The Best Product Lighting Setup

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Product lighting is everywhere you look. Whether it’s high end commercials, unboxing videos, or casual photography, people are always lighting products. Of course, there are hundreds of different ways you can light a product, but there seems to be one type of lighting that can make anything look good. This is called. overhead lighting. Overhead lighting creates dramatic highlights and shadows on an object that make it appear more sleek and desirable. Today on 4 Minute Film School, we will be showing you how to create nice overhead lighting on two different budgets.
In this video, Matt from the A-Team shows us how to set up and shoot with overhead lighting, using high end lighting as well as a budget friendly lighting option. First, he thinks about a surface to put his products on. A dark reflective surface will give the best results. Second, he rigs a light directly overhead. This can be done with a c-stand for most lights. Lastly, he figures out how he’s going to diffuse the light. The softer the light the more pleasing the light will be.
The main aspects addressed in this video are light position and light quality. Light position refers to where the light is placed within your setup. For this we are mounting a light directly over the set, and there are a few things that you need to know in order to do that safely. Light quality refers to how soft or hard a light is. For this we wanted a soft light so we wanted to make the light as large as possible.
The creative possibilities of the overhead angle are limitless. KZbinrs use it for reviewing products, photographers use it for laying out large spreads, and filmmakers even use it for dynamic angles in Hollywood movies. Even if it’s just you standing over the set with your phone, experiment with overhead lighting to see what works for you. Having a few go to lighting setups can help make you a more efficient filmmaker once you get on set.
Connect with Matt: / mozaicstudios
Connect with Chetco: / thechetco
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[@aputurelighting]

What's something that would look good in this lighting? Comment below for a chance to win an Aputure M9!

[@mrheng562]

A Panasonic GH6. LOL!!! I have a feeling it's gonna be announced soon. *starts praying*

[@ivpt]

Any painting with the brush and canvas detail, being highlighted by a low light.

[@ChristianLamptey]

A mobile phone

[@evy.agency4720]

An LS 600d obvs...

[@DavidOcadiz]

A bottle of wine.

[@mikedesrochers]

I am a blacksmith and I make knives, BBQ tools etc. You’ve given me a great tutorial and I could use all the lighting I can muster. Thanks so much.

[@aputurelighting]

We're glad we could help! Best of luck!

[@SaltLake180]

Thanks a lot for this realistic, to the point tutorial by actually showing the actual issues.

[@BrightsideBLVD]

Affordable tip. Head to Lowe’s, purchase the plexiglass, also buy glossy paint of your choice and spray paint evenly on one side. Let dry and use the unpainted side as your display surface. ✊🏿

[@andrewwalkerfilms]

awesome idea!

[@JulianRalphie]

To add on to this, use plexiglass. It should be easier and cheaper.

[@VideoUpskill]

Excellent diffusion tips and C stand setup.

[@ulysseproton7430]

I think that a little plant like a basil for exemple would like awsome with the sub surface scatering of the very green leaves!

[@robertcollins3061]

Man I love when I get a notification saying you guys dropped a vid. I'm actually working on a video how to make everyday objects look cool I used Stuff like pocket knives, and watches

[@MrCbsmith81]

Thx for this! I'm going to try this with some cool bottles I have - I think I'll get a nice outline, plus the reflections from the black plexi.

[@aputurelighting]

Yeah I'm sure that would look great. You could also try bringing the bottle forward so the top light is kind of a backlight and then bouncing some light back into the front

[@Nichabodcrane93]

Pretty much any kind of glassware looks really nice with this kind of setup. I like shooting on translucent white plexiglass though. You can use black card stock on either side of the glass just out of frame to create black lines on the side of stemware to create really nice imagery!

[@aputurelighting]

Very cool! We'll have to give that a try

[@treasureislandofworld]

Amazingly Explained !

[@chivotra6450]

When you use 120d light, do you turn on 100% capacity?

[@jackiehale3730]

Love these tutorials

[@thewildernesshiker-howtose4438]

My hiking kit, with all the experienced gear, scratches, character, and all.

[@jamiehackett4856]

When will the light dome ii be back in stock for EU?

[@CK13001]

What to do for a background? Would keying the background out not work?

[@vishalpoddar-360securities5]

That's really helpful. Thanks a ton 😊

[@aputurelighting]

Of course! Thanks for the feedback

[@dreamersdayproductions8564]

What about water bottle ads? Currently trying to light a water bottle product that is see through and the labeling and clear. So it’s hard to light the brand logo in fright which is just black letters with black stripes. And also there’s huge reflections from my lighting.

