need advice: product shot lighting setup

[schrackman]

This question is for those who have had some experience in this area. I would like to know what setup some of you have used for product shots. At the present I have two 250W tungsten lights with aluminum reflectors, and am looking for something that will eliminate shadow but also be very economical to purchase. Am particularly interested in comments on cocoons.Thanks.

Ray

[brphoto]

Ray,
It really depends what type of product you are shooting, and what effect you want to create. I often use a large and a small softbox with 2 (500w) starlites for product work. I'd position the large softbox above the product (assuming you are using a shooting table), tilt it a bit forward. To brighten up the side of the product, position the small softbox to the right or left of the product, between the shooting table and large softbox above. This will illuminate the product while keeping the background nice and dark, separating the two. To answer your question on how soften the shadows, softboxes and/or reflectors usually do the trick.