A Must-Have Tool for Product Photographers
Review by Fernando Santos
Every once in a while, a new product comes along, changing everything. Often, it’s such a simple idea that we ask ourselves why it took so long for someone to come up with it. The new Light Cone is one of those products. Designed by professional photographer Karl Taylor and marketed by V-Flat World, the Light Cone is very simple and easy to use but, at the same time, very effective at what it does. The Light Cone was created to make it easier to shoot glossy or highly reflective products.
The V-Flat World Light Cone arrives packed flat. To assemble it, you simply turn the proprietary white translucent material into a cone shape and snap the closing buttons. It literally takes seconds. The newly assembled cone will measure 20″ (50cm) at the base, and 5″ (12.5cm) at the top. Then you just place the cone over your subject, add your lights, and shoot from above. It’s that simple!
The Light Cone works with small flashes, studio strobes, desk lamps, or even natural light. Use your imagination and create more complex setups by adding some black tape inside the cone: This will give dimension, thanks to the specific reflections cast on the products being photographed. You can also use different backgrounds; it doesn’t have to be white. It’s all covered on the many free training videos available on the product website.
I tested only the Large size, but the V-Flat World Light Cone by Karl Taylor is available in two other sizes, Medium ($49.95) and Phone ($34.95), as well as in a bundle with all three ($139.95).
If you do product photography (even if just as a side gig for your eBay or Etsy business), you should give it a try! It’s a tool that you can’t afford not to have.
