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I was wondering if anyone has any major tips for taking images like this:

enter image description here

I've tried some before but never quite managed to get that same, well lit, bright and straight shot. I also have problems with getting shadows over the items when i'm above them.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Do we know what sort of lens was used? Maybe a tilt and shift? By the way, you can see a shadow on near the top left of the backpack and some light reflected off the Voss bottle. I think that might help. \$\endgroup\$
    – SailorCire
    Mar 5, 2015 at 15:53
  • \$\begingroup\$ @SailorCire I know there is "shadow" in the image, I just mean if I try a similar shot I find it hard to get "above" the items without casting some sort of shadow, thus stopping me from creating a nice bright/clean image. \$\endgroup\$
    – SaturnsEye
    Mar 5, 2015 at 16:43
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    \$\begingroup\$ There's a word for this! It's called "knolling". \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Mar 6, 2015 at 16:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thank you so much Matt! :) that will be enough for me to search the internet for tips and techniques. \$\endgroup\$
    – SaturnsEye
    Mar 6, 2015 at 17:00

1 Answer 1

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The easiest way to get an image that looks straight on is to photograph it from as high as possible using a longer focal length, this greatly reduces the effect of not being quite parallel, and prevents objects in the corners from appearing to bulge outwards.

I usually use a tripod set to maximum height and a 100mm lens and shoot through the legs. If you have an indoor balcony from a floor above that would be even better.

Flat lighting is a matter of having a very soft lightsource. Window light from patio doors works well, or a flash bounced off a plain white ceiling.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Nice, I'll try these techniques out \$\endgroup\$
    – SaturnsEye
    Mar 5, 2015 at 17:05
  • \$\begingroup\$ Shooting from as high as possible will also help not block the light source and throw a shadow from you, your tripod or camera. Having multiple light sources will help remove shadows. Or if using window light, a reflector. \$\endgroup\$
    – MikeW
    Mar 5, 2015 at 19:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ there seems to be missing something: "from appearing to ..." \$\endgroup\$
    – ths
    Mar 6, 2015 at 15:22

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