In the world of product photography, capturing sharp, detailed images is an essential skill. But achieving that perfect shot requires a combination of the right tethering gear, workstation setup, precise lighting, and meticulous attention to detail. Commercial photographer Evan Naka shares his insightful process in this video, showing us how he captures bottle shots that stand out. In this article, we’ll break down Evan’s approach and highlight how you can replicate his process to elevate your own product photography.
To start let’s take a closer look at the key components of Evan’s end-to-end tethered photography workflow.
The Gear That Makes the Magic Happen
Evan’s studio setup is built for efficiency and precision. Here’s a rundown of the gear that he uses to get those sharp, professional bottle shots:
Camera: Sony A7R5
Evan is using a Sony A7R5 as his main camera on this shoot and tethers his camera to his laptop ensuring a smooth communication between his camera and Capture One.
Tethering allows Evan to make adjustments on the fly, which is crucial when working with high-resolution images.
TetherPro Optima 10G Cable
Evan uses the TetherPro Optima 10G Cable for its speed and reliability in his workflow.
“This cable comes in super handy when it comes to these large format images,” he explains.
With a fast data transfer rate of 10 Gbps, the Optima 10G Cable ensures that large image files are transferred quickly, so Evan can stay in his creative flow without delays. This is especially important when shooting with high-resolution cameras like the Sony A7R5, FujiFilm GFX100, or Hasselblad.
TetherGuard LeverLock Plate
The TetherGuard LeverLock Plate secures Evan’s tether cord to his camera locking it firmly in place during the shoot, preventing any movement that could affect the shot.
It’s the perfect companion for Evan’s tethered setup, keeping his connection stable while he focuses on getting the right shot.
Pro Tethering Kit, Rock Solid Side Arm, & Low Boy Roller
The Pro Tethering Kit is an essential part of Evan’s tethered workstation mounted with the Rock Solid Master Side Arm onto a Rock Solid Low Boy Roller for stability and ultimate mobility on set.
It provides a sturdy, portable platform to set up his laptop for viewing images. The table is equipped with Aero Hooks to organize his cables, a cupholder to conveniently hold Evan’s Prime Bottle, and the SecureStrap locking his laptop in place during his photography session.
TetherGuard Tethering Support Kit
The TetherGuard Tethering Support Kit offers Evan additional cable management on his table workstation to keep his cables securely in place and prevent them from tangling or getting in the way, reducing the risk of accidents and making the setup safer and more efficient.
Rock Solid VESA Studio Monitor Mount for Stands
Above his Pro Tethering Workstation Evan has mounted an external monitor with the Rock Solid VESA Studio Monitor Mount securely holding the monitor in place for a larger preview of his shots on set.
This setup allows for vertical or horizontal reviewal of images and a smooth transitions between shooting and reviewing especially if you are on set with clients, a digi-tech, or creative director.
Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm, Clamp, & AeroTab Universal Tablet Mounting System
The AeroTab Universal Tablet Mounting System is attached to the Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm and is mounted off the side of the low boy roller with the Rock Solid Master Clamp offering live previews of shots via the iPad and a secure location to keep your iPad near your full workstation.
These tools working together allow Evan to position his lights precisely, achieving the perfect lighting setup for every shot.
How to Set Up Studio Lighting for Product Photography
Lighting is everything in product photography, and Evan takes a methodical approach to ensure his bottle shots look just right.
Key Light:
- Profoto D2 500 Strobe with a Profoto Connect Pro for Sony cameras allowing him to control the light output and ensure consistent results.
For Evan’s bottle shot, the key light is positioned carefully to highlight the bottle while maintaining sharpness and contrast.
“I go one light at a time,” Evan explains. “This way it really helps me narrow down where the light’s coming from so I don’t have any other intruding lights and I get confused on how to adjust things. It just makes things a lot simpler.”
Evan then uses a grid and diffusers to control light spill and ensure the lighting is just right.
“I want to see if it makes our bottle look a little prettier if I diffuse it right,” he adds, showing how subtle adjustments can make a big difference.
Backlight
- Profoto D2 500 behind the bottle with a 50° grid to control the light’s spill and tto add depth and dimension to the shot
As Evan tweaks the backlight, he uses Capture One’s live view feature on his iPad to make quick adjustments without the need for constant test shots, speeding up the process and allowing for more creative flexibility.
Evan also utilizes a magenta gel over the backlight to give the final shot a splash of color.
The Final Shot: Bringing It All Together
With the lights dialed in and the focus sharp, Evan completes his bottle shot by adding a little extra flair.
“No drink photography is complete without a little bit of condensation,” he says, spraying a fine mist on the bottle to add that realistic touch.
The result is a stunning, sharp, and detailed image of the Prime bottle that’s ready for use in commercial campaigns.
“Since I’m shooting tethered, I have my image full resolution right here so I can just dial it in super sharp and make sure that everything that I want in focus is actually in focus,” he says.
Evan’s process is a perfect example of how thoughtful gear choices, the right lighting setup, and the power of creativity can transform your product photography. By following his steps and using the right tools, you can elevate your own product shots and achieve professional results like Evan.
