Clik here to view.
Apr 18 2010 1:19 am
Video by Robert Grant, Article by SASHA GiTiN
In this video tutorial we take the pain off shooting highly reflective objects. Early in my career I was contracted to photograph a catalog for a major department chain in the Northeast. I was given the housewares which included china and flatware. It was a great opportunity. On the set I tried several types of photographic techniques including direct lighting and bounce light but nothing seemed to work. What helped me to come up with lighting solution is to take a moment and really analyze my subject and its properties.
Since the object is very reflective, it makes no sense to light the object itself as it does not absorb any light. It simply reflects the light that is reflected off things around in. Just like a mirror. So the next step is to analyze where that reflection is coming from. According to physics:Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The law of reflection is θi = θr, which means that incidence equals the angle of reflection.
Now that you found where the light is being reflected from (in our case- above and behind the subject) you need to light that that area. Positioning diffusion paper above our tabletop set created a vest white space that is now reflected in silverware. By positioning the light source (clamp lamp in this case) to project light onto diffusion paper we are now in control what is reflected in our shiny object.
By moving the light to different positions over the tissue paper you will achieve dramatically different results. Have fun now that you are in charge !
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Settings:
Set your camera to AV mode. This will allow you to control the depth of field. I chose deep DOP at f22 in this case. But feel free to experiment with shallow Depth if you prefer that feel better.
Equipment:
DSLR camera, Tripod, Roll of Diffusion paper (Drafting vellum), Light stand with boom arm (to hold the roll), 1 clamp lamp on the stand
Also, for the more adventurous, you can add a second light or maybe a light from the side to get even more control of your still life.
For more info on equipment used see: Photo and Grip Equipment for Clamp Lamp Studio
