilliant photographer because of the gear you use. What a silly thing to think, you're a brilliant photographer because of how good you are.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks very kind.

[@eriksharar986]

Beyoncé can sing really well because she has a fantastic microphone. That sarcastic comment being said, I still have gear envy. 😉

[@VALERYAN581]

best video ,thx

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You're welcome

[@ShannonsEtsyShop]

Hey this was posted on my birthday! Cool! xD

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Happy birthday!

[@OrthodoxChristianWife]

Would live to see you do this at home with only what would be available in a regular home. That's going to really show the proof.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

There gets a point though where that all gets a bit silly, don't you think? A bit like 'I'd love to see you shoot an advertising standard sports car image in your home garage with a lightbulb'? We have to maintain some level of reality to what is achievable, and in this video I provided proof that if you solve the physics with some bits of card and just a window that you can make a highly competent shot if you apply knowledge. No one else on KZbin can do it or has done it so I'm not sure what more proof you need?

[@mercadopadel4842]

Amazing Karl, what is the purpose of the light pointing the background?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Just to add a small glow behind/around the bottle.

[@juristimma5366]

Your landscape photo works it was better watching .........

[@remyesteve1891]

thanks a lot for all of your explanations, your skills... and your vision about photography...thanks for all... I m progressing ( i Hope) by watching your work

[@VisualEducationStudio]

So nice of you

[@peter_shadow7559]

For those who may complain or criticize the result for the use of a Hasselblad, do not forget that the video is about: light, reflections, shadows, it is not about definition or resolution, much less billboard prints and megapixel competition. Thanks for sharing.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@allanawilks7232]

What diffusion paper did you use? Im needing something up at my patio doors :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Lee 216 or LEE 400 Lux or even a white shower curtain

[@drivingintothedesertuntilt3202]

karl is still the king of pro photography

[@SteveZavitz]

I actually think most new photographers would be at a loss if you gave them a studio with 5+ lights and dozens of modifiers. Always best to start simple with a single light source so you understand the properties of the light and how to shape it before making your kit more complicated. I've used portable torches, desk lamps, reading lights, and, of course, phone lights for various shoots. The gear just makes it easier once you know what you're doing. A true professional can use just about anything to get the shot if given enough time.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Exactly.

[@mwolfer1]

Brilliant! And only a very faint halo of an erect middle finger way in the background towards the haters. Competence and entertainment. Really worth the time.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha Ha excellent :)

[@simianinc]

Hi Karl. What was the device that your camera was mounted on?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

A Manfrotto Studio Salon stand. Also known as a Mono Stand or a Studio Stand.

[@simianinc]

Thanks

[@michellemartin4847]

Hello and thank you for this very informative video. Could you possibly add links to where and what the diffusers? you used for your window so I can follow your amazing tutorial. #KARLTAYLOR

[@messylaura]

yep, your mind is one of the best pieces of equipment you can have in photography

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Exactly

[@NemouseJurado]

When you don't have the resources, time will be the best investment, that's why you could shoot with 1/100 speed or 4 seconds!

[@sriramn217]

I actually made my own studio soft box with cardboard Gets the Job done

[@26LTexXb]

I still need two iPhones for this... And wine 😉

[@mr.t5610]

At 6:22🤣🤣🤣.

[@mustaphamarseille8102]

I bet the photo wouldn’t look so good if you weren’t using a Hasselblad camera. Lol I’m just trolling you. I hear where you’re coming from, it’s not the gear but the knowledge. Great job as always. 👏

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@phphoto]

You rascal - Brilliant 😂😂😂😂

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@DimesVargo]

and now "You have a expensive natural light"... lol

[@VisualEducationStudio]

:)

[@TheLexash]

"photographers with no brains or severe gear envy" just took me out!!! LMAOOOOO I'm tearing up with laughter

[@VisualEducationStudio]

🤣

[@destinfarr]

Why f22 though? Assuming you were using 100mm or more?

[@prajwalgraphy8430]

I use a diy softbox lights made in home for just like 5$

[@VisualEducationStudio]

:-)

[@alvincamera]

last night i shoot self portrait using cheap led hahaha

[@AnujithRajasekharan]

I would like to join 🥰

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Brilliant Anujith... simply head over to the website and try us out for a month or as long as you like. As well as all the training and classes, we've a LIVE workshop on Thursday :-)

[@AnujithRajasekharan]

@@VisualEducationStudio Thankyou

[@apocalypse487]

Ok. I'm gonna save some styrofoam to try this next time.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

That's the spirit!

[@atahassanzadeh4878]

😍😍 Hi, May I ask you to read your DM on instagram, I sent to you 🙏🙏😊😊

[@johnleftwich650]

Ha! You are still using equipment and an assistant that the average photographer doesn't have not to mention the expertise of a professional photographer.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you mentioned expertise.

[@AlergicToSnow]

A good photographer needs to be a problem solver. If your answer to a problem is to buy more gear, then you’ve missed the point (and the fun) completely.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes exactly