Using a flash is a sure way to elevate product photos. Specifically with Sony’s HVL-F60RM, you’ll put your products in a better light with the flash’s unique Quick Shift Bounce feature. Tiltable from horizontal to vertical for fast flash position switches (90° left and right, 150° up/8° down), the flash head rotating feature allows you to bounce the light that fills in dark areas, takes control of shadows formed and determines the overall softness of the image.

Want to take things even further? Use multiple flashes for more lighting styles. Sony’s flashes got you covered too with its seamless radio trigger that links all flashes and your Alpha camera together. The flashes also offer you great convenience with customisable buttons that allow quick access to your frequently used functions.
 
Check out the video below where I demonstrate the how I improved product photography with Sony’s flashes. Don’t forget to read on for my step-by-step guide below on achieving the photos featured in the video.

Scroll down to see a world of difference in photos with flash and without flash!                                    

Soften up the lighting

Softer lighting is achieved when light is bounced on a large white surface to the bouquet of flowers, bringing out the desired luminance of the blooms.

Shot with:

HVL-F60RM flash | Alpha 7 III (on-camera flash with tripod) | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM

46 mm |1/160 sec | F/8 | ISO 640

Set up

• 1 x flash
• 1 x white card as a reflector
• With the flash’s Quick Shift Bounce feature, aim the flash at the white card to bounce off the bouquet of flowers on the opposite side of the wall

Pro Tip: Bouncing the light off a large, white surface will cast a soft lighting on the subject, while another large, white surface on the opposite side acts as another bounce to fill in the shadows.

Highlight the smallest details

Relying on just ambient lighting yields a grainy shot of the earrings due to the high ISO that compensates for the lack of light. The subject also appears to be duller than it is. By utilising Sony’s flashes, the radiance of jewellery is brought out, resulting in a more enticing product shot. 

Shot with:

HVL-F60RM flash | Alpha 7 III (on-camera flash handheld) | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM

70 mm | 1/160 sec | F/8 | ISO 100

Set up

• 1 x flash
• With the flash’s unique Quick Shift Bounce feature, aim the flash at the wall bounce off the light to the earrings

Pro Tip: Consider using a tripod for an easy flat lay shoot.

The woven detailing of the bracelet is highlighted when light is bounced on it. 

Shot with:

HVL-F60RM flash | Alpha 7 III (on-camera flash tripod) | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM

70 mm | 1/125 sec | F/2.8 | ISO 100

Set up

• 1 x flash
• 2 x A4 white cards as reflectors
• With the flash’s unique Quick Shift Bounce feature, aim the flash at one white card to bounce light to hit the items. The other card is used to fill in shadows on the opposite side.

Now that I’ve shown you the ropes of using flash, it’s your turn! You can use practically anything around you to try out product photography with flash. Want to learn more? Make sure to check out how I applied Sony’s flashes for food and portrait photography respectively.