Lighting for "no-shadow" effect
How to produce this no-shadow effect?


Some examples will explain this best.


Lighting with a soft box makes the shadow soft and unobtrusive.


When close to a subject, the light rays from a large light source strike the subject from many angles. The closer the light is, the softer its shadows are.


Results of the lighting setup. A fill card was used to lighten the front of the gourd by reflecting some light from the overhead soft box.

Images and captions from Light – Science &amp; Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting.


  How many lights do you think are required?


This could be done with one light, but it should be a large light source relative to the object. This doesn't mean the light itself was large, but the area the the light is being emitted from was large enough to cause scattered, soft light.

This is often done by placing diffuse material between the light source and the subject such as a soft box attached to the light, a diffusion panel from a cheap collapsible reflector, a light shed/tent that you can make yourself, or even some tissue paper (make sure it doesn't catch on fire). This results in a light quality similar to an overcast sky.


  Would some classical bulbs that I have at home work?


I don't know what a classical bulb is, but sure, you could possibly use typical household bulbs if they provide enough light for your camera and if you properly setup the scene. Don't forget to set the white balance. Use the same type of bulbs; don't mix types due to the potential differences in color temperature.