One of the simplest yet most used items in my photography toolbox is simple black granitle tile. I bought a small one 3 years ago and I am still using it today. I have a small tile that I bought for $4 and a bigger one that I got for $20. Other people use plexiglass or just a simple glass table for this kind of look.

Normally I use the granite tile for my product or still life shots. Here are just some things that you can do with the granite

tile.

Backlighting

I like doing this shot when I am shooting a wineglass or cocktail glasses. I would put the granite tile close to my seamless white paper background and light it from the back).

Keeping it Clean

Just a clean black on black shot with rim lighting. I really love the reflections that the granite tile creates, it give’s “Spunk” to your shot.

Light Painting

I also use it for my lightpainting. You can check this tutorial on how I did these shots using an iPhone and iPad for lightpainting.

The El Bokeh Wall

Playing around with my little darth vader and the El bokeh wall. Check the tutorial here for the El Bokeh wall.

Gels

Simple product shots and using gels on the background.

The Gradient Effect

This is one of my favorite techniques when using the granite tile. I create a gradient effect on the tile by reflecting the light that I bounce from my background.

Flame Shot

My other favorite trick is using the tile for creating real-flame shots. Because it’s a solid tile, you don’t have to worry about it cracking or catching fire. Though you should probably take basic safety precautions.