Want to have a fun and easy alternative to using risers or platforms in product photography? One simple way to recreate a platform effect is by using coloured (or textured) pieces of paper to create an optical illusion.
This technique is easy-to-do and is a fun exercise in creative visual effects. Let’s show you how to create a fun platform illusion using just coloured paper!
Start with few sheets of paper that are different and have contrasting colours. You can also use pieces of textured paper.
Simply arrange your paper to form the illusion of a coloured block that you'll be placing your object onto.
Set up your camera on a tripod and have the camera positioned to 30° off a top-down angle.
Since we'll be shooting on an angle, use a small aperture value to keep the contents of your photo in focus.
Turn on the camera's grid guidelines to ensure your paper is aligned correctly to achieve your illusion.
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Place your object on the corner of your paper at a slight angle for a perfect illusion. You can use foil or blu tack to prop it up if necessary.
Adjust the placement of your light source (or simply rotate your angled papers) to control the direction of your object’s shadow.
This is such an easy technique for an impactful image. Try it out with different objects, positions and colors.
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