How can I photograph a blue-backlit LCD so the white characters are readable?
Asked 9/26/2020
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I need to photograph a device with a blue backlit LCD that shows white characters. With a basic webcam, the blue glow overwhelms the image and the text becomes unreadable. Is there a simple, low-cost way to improve readability when shooting this kind of display?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
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Mount a strong yellow filter, the display will image as black and the letters light yellow. If you can find some yellow cellophane X-mass wrapping ribbon or candy wrapping, you can experiment. If you like the effect, then buy a deep yellow photo grade filter. These were common in the black & white era. You can also buy a deep yellow gel filter. These are common in the theatrical stage lighting business. Likely if you look, you can find a piece of yellow flat glass or plastic to test this effect.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
5y ago
0
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Yes. Two inexpensive things to try are a yellow filter or a polarizer.
A strong yellow filter can suppress the blue backlight, making the screen appear darker while helping the lighter characters stand out. For testing, even yellow cellophane or gel material can show whether this approach works before buying a proper photographic filter.
A polarizing filter is also worth trying. LCDs often respond well to polarization, and a polarizer may improve readability without throwing away all the color information. Hold a cheap linear polarizer between the webcam and the display and rotate it through about 90° to find the best effect.
If possible, test both methods, since different LCDs behave differently. For a quick, cheap experiment, improvised yellow material or an inexpensive polarizer is a sensible starting point.
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