How can I make a metallic bottle label look more reflective in a product photo?
Asked 9/11/2020
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I’m photographing a bottle with a metallic blue label, but in my current shot the label looks flat and dull. I don’t have much equipment, so I’m looking for simple lighting or post-processing ways to make the metallic finish show up better without ruining the glass.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
4
You've got to be willing to use a supplemental light to provide specular highlights on the metallic surface.
We usually make every attempt possible to eliminate reflections in product photography. But in the case of reflective surfaces, if you wish to show that they are reflective, or "sparkly", or whatever, you must be willing to let them reflect a small, relatively bright light source.
You'll still need large, well dispersed light sources for most of the light illuminating your product. But you need to add one or a few small lights projecting a narrow beam onto the reflective surface.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
To make a metallic label look metallic, you usually need controlled specular highlights. Soft, broad light is good for the overall bottle, but by itself it can make reflective surfaces look flat. Add a small, brighter light source or a narrow beam aimed so the label reflects it back to the camera. That reflection is what gives the metallic surface its sparkle.
At the same time, keep your main lighting large and diffused so the bottle and glass stay evenly lit.
A few other things can help:
- Warm the white balance slightly if the image has a cool/blue cast.
- Increase contrast a little in post, but avoid blowing highlights or losing the edges of the glass.
- Consider the whole composition, not just the label. Better depth, cleaner styling, and fewer distractions can make the product feel less flat overall, even before the metallic effect is emphasized.
In short: use soft light for the product, a small controlled highlight for the metallic label, and fine-tune white balance and contrast in post.
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