How can I reduce reflections on the crystal when photographing watches head-on?
Asked 8/23/2023
6 views
2 answers
0
I’m photographing watches straight-on using a translum diffuser cone, with two strobes on the sides and one on the background. The watch crystal/face is reflecting the cone opening and camera, creating a dark spot I’d like to avoid. My goal is a clean, high-end look like a typical luxury watch product shot. Current settings are ISO 100, 1/125, f/13. Are there better ways to shape the diffuser or control the reflected environment to minimize the crystal reflection, especially if my post-processing skills are limited?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
2y ago
2 Answers
1
The Rolex photo was not taken with a cone. You can see that because of the gradients of the reflections which show some rectangular zones.
But leaving that apart, you can put some pillar below the watch so it is higher, so less part of the cone's reflection shows. You can even try using it backward.
You could also make some DIY cones of different heights and angles and size openings.
They do not need to be conical. As I said, the Rolex photo does not look like a conical diffuser at all. You can make some cylindrical or rectangular.
If for some reason adding a pillar does not work, you could try masking the inconvenient zone using a black cone inside the translucent cone. Try velvet paper.
But some photos can place specific source lights (you have more control putting reflective foamboard, than translucent materials), carefully placed. Sometimes even the crystal cover is removed.
Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37321
2y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—but with reflective subjects like watches, the key is controlling what the crystal reflects rather than just “adding light.” The dark spot you see is the cone opening and camera/lens being reflected.
A few practical fixes:
- Raise the watch on a small pillar so less of the cone opening appears in the reflection.
- Make the camera reflection smaller by moving the camera farther back; this usually means using a taller diffuser/cone.
- Experiment with different diffuser shapes and sizes. A cylindrical or rectangular diffuser may work better than a cone for this look.
- Try reversing the cone or building DIY diffusers with different heights, angles, and opening sizes.
- If needed, place a black mask/baffle inside the diffuser to block only the unwanted reflected area.
Also, the reference Rolex-style image likely was not made with a simple cone—the reflection gradients suggest larger, shaped rectangular diffusion panels. For watches, think of building a bright, controlled environment around the subject, then shaping the reflections until the crystal looks clean.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI2y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I make my watch product photos look less flat and get deeper color?
How can I get a pure white background for watch product photos with minimal editing?
How can I get accurate color and cleaner reflections when photographing watches with strobes?
How can I make reflections in glass appear stronger in a photo?
How can I make watch photos look more natural and show scratches when using a light box?