Diffuse/Flat vs Spot/Dramatic

[DurocShark]

What lighting do ya'll prefer for pen photography?

I used the same pen under different lighting conditions for this comparison.

Diffuse:

Spot:

I think the diffuse is more accurate and provides more detail, but I think the dramatic lighting makes the pen more attractive.

How do you pros (and non-pros too!!!) feel?

 

[markgum]

I think the diffused light does a better job of showing the pen. However, the spot does add a neat view. The black parts of the pen kind-of gets lost in both photos. but this is just my 2 cents worth. I would have to say the spot is my favorite.

 

[VisExp]

I agree with Mark. It would be interesting to see pictures of the pens with the same backgrounds and props but with the different lighting.

 

[altaciii]

They are both good pics to me. If I have to choose, mmmmm, the spot.

 

[DurocShark]

They both have the same backdrop. Different prop because I forgot what a PITA it is to get the pen to stand up against the leather box.

I'm just playing around with lighting and exposures. A product photographer friend of mine insists that there should never be any shadows. True for pure product photography, but I think our pens aren't really "products".

 

[JimB]

I like the spot better but it's not a fair comparison with them positioned differently and with different props.

 

[MesquiteMan]

Both seem a little under exposed to me. Seems like you need more lite to make them really come to life and show all the detail.