White or transparent objects on a white background can be very challenging to photograph and can become quite frustrating for even the most experienced photographers.

This is a basic setup for a catalog photo shoot where the object needs to be the focal point. 

I have a couple of examples here. You have the lighting diagram of the setup, and finally, there is a list of what I used.

 

Lighting Ratio

The key to this lighting setup lies in striking a balance between the background and the subject. I recommend adding one f-stop more light to the background than to the subject.

You measure this with a flash meter. Always start with the light on the subject.   Measured the light at f/22 on the subject and then measured it on the background at f/32.   Then bracketed shots from ƒ/16 to ƒ/32 and pulled them up in Lightroom. After carefully examining the details in the subject and the background, I chose to shoot at f/20.

I also recommend evenly lighting the object for this type of catalog photography. This is why there are two 32″ x 40″ soft boxes at 45º angles from the camera to help wrap the object in light.

The middle 30″ x 60″ soft box in the diagram below is suspended flat over the table using the Manfrotto boom arm.

To avoid lens flare in this setup, be sure the camera is ever so slightly not perpendicular to the background. Straight on can give you a lens flare.

Supplies

Here is a list of the supplies I used to make the photo.

• Sequentia 1/8-in x 4-ft x 8-ft White Fiberglass Reinforced Wall Panel

• BESSEY 2-in Metal Spring Clamps

• Savage Background Port-A-Stand Kit

• 30″ x 60″ soft box from Paul C. Buff

• Manfrotto 024B Boom

• JTL1200 Chrome Air Cushioned Stand (5016)

• Sekonic L-308S Flashmate – Digital Incident, Reflected, and Flash Light Meter