Whenever I get a chance, I experiment with new photographic techniques. For this experiment, my subject was my new lens, a Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L.

I had a few goals in mind before starting. First, I wanted to have a reflection of the lens. I also wanted to show the lens’ shape and curves. Lastly, I wanted to add a splash of color to the image.  This pre-production phase is important to my work, be it a product shot or a portrait. 

For the reflection, I decided to use some plexiglas that I picked up at The Yard (an awesome place to find random “photographic” equipment). The plexiglas also allows some light through, which allowed me to throw some color onto the background by putting some gel on the flash. To show the shape, I used an umbrella for a broad source of light, with white foam core on either side. This gave some broad, specular highlights on the edge of the lens.

The setup shot to the right shows how it all came together. Two folding chairs, one tri-fold poster-board, two pieces of plexiglas. The umbrella is over a flash, and the other flash has red gel for the color.

Here are the end results. The second shot has the gelled flash pointing straight through the plexiglas and gave it an edgier look.