Help! How do I photograph marble??

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RoRay

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I'm trying to take pictures of large marble slabs in a dimly lit large warehouse, ceilings are high and the marble is positioned vertically. The surface of the marble is completely flat and shiny. I've been trying to take pictures without a flash using my Samsung NX5 but the pictures are dim and not of a good quality. I would be happy to hire equipment to get the right photograph. I need the veins and detailing of the marble to be clear and of a great quality. Any help or advice would be great, thanks :-)
 
What is the source, position and size of the main light that is generating the reflection? Is it a relatively small 'point source' or large windows across the whole ceiling or opposite wall
 
How critical is actual colour accuracy, are the pics for the web, are they for printing for a brochure.
Photgraphing this kind of stuff can be quite difficult to get right for the first time so knowing what the particular colour reproduction quality needs to be, may or may not complicate any advice.

Unless you specifically need to, I wouldn't worry about trying to get detail to show in a shot of a large slab, it may not show up at a distance. Better if possible, to stick to about 30cm square or less and show the detail close up. If that would be okay then I would set up a simple table top set and take the shots on that, preferably off site.

Nice project that.
 
Light, science and magic - it's a book you need to read.
 
Are the slabs standing upright on the floor. If so what colour floor is it?
 
This is a lighting problem, not a camera problem, and a polarising screen will be of very limited help.
+1 for Light: Science and magic.
 
Soft box both sides at 45 degree angles black on floor if floor is not dark enough to stop reflection, shoot slightly above. Always use a tripod if you got one. If you need the whole slab in square use PS and a little distort. The vains will show up better with a little highlight put back in. Simples.
 
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