Product shot help?

[jdunphy]

I could really use some help in improving these. They were taken at 85mm with two speedlights. One was fired through a white umbrella, and the second was fired into a white umbrella. Should I break down and build myself a softbox? I've got someone who needs some product shots, and I want them to be top notch. :-\

 

[Big Mike]

They look pretty good to me. The light is quite soft already.

Perhaps one advantage with a soft box would be better highlight reflections on the bottles...but that may not be an issue.

 

[Philip Weir]

A softbox would probably help, though you need to move your light around and watch the effect they have. Generally all shots are technically O.K. but lack life. When shooting objects like lenses and cameras, reflectors would help [see shot 1] When shooting bottles, the reflections need to enhance the bottle. [see shot 2] Generally for still life work, I use just one light, a soft box, size to suit subject, never an umbrella, not enough control. Good luck. Philip.

www.philipweirphotography.com