How can I photograph a shiny vase without reflections hiding the decal?
Asked 6/27/2012
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I’m shooting a vase with a shiny, bulbous base and a decal on the front. Reflections on the glossy surface are obscuring the decal. I’ve tried multiple lights, umbrellas, softboxes, a circular polarizer, and black/white cloth, but I’m still not getting a clean result. Is there a lighting setup or positioning approach that can reduce the specular reflections enough to show the decal clearly, without relying on heavy Photoshop compositing?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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It is probably the case that the decal is giving off diffuse reflections (spreading light in all directions) whereas the vase is giving off specular reflections, i.e. bouncing the light straight off in the opposite direction to the source.
The specular reflections are overpowering the diffuse reflection from the decal, causing it not to be visible.
If you can see the lightsource (or anything lit by your lightsource) reflected in the vase when looking through the lens, then you are going to get specular reflections. You need to find an angle where this doesn't happen. The decal, being diffuse will reflect some light into the camera regardless of the direction it is lit from. The vase, being specular will reflect light past the camera, missing it entirely, if you light from the right direction.
You may need a lot more control over your lights to prevent spill and light reflecting back off walls etc. if you shoot in the largest space available that will prevent the walls becoming a problem. Then it should be a case of masking the light so you can't see it reflected in the vase when looking through the viewfinder.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—this is mainly a lighting angle and light-size problem. The vase’s glossy surface produces specular reflections, while the decal reflects more diffusely. If your camera can see the light source reflected in the vase, that bright reflection can overpower the decal.
Try two things:
- Change the lighting angle so the reflection of the light source is directed away from the camera. Move the light, camera, or vase until you no longer see the light source reflected toward the lens.
- Use a much larger, more diffuse light source. A very broad source creates softer reflections and can be easier to place. For example, bouncing a flash off the ceiling can effectively turn the ceiling into a huge reflector, larger than an umbrella or small softbox.
The goal is to light the decal while keeping specular highlights from aiming straight into the lens. A polarizer may help in some cases, but with shiny curved surfaces, controlling angles and increasing diffusion is usually more effective than relying on the filter alone.
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