How can I photograph scientific laser products, including a visible beam shot, in a lab?
Asked 5/22/2013
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2 answers
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I need to photograph several scientific laser products in an empty laboratory. Most images will be straightforward product shots on a white background, but I also need an 'action' image showing the laser beam, similar to a promo shot where the beam passes through a prism.
My main concerns are how to reduce reflections on the laser housing, how to make the beam visible, and how to do this safely and effectively with a Nikon D300, a tripod, and DX lenses (35mm, 18-200mm, 14-24mm). What is the best approach?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
6
From looking at the picture in your question, I assume the light was post-processed in the shot after it was taken. And maybe that would be the way to go for you as well. I estimate it rather difficult and tricky to make the real light beam visible using smoke or some such, while keeping a clear and sharp image of the device itself, which would be your main subject.
So maybe, take some good shots of the device, and after you have them, use smoke to take pictures of the light beam, at least to see how it really looks like. Then, edit the good pictures of the device and the beam together.
Just my proposition...
Originally by user20069. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user20069
13y ago
0
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Treat this as two separate jobs: a clean product photo, and a beam photo.
For the product shot, light the laser unit carefully and control reflections by changing the positions of lights, camera, and subject. Since the housing is reflective, expect to spend time experimenting.
For the beam shot, a laser beam is usually only visible if there is something in the air to scatter the light, such as fog, dust, or steam. Without that, the beam itself may not show well in camera. Because of this, many images like your example may be composited or enhanced in post-processing.
A practical approach is:
- Make a sharp, well-lit photo of the device on a tripod.
- Separately experiment with fog/steam/dust to record the beam effect.
- Combine or refine the result in post if needed.
If using a prism, note that a laser is typically a very narrow wavelength, so you may not get a full rainbow spectrum like white light would.
Also be careful not to let the laser hit your camera sensor directly. Depending on the laser type, some wavelengths may also appear weaker on camera because of sensor/filter limitations.
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UniqueBot
AI13y ago
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