When V-Flat launched the brand new Karl Taylor Mild Cone, the feedback ranged from dismissive jokes about “the cone of disgrace” to pleasure for a product designed by esteemed industrial photographer Karl Taylor. I made a decision to take the cones into my product studio and see for myself if this easy instrument actually delivered the easy outcomes it boasted.
To be fairly sincere, I used to be skeptical of the Light Cone. Lighting for product pictures could be very particular and requires intensive data. Like most industrial photographers, I’ve spent years fine-tuning the talent by testing totally different softboxes, diffusion papers, and light-weight modifiers. The thought of throwing a cone on high of a product and every part magically understanding gave me the identical ideas I’ve once I stroll by the “Brazilian Butt Enhance” capsules on the worldwide market. Please. If it had been that simple…
After which I attempted it. Wow. Take a look at these outcomes for your self. I’ll let the pictures do the speaking. This primary comparability shot was with the sunshine positioned above, pointed down on the cone.
You possibly can discover an unlimited distinction within the smoothness of the oil, the transitions within the label, and likewise the softness of the solid shadow. It really was easy as putting the cone over the product and taking the shot. I used to be shocked once I noticed the primary picture pop up on my evaluation display. For those who observe me on Instagram, you noticed my shock as I took my first shot. I simply positioned the cone over the product and took the very same shot, and immediately, a smoother, softer picture was created.
On this second comparability picture, I positioned the sunshine to the left of the cone and the bottle contained in the cone.
Laborious gentle (left) is most positively a trending look. I am usually employed for its my use in my work. I like the daring crispness of it. Nonetheless, if you’re after a creamy, clean look, I can let you know with certainty this instrument would be the best and best approach to obtain it. One factor that’s virtually miraculous about this cone is the way it erases imperfections. I selected to check the cone on this brown bottle particularly as a result of for the final a few years, it has been the toughest bottle for me to {photograph}. If I wipe it down, there are filaments throughout it it doesn’t matter what I take advantage of. If I blow it with an air gun, there may be mud. Each imperfection on the label appears amplified as soon as the sunshine hits it. One way or the other, regardless of microfiber gloves, it simply creates fingerprints out of skinny air! This bottle has been the bane of my existence for years. I used to be shocked with how the bottle seemed practically flawless by merely utilizing the cone.
You possibly can see the identical astonishing outcomes on this check shot.
For this third shot, I needed to strive one thing a bit of unconventional, so I put the complete cone between the sunshine and the product with out putting the product contained in the cone. I used to be inquisitive about what would occur if I used it merely to interrupt up the sunshine. I used a bounce card to mirror a bit of gentle again onto the bottle’s proper aspect.
You possibly can see the shadows and highlights are softer with the diffusion. You may also discover an enormous distinction within the cap and the transitions of colour.
It was attention-grabbing to be taught that Taylor labored for 2 years, testing totally different supplies and shapes. As soon as selecting this materials, he continued fine-tuning the cones to the perfect optical density for the fabric. The cones are available in three sizes. You should buy the set of three, or both of them individually. If I had to decide on only one, I’d buy the massive, which measures 20″ x 18″ x 5″ and retails for $69.95. It truly is a game-changer. It’s really easy and efficient that it may possibly enable a novice to attain skilled outcomes immediately.
The one downside I got here throughout whereas utilizing the cone was photographing a product which was a bit of larger. I choose to shoot product work with my Canon 100mm f/2.8 .Within the case the place the product was bigger, like this shampoo bottle, with the intention to get the entire product within the shot, I needed to swap lenses to a wider one: my Canon 24-70mm f/2.8, which causes distortion on the product, as seen under.
For those who shoot product images, I’m assured this instrument will likely be an incredible time-saver. It’s going to reduce time on lighting and modifying. It’s reasonably priced, easy-to-assemble, and it shops flat just like the stack of backdrop,s that are absolutely piled up in your studio. That is the one case the place “too good to be true” truly is. Hats off to Karl Taylor and V-Flat.
After this and their Lindsay Adler spot, I’m anxiously awaiting their subsequent launch. You possibly can decide up the Light Cone here.