[@zarnvideoproduction4724]

Object: car keys! Question: do you have tips for keeping your plexi-glass clean? I find mine gets scratched and dusty super easily.

[@architarora2180]

How can you make a smartphone unboxing video in such a setup? The reflection on the phone screen is something really difficult to avoid, that too when your camera is right above it...any advice?

[@AlessandroGiordani]

My vintage pocket watch would be amazing in this setup! :)

[@ShinilPayamal]

Thanks for the awesome video showing the lighting setup.🍹👍 P.S. : Everyday object which will look cool is: Wedding/engagement ring!💍

[@SalvagedCircuitry]

Great Information? Curious, who makes your lazy susan? Do you have any info on it? Thanks!

[@michaeljimenez9345]

Coolest thing to shoot on this setup would be a really nice scale rc crawler or a rc umtimate desert racer!

[@user-so5dv5qv6r]

My green cup of coffee I bought from Harrods with hot American coffee and some steaming from the heat of the coffee

[@substrate5384]

Anything can look good in this lighting setup

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Amazing!✌️

[@saidcisneros2933]

So I could do something similar with An Aputure F7?

[@irvanwiranata6972]

Many thanks!

[@bmanleydavis]

Me in a speedo for my Tinder profile. I’m going to need a bigger lazy susan. Also, any idea how to make me more reflective??

[@PhotographerVA]

any suggestions on lazy susans?

[@Kframevideo]

What about reflections on watch screen? How to eliminate it?

[@YourStoryStudios]

Love the over head lighting look. We’ve been experimenting with this on our channel when getting b-roll of different cameras and lenses! We’ve been using the 120d with Lightdome plus a couple of MC lights to add colour.

[@AsherPardey]

A really epic tactical pocket knife would look amazing!

[@chingyiho6496]

Cool Hairstyle

[@hunterstroudmedia]

That’s my friend!

[@ArtisanneChocolatier]

my chocolates! Thanks for the tutorial

[@philipjohansen8504]

Clear glass of water with ice + condensation! With some haze

[@anthonyburnett9070]

I played with that kind of set after Indy mogul had his video. Watches are amazing in this set up

[@theshopper6902]

0:49 -0:50 do you mirror circlular ring product BTS video on your channel?

[@ignatiusmah]

what is the magic cloth? it seems to make the image brighter than the silk

[@aputurelighting]

Light loses about 2.5 stops but it's incredibly soft and spread nicely.

[@gges1605]

What if your product is an entire kitchen ????? I have an amaran 200x with the 2 bay battery bank what other lights or accessories would you suggest client is a kitchen company looking to showcase their kitchens.

[@aputurelighting]

Make sure to use soft light (rent a softbox) and shoot at a time that showcases natural daylight (if applicable)! Good luck!

[@davidmarsham]

A pile of whole coffee beans with a well designed bag behind it would look awesome with this lighting

[@mindarttv9746]

Thanks

[@108hugh]

It would be great to light a watch : )

[@forrestygarcia9371]

I bet the M9 would look amazing on that set up! I can prove it once I get one *wink wink

[@MarioSoMedia]

Rings would look good!

[@devonbedford2645]

The aputure F7 my every day flash light

[@tommymejiaen]

My 2024 setup will record it right now

[@adventura3171]

Object: See through shake I would add some haze to let the whole Image Look a little more cinematic.

[@TesseracMedia]

Funko pop toys would look great too

[@jurrewolters9833]

A lightbulb would look cool

[@griffithsafari]

An M9 would look great under this lighting setup

[@dgipson50]

I think an iPhone 11 pro black would look awesome under the lights.

[@Macsnapsmedia]

I make leather wallets and they would look amazing using this same technique and an M9

[@aputurelighting]

Very cool! Yeah I'm sure they would look great. The subtle reflection of leather might look really cool

[@Macsnapsmedia]

@@aputurelighting the different colors and textures would certainly pop!

[@alexisivanercole6171]

Thaks for the Tips.... What object? obviosly, My Record Player! Thanks again!

[@aputurelighting]

That would looks great! The record spinning could be a good way to add motion to a shot

[@alexisivanercole6171]

@@aputurelighting when my Aputure Ligth Dome II arrives to Argentina I'll send you a picture!

[@MrOizo]

This “magic cloth” where can I get it?

