Help please!
Sep 9, 2012 12:51:47 #
I am trying to photograph a collection I have of cut glass and depression glass for insurance purposes. I am having a hard time getting details to stand out. Any suggestion? lighting?
Thanks
Thanks
Sep 9, 2012 14:12:52 #
I would use a light box on this. It will surround the pieces with light. These are inexpensive and can be purchased from places like B&H etc... There are many posts on this site regarding this kind of photography. Search soft box and it should get you started. Maybe search product photography. Good luck...robert
Sep 9, 2012 14:24:01 #
#1 just needs a little more light or raise the iso a little. #2 and #3 look good.
Sep 9, 2012 14:31:08 #
Sep 9, 2012 17:35:51 #
Lighting need to be flat and cover forensic information.
Always use a ruler to indicate the dimensions.
Shoot from above, below and each side (if hexagonal eight shots.
This shows the condition of the object, branding if any as well as potential flaws.
If you have a certificate of origin (or value), keep a photocopy @ home and the original in a safe deposit. Note that the certificate must be from a recognized expert, not necessarily from the insurance. Update the value certificate over time.
The light box suggestion is really good, if the objects are small. Sharpness is important and shoot RAW, not jpg as RAW is more easily accepted than any other format.
One more thing, do not use a wide angle as it distort the image. Use a 'normal' focus lens (35mm for DX camera 55mm for FX cameras) F11 is your best bet for Dof,
Always use a ruler to indicate the dimensions.
Shoot from above, below and each side (if hexagonal eight shots.
This shows the condition of the object, branding if any as well as potential flaws.
If you have a certificate of origin (or value), keep a photocopy @ home and the original in a safe deposit. Note that the certificate must be from a recognized expert, not necessarily from the insurance. Update the value certificate over time.
The light box suggestion is really good, if the objects are small. Sharpness is important and shoot RAW, not jpg as RAW is more easily accepted than any other format.
One more thing, do not use a wide angle as it distort the image. Use a 'normal' focus lens (35mm for DX camera 55mm for FX cameras) F11 is your best bet for Dof,
Sep 9, 2012 17:51:57 #
Thanks...all good suggestions will give them a try. Never thought of the ruler!
Sep 9, 2012 23:19:16 #
ddemello wrote:
I am trying to photograph a collection I have of cut glass and depression glass for insurance purposes. I am having a hard time getting details to stand out. Any suggestion? lighting?
Thanks
Thanks
I used to photograph lots of highly reflective glass. I constructed a small light table (out of a transluscent material) which curved down in the front and up in the back to form a seamless backdrop. I lit the art glass from below and behind. I would also "cross polarize" the light with the lens to minimize reflections.
Good luck
Sep 10, 2012 08:50:00 #
Sep 10, 2012 09:18:04 #
In the Sept 9 forum Festina Lente pointed to this site
http://www.lighting-academy.com/index.php?id=837
Use it for everything 'Home Studio'
the site is in German but the pictures videos and PDF's are so clear the language barrier is no problem.
http://www.lighting-academy.com/index.php?id=837
Use it for everything 'Home Studio'
the site is in German but the pictures videos and PDF's are so clear the language barrier is no problem.
Sep 10, 2012 10:31:08 #
docrob
Loc: Durango, Colorado
ddemello wrote:
I am trying to photograph a collection I have of cut glass and depression glass for insurance purposes. I am having a hard time getting details to stand out. Any suggestion? lighting?
Thanks
Thanks
use light tent or box as others have said
Sep 10, 2012 12:12:02 #
ddemello wrote:
I am trying to photograph a collection I have of cut glass and depression glass for insurance purposes. I am having a hard time getting details to stand out. Any suggestion? lighting?
Thanks
Thanks
All three shots, for what they are, are very good. I take it you used a regular digital camera.... The only way to get the results you want is to use a View camera that has both tilts and swings. In other words, a 4x5 film camera. and, also use light boxes. I have been shooting material like this for over 50 years. Oh, also on the shiny pieces, you can also use a very very light coating of dulling spray. It doesnt change anything but it does take the glare off the shiny.... In your case, for insurance purposes, these pictures are excellent dont worry they show enough for the insurance company.
Rich2236
Sep 10, 2012 12:40:30 #
Sep 10, 2012 12:46:12 #
Sep 10, 2012 12:50:41 #
Light from below, so that the objects are being photographed by transmitted light rether than reflected light.
Sep 10, 2012 21:35:02 #
ddemello wrote:
I am trying to photograph a collection I have of cut glass and depression glass for insurance purposes. I am having a hard time getting details to stand out. Any suggestion? lighting?
Thanks
Thanks
Might suggest you find a small ruler to place next to the objects to reflect the size of the objects being photographed.
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