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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Getting better shots of glass like this
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07/20/2006 03:47:20 PM · #1
I was messing around trying to get a nice shot along the lines of the thumb below and can't seem to work it out on my own, so I am asking for some tips.

The big black reflection on the wine glass I know (or think I know) how to deal with just by putting a white sheet behind me. But the glass itself looks very dull and I assure you it is very fine crystal which I polished up before shooting.

Is there a specific method to shooting glassware like this or is it something to take care of in PP? This was shot in a light tent. A different lighting approach required maybe?



Any help appreciated, thanks.
07/20/2006 05:28:52 PM · #2
I really am not sure, but since nobody else is answering your thread . . . have you tried using a polarizing filter? It might help take away the dullness which is being caused by the reflections.

Maybe someone who's done this before will jump in now and give you some pointers. Good luck.
07/20/2006 05:47:14 PM · #3
I agree much of the problem is bad reflections but a colour and contrast boost could improve it, the red background especially looks a little washed out.Lighting is the main problem with shots like this.
07/20/2006 05:48:04 PM · #4
I've never shot glass in a light tent, but I'd assume you are getting a "dull" look because you have so much white coming at the glass.

I believe you would be better off with less broad light sources which would produce sparkle points.
07/20/2006 05:49:32 PM · #5
Agreed - light tents don't agree with glass objects.
07/20/2006 05:51:18 PM · #6
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

I've never shot glass in a light tent, but I'd assume you are getting a "dull" look because you have so much white coming at the glass.

I believe you would be better off with less broad light sources which would produce sparkle points.


Thanks for the replies.

I don't have a polarizer filter, but I can pick one up and give it a shot.

Re: the light source, if I took one of these two lights that sit outside the tent and just blasted them at the scene is that along the lines of what you are talking about? They are 10" 500w lights with silver reflectors.

Message edited by author 2006-07-20 17:51:51.
07/20/2006 05:57:11 PM · #7
Originally posted by routerguy666:


Re: the light source, if I took one of these two lights that sit outside the tent and just blasted them at the scene is that along the lines of what you are talking about? They are 10" 500w lights with silver reflectors.


Yeah, try shooting outside the tent with the lights pointed at the glass. Also, you may try having the whole front of the scene, including you and the camera blacked out.

Try shooting through a black sheet, allowing no light to enter the scene from directly ahead.

Edit: Be real careful of shadows though. You can diffuse one of the light sources, but I wouldn't diffuse both.

Message edited by author 2006-07-20 17:58:32.
07/20/2006 06:34:35 PM · #8
I've only ever taken one glass shot so I'll contribute what little I know . Have you tried backlighting the glass ?
07/20/2006 06:37:30 PM · #9
Originally posted by TheMegalomaniac:

Have you tried backlighting the glass ?




This is with a backlight (the white background is a softbox)

edit: YES it was a single light source. If it wasn't, I would've used a light from the front to lighten up the object I dropped in the glass.

Message edited by author 2006-07-20 18:39:11.
07/20/2006 06:50:00 PM · #10
I'm 98% sure the problem is the colors you are shooting. Look at the red channel in PS, it is totally blasted out. Now look at the blue channel, the glass looks sharp and crisp (albeing in B&W). Not only do you have an intense red background, you are shooting with lighting (the halogens) that just makes it worse with a color temp which is very, very warm.

Try the same shot with a different color background or try it with a flash just aimed at the ceiling with no tent and no halogens.
07/20/2006 07:05:19 PM · #11
Originally posted by DrAchoo:


Try the same shot with a different color background or try it with a flash just aimed at the ceiling with no tent and no halogens.


That's basically what I did here.



I fired the flash off of a reflector over the scene and had a second slave to completely blow out the background.
07/20/2006 07:22:40 PM · #12
Idea,

Just use as small as possible red strip for your bg/base, and place white strips on iether side.

Personaly I think the silver reflextors add the (dull) looking surface. If you have white, or can use soft boxes at a 45 Degree angle on both sides, should help.

As for the making the whole glass white, you would have to put a sheet/ or something down in front of it, and make a whole only the size to fit the lens, as to not get your reflextion in the glass.

Try to find the spot with minimual view of the lens, or find a spot where its easy to photoshop out.

Glass is tricky because of the reflextions.

Or if you have it a light tent, but most definitly get rid of the silver.
07/20/2006 07:52:23 PM · #13
Excellent, thanks again to all. I'll try the tips and see if I can get closer to what is in the mind's eye.
07/20/2006 08:00:11 PM · #14
i would strongly suggest Light - Science and Magic which has a chapter (or two) on lighting glass

and/or look up light field & dark field lighting techniques ..
07/20/2006 08:00:25 PM · #15
i really didn't hit the button twice ...

Message edited by author 2006-07-20 20:00:59.
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