[@aputurelighting]

It comes with all our Soft Light Modifiers!

[@temitayoisme]

My pot of chicken sauce taken right out of the fridge. The ice flares would make a great effect

[@camdowson871]

I think it would look great if you hung a pair of Bose QC35's with fishing wire on this setup!

[@Synaphe]

If it would exist, a real alive little miniature tiger.

[@AsianTrix1]

Clear glass of water with ice + condensation!

[@TheWolfofWallStreet99]

Can somebody recommend a lazy susan to me, I can only find ones for seasonings lol

[@charliedamiliovr546]

Why is ISO 1200, I thought we wanted that as low as possible for shooting

[@birgitsmetana]

my new macbook air would look amazing. 😎

[@EsamKabliPhotography]

Great video, I think It perfect setup to shoot pistols..

[@Jimmeyyyyy]

Pair of Sunglasses would look great

[@JoeCopenhaver]

A vintage microphone would look good under this lighting! Cool video Aputure.

[@aputurelighting]

Definitely! With the metal and curved designs, for sure

[@DamianColeman13]

old film cameras would look sick under that light!

[@aputurelighting]

Yes! We tried putting an SLR in the light and it looked great

[@lucschweizer5852]

Probalby an Aputure M9;)

[@jas.boreddd]

What about leather belts ??

[@milovarquiel]

An aloe vera plant would look amazing with that light.

[@mayureshwarbhimte229]

AN IPHONE WOULD LOOK STUNNING ON THIS SETUP

[@sanilalkuttimon1755]

😍😍😍😍

[@drewh79]

A cat, that has been through some tough times but is still going to work every day to support it's ever increasing family.

[@digimysore]

nice nice

[@berna.amendolla]

A glass cup of smoking coffee would look awesome in this lighting

[@mosesdukesmedia8247]

An alexa mini under this would look great 😂

[@jonatananxo]

3:49 looking @Indy mogul to see how they did it :)

[@SilverGas147]

Xbox Controller, black one with the glossy buttons and matte.

[@aputurelighting]

Oh for sure! The combination of different materials would create some cool reflections

[@Memerle0815]

I'm pretty sure a bottle of ice cold Corona Beer would look amazing.

[@aputurelighting]

Any excuse to drink a Corona!

[@arunrajvs]

Corona, oh yes, just cannot forget that word..can we?

[@theBizzaroWorld]

SHOE LACES!

[@Rycleong]

Object: My usual cup of steaming hot morning coffee in a double-wall glass.

[@zackarysinger2950]

A properly plated food dish on a lazy Suzan.

[@davidespinosa8036]

Also a high detailed black diecast car

[@aputurelighting]

Yes! Could be a great way to practice shooting cars

[@davidespinosa8036]

@@aputurelighting For sure

[@erfanershadi6218]

Can i still win an aperture m9?

[@SevarHalnaQar]

a bottle of whiskey would be a phenomenon or beer.

[@tylerburton5440]

A cheeseburger. But, not just any cheeseburger, a dramatic cheeseburger.

[@MichaelNguyenn]

Any Apple product will look good under this light lol. It's pretty typical but iconic style from them.

[@aputurelighting]

Very true, I think they use this lighting for a lot of their commercials. Or a simulated version of the lighting for CGI shots

[@davidkujawiak7987]

Almost word for word ripped from Indie Mogul.

[@MilitaryHistoryWithWill71]

We have a Military History KZbin channel, so lighting Military Medals from former Wars and conflicts would give the medals a high quality professional look for our videos.

[@MikeBrunner]

my girlfriends ring would look great (Y)

[@oscarthis]

A vintage Fisher Price Snoopy Dog pull toy

[@elandrue]

A well poured beer

[@dimivakrilov9216]

I bet a sleek knife would look great under this light!

[@aputurelighting]

Yes! Especially close up shots on the blade and little details.

[@zackglickert4495]

Maybe clean the table before shooting? just a thought

[@adamfrench2337]

A wrench.

[@hassandubais6910]

Coffee beans

[@mrforrest]

My Spider-Man action figure collection

[@aputurelighting]

For sure! I think top lighting also makes for good display case lighting

[@_suhel_diwan]

Coffee been

[@williamharrison6802]

Everyday Object: Sunglasses

[@smokermarine]

a Praying Mantis instead of a product would look absolutely stunning.

[@aputurelighting]

Yeah this works on living things too haha. Even people can look pretty good in it