How can I reduce reflections when photographing a watch dial through the crystal?

Question

I’m trying to take a close-up photo of a wristwatch dial, but the crystal reflects the room, lights, and even the camera lens. I’d like a clean result with minimal glare and fewer shadows inside the dial.

My current setup is a Panasonic DMC-FX60 on a stand, using either window light or LED lighting. What lighting or accessory setup will help reduce reflections on the watch glass?

user44949 · Accepted Answer

Suggestions to let the watch reflect less light:

You can use a dulling spray of clear lacquer from the art store.
You can use a mixture of water and talcum powder and spray this over the watch.

Suggestions to change the light:

Best to tent the watch with a white sheet or towel suspended above the item to be photographed. Use cloth that has no pattern.
Light the watch using flood lights from the hardware store. You direct several lamps at the tent from above. Cut a hole in the tent and photograph through a small opening.

Suggestions to use filters:

Mounting a polarizing filter on the camera will help. Compose and rotate the filter while peering through the viewfinder. You will find a filter rotation position that minimizes reflections. If the camera is a digital, use a circular polarizing filter.
A professional set-up would have polarizing filters over the lamps as well.

Best of luck

How can I reduce reflections when photographing a watch dial through the crystal?

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