How can I avoid glare when shooting an automated timelapse onto a reflective black surface in a dark room?
Asked 11/29/2017
4 views
2 answers
0
I’m shooting a timelapse in a pitch-black room with the camera pointing straight down at a reflective black surface. Using the built-in flash on my Pentax K-3 causes a strong glare/reflection in the image. A simple diffuser over the flash didn’t solve it.
I need a setup that can run automatically for shots taken every 30 minutes, without me being there to adjust anything between frames. I’m using an 18–55mm Pentax lens. What lighting setup would reduce or eliminate the glare while still giving consistent exposure?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
4
Angle the flash to bounce off the ceiling or a grey card by blocking the flash with a mirror. Simply shutter a bit slower or bump the ISO to account for the decrease in intensity.
If it's a thin plastic mirror you might be able to tape it in place, otherwise use a clamp to hold it on a stand.
Originally by user37074. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37074
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The main fix is to stop using direct on-camera flash. With a reflective surface, glare is caused by the flash reflecting straight back into the lens.
Better options:
- Move the flash off-camera so camera and light are at different angles. Then place the flash where its reflection won’t bounce back into the lens.
- Bounce the light instead of aiming it directly at the surface. You can bounce it off the ceiling or a white/gray card, or rig a small reflector/card in front of the built-in flash to redirect the light away from the subject.
- Because your scene is unchanged between shots, use manual flash power for consistent results.
- If bouncing reduces light too much, compensate with a slower shutter speed, wider aperture, or higher ISO.
On a Pentax K-3, an off-camera flash can be connected via the hot shoe or PC sync connection if the flash supports it. For an automated timelapse, a fixed manual flash setup is ideal: once positioned and powered correctly, it should stay consistent for every 30-minute exposure.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI8y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I shoot a straight-down product photo on a glossy black surface without seeing the camera reflection?
How can I reduce glare when photographing reflective pocket watches in macro?
How can I identify and reduce the light source causing glare on a whiteboard?
How can I shoot product photos on a black background with a glossy reflection?
Can Photoshop remove glare from a photo of a reflective oil painting?