How can I shoot product photos on a black background with a glossy reflection?
Asked 9/11/2015
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I’d like to make product shots similar to the example: a black background, bright rim/back lighting, and a clean reflection under the subject. What kind of shooting surface and lighting setup should I use, and is the reflection usually done in-camera or added later in post? Any beginner-friendly pointers would help.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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I will just comment on some simple things.
For that kind of photo, you do not use a mirror, because it produces a double image; one from the glass and one from the plated back surface.
So you can use black acrylic or some glossy Formica.
Regarding the illumination, you have background illumination, and it is producing some flare on the lens. I think it is pretty close to the objects because you can see the falloff from racket No. 3 to racket No. 1.
You can put a white board (or silver one) in front of them so you bounce a little light on the front side. It also could be an additional flash with some kind of diffuser on it.
Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37321
10y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Use a glossy black surface rather than a household mirror. A real mirror can create a double image because of reflections from both the glass and the backing. Black acrylic or glossy laminate/Formica is a better choice for a clean reflected look.
For lighting, the sample appears to use strong background/back lighting placed fairly close to the subjects, which creates the bright glow and noticeable falloff across the row. To keep the front from going completely dark, add a white or silver bounce card in front, or use a diffused front fill light.
That said, images like this are often finished in post-processing. The reflection may be added later rather than photographed directly, especially if you want a very clean result without surface glare. In many cases, shooting a well-lit product on black and then enhancing or creating the reflection in Photoshop is easier and more controllable than trying to do every effect in-camera.
So the practical recipe is: glossy black acrylic surface, controlled back/background light, subtle front fill, and expect to refine the reflection and cleanup in post.
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