Another question on product photography for commerical use

[Dookie]

Hi there
I have a family friend who need some good quality product photography done and I have been approached so I need some help and advice.
(I am starting my small little portrait photography studio in the basement so I have some equipment)

Here is a quote from what the guy wants:
"The products will be mainly towels, linens, bedding, slippers, bathrobes and the type, some close ups for customers to see the weave and texture, and some general shots. I am looking for a clean simple look, something like this;
Turkish Towels White Collection
Our products are mainly white in color."
I have photographed people, animals flowers but can't say I have done towels and slippers - LOL.
Any suggestion on lighting setups? What to watch for?
I have the following gear in my studio
A small lighting tent
A roll of white seamless on a background stand
2 X 200 WS strobe
1 X 300 WS strobe
1 X 900 Ws strobe
4 light stands and a heavy duty boom arm stand
A 5 in 1 reflector as well as a reflector holder
A 6 ft by 4 ft softbox
2 X 5 ft by 3.5 ft softbox with grids
4 umberllas (shoot through and reflective)
Can easily get some small formcore boards
An old coffee table to use and lots of white and some black clothes to cover

So what do you think? White fabric products...should I shoot it against a balck background or a white background? Or should I move it to my bathroom or kitchen and use the tiles as a background? Have a key light as well as a overhanging fill light?

Lighting....would softboxes be a good idea (since I don't think I have to worry about reflections like other appliances products and such) or should I try to set up a diffuser panel of some sort? Key light at 45 degrees or up high from the back? Shoot at F11? Use a Tripod?
What is the BEST way to get the textile to show on these things?
LOL so many questions...sorry folks but please help - Even general guideline for photographing linen and such would be helpful.
Thank you

[Steven G Webb]

I would avoid shooting white on black. I'm no product photographer but I know what stark contrast results in. Also, keep in mind that your subject material is white and your exposure meter, in camera or not, is going to assume its nuetral gray. You'll have to bump your exposure up to make white, white.

Not knowing how you are arranging your subject limits suggestions about lighting. I will assert that shadows to show texture are going to be important. If the shadow of the nap of say terrycloth is cast directly behind the nap, it will go unseen. I'd think your lighting above should angle slightly toward the camera so the textures are highlighted.

I'm not so sure that 100% white on white is going to be a 100% answer. IF you have a clean (uncluttered) area with tiles or another smooth texture to contrast the fabrics, that might be nice. A well dressed table might be good. Also a bed corner for the Robes/Slippers would seem a logical place to showcase the product.

I'll get out of the way now so someonne who knows what they are talking about can chime in. At least I got you a 4 hour bump.

[happusa]

It sounds like the products are geared towards the female gender. I would use pastel backgrounds. Have your wife or girl friend (or both LOL) give input as to what colors will compliment the white products. Shoot with several different color backgrounds to see what looks best. I would not shoot them all with the same color.