video: episode 18, tabletop photography all done with mirrors
June 30, 2008 – 12:01 amThis is probably my favorite video yet, a dramatic tabletop shot created using just one light and a handful of mirrors and silver cards. I remember the first time I used mirrors, that was years ago and they are still my favorite tabletop light modifier.
The original series of images may be viewed in this gallery, they are darker and more dramatic than they appear in the video. YouTube has it’s advantages and disadvantages.
The strobe lighting used was, once again, Calumet Photographic’s Genesis 200 1-Light Kit. I’ve certainly gotten my $170 worth out of the kit.
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14 Responses to “video: episode 18, tabletop photography all done with mirrors”
This is great. I am not a photographer and i am not going to do much more photography than on vacation and taking pictures of my art. But what i learned about lighting from your videos so far, already helped a lot, getting better results.
By Thomas Prikowitsch on Jun 30, 2008
I loved this episode, very interesting what you can do with one light!
Never would’ve remeber that!
By Celso on Jun 30, 2008
That’s really cool
You really understand lighting! Thanks again 
By Martin from Hamburg on Jun 30, 2008
What a great video. Thanks for all the information. Makes me want to try out all the mirrors.
Be blessed.
By Page Phelps on Jun 30, 2008
Very neat. That’s what I’d call playing with light. I’m going to start collecting scrap boards and mirrors.
By Craig Lee on Jun 30, 2008
That looks like fun. I have a small collection of 1:18 scale model cars that I’ve been wanting to shoot. I’ll definitely remember this when I get around to shooting them.
This is about the only time I wish my wife wore makeup! I’d swipe all her mirrors if she had them.
By John Brainard on Jun 30, 2008
Once again Jim, just simply another great video!
I might suggest creating a Bill of Materials of objects used in each video. Of course we all know about the Genesis Studio Light from Calumet and the stick in a can studio cans. A more complete list and where to find all items would be very helpful.
Keep up the great work! I hope to see new videos each week for years to come.
By Jim Strenk on Jul 1, 2008
I agree with Jim S. A list of materials used would be really helpful. For instance, what did you use to make those silver/white cards. I shoot wine bottles some times and those cards would be perfect for creating white strips on the sides of bottles.
As always, thanks for the video.
By Mike C on Jul 1, 2008
Hi guys, I’ll do my best to create more extensive lists of the materials used in the videos. The silver / white cards were cut from the big silver poster board I showed in the video. It’s sold in craft and art stores. They also have shiny gold poster board, great for warm reflections. Dig around the local art store, it turns up all kinds of cool stuff…limited only by your imagination.
By Jim Talkington on Jul 1, 2008
Hi! Love the videos, I learn a lot form all of them, you are doing a great job!
I would really like to see some videos of how you can work with water in different ways and I wonder if you ever work outside the studio when you photograph, like taking pictures outside?
By Kristina Sava on Jul 6, 2008
Hey, I can’t see the videos, anybodoy knows why?
By Jairzinho on Jul 23, 2008
Jairzinho, make sure you have “Flash Player” installed.
If not, download it here… http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash
http://www.google.com/search?q=flash+player+download
If after installing Flash Player you STILL see nothing, check in your “Internet Options” and enable Javascript (it should be enabled by default).
Shaun
By Shaun on Aug 16, 2008