posted on January 10, 2001 04:34:29 PM
Hi all, I need a photo expert. I usually do ok by trial and error, but for all my trials on this particular piece, all I've managed are errors!
I have some fine Noritake crystal stemware, it is the bamboo pattern, clear with the bamboo etched into it. I've tried light background, dark background, bright light, back light, low light.
I'm at my wits end! I can't get enough detail to show on these pieces. Anyone have any good experience out there they'd care to share with me?
Should I take a photo of the glass empty, then fill it with coffee? (ugh, I got martini and wine glasses.. certainly not intended for coffee!)
Thanks in advance!
posted on January 10, 2001 04:40:48 PM
I have shot some crystal in my time and I had the best luck using a darker background as well as backing off far enough to use the flash without causing an over exposure and zoom in close enough to get the close shot. That way the light from the flash won't over expose but, in contrast, provide enough light to show the detail well against the darker background. (like maybe royal blue or deep red)...
Oh, PS..I should add that I'm not an "expert" per se, just someone that always seems to have an opinion & likes to help!
[ edited by sharkbaby on Jan 10, 2001 04:43 PM ]
posted on January 10, 2001 04:45:52 PM
This may sound a little crazy but the best pictures for me of glass have always been with my scanner. I have a small scanner and I prop it up on it's side, set up a little prop with a drape etc. about 6 inches in front of it, put the glass between the two and scan it. Usually you can edit the lighting futher. It really brings out the sparkle, as well as the pattern.
posted on January 10, 2001 04:46:05 PM
I'd avoid using a flash because you're going to get heavy spot reflections. Try using natural light but in a manner so that there wont be any hard reflection hotspots. For example, outdoor light on an overcast day rather than heavy sun.
As for the pattern, try stuffing the glass full of black fabric. This should allow the surface to become visable.
posted on January 10, 2001 04:52:20 PM
Right, you want to avoid the "hotspot" from the flash and that's why I recommend getting a couple of feet from the subject and zooming in for your shot. When I've done that I've had great results because it provided enough sharp light to give me my details but be able to avoid the hot spot.
Especially when you point at the subject from a slight angle.
posted on January 10, 2001 08:43:45 PM
A long, long time ago, (when Ebay Q&A Board was actually helpful), a person who sold a lot of glass said that he rubbed Vaseline on the inside of the glass before taking the picture.
I have no idea if that will help, but for some reason that advice stuck in my mind.
posted on January 10, 2001 08:53:55 PM
Sometimes when photographing glassware w/a fine pattern on it, I use either a light or dark piece of paper inside to make sure the pattern shows up. (And it's a good idea to mention the paper in the description before someone thinks that's the color of the glass).
posted on January 11, 2001 05:46:39 AM
I don't do much glass but when I was having problems with some items several months back the suggestion was made that I use the B/W setting on my digital camera.
Item against black background showed well and the problem of the rainbow effect of light reflection was no longer a problem in B/W.
