Beryl from the Orchard Quarry, Buckfield, Oxford Co., Maine: The background is Full Flood using Roxio 6 NXT Photo Suite. This choice of a black background seems to be the right choice...

Rockhound

The background is Full Flood using Roxio 6 NXT Photo Suite. This choice of a black background seems to be the right choice for bringing out the contrast features for the subject matter in my photo.

I’m shifting gears here for a moment. I’m finding difficulties in capturing photos of water clear Quartz, and Fluorite crystals getting unwanted reflections off of the many-faceted crystal faces. This doesn't
allow for shape definition of the crystal facets.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

Rockhound wrote:

I’m finding difficulties in capturing photos of water clear Quartz, and Fluorite crystals getting unwanted reflections

Have you tried a polarizer?

Rockhound

SnappyHappy wrote:

Have you tried a polarizer?

No, just a Neutral filter. I’m using a small photo lightbox with LED light strip.

I’ll try your suggestion. No flash and set on Manual setting. How do you shoot most of your photos in Aperture setting.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

Rockhound wrote:

No, just a Neutral filter. I’m using a small photo lightbox with LED light strip.

I’ll try your suggestion. No flash and set on Manual setting. How do you shoot most of your photos in Aperture setting.

Depends on the subject...AE when my primary goal is to control DOF...TV to control motion...mostly manual for the fun of it

Rockhound

Okay, thank you for your advice. Trying to reach a point where I don't have to think about all the different settings.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

If you can get a sheet of polarized material to polarize the light on the crystals you might get some interesting results.

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

Rockhound wrote:

The background is Full Flood using Roxio 6 NXT Photo Suite. This choice of a black background seems to be the right choice for bringing out the contrast features for the subject matter in my photo.

I’m shifting gears here for a moment. I’m finding difficulties in capturing photos of water clear Quartz, and Fluorite crystals getting unwanted reflections off of the many-faceted crystal faces. This doesn't
allow for shape definition of the crystal facets.

Rockhound, I believe you are overexposing the image using your flood light on-axis with the subject (see very thin shadow. Try moving the light to camera's left side and also backwards to get cross lighting and more contrast. You can also bracket your exposures. Alternately, with a quick edit using Photoshop Elements 13, I used "levels" and moved the mid-tone slider to get this result. Other "tools" available such as "Brightness" and "Contrast." Or you could try "clarity" if it's in your editing program and move the slider to the right. Cheers. Ed

Rockhound

Thank you, I will experiment with you suggestions. I believe my Nikon Capture 2 editing would have given me better control options just need to learn how to use it.

Best regards, Art

Rockhound

Thank you, I will try your suggestion and hope to post some pics with the difference.

Best regards, Art

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Have you consider using long wave UV 365nm which will yield an orangy yellow
https://www.fluomin.org/uk/fiche.php?id=237

btw, The green variety, Emerald, is likely the most precious gems of all, exceeding the value of diamond.

All the best on your journey...