How can I fix this?

wippers

wippers

Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,534
Name
Gareth
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi All - I've just bought a twin head light set-up from Elemental. I'm really impressed with the quality but not so impressed with my quality. I'm doing some product shots for a new website at work so decided to do my own images. My first attempt (below) is ok, but I'm having trouble with the light reflection. Is there anything that can be done? I've tried to clone out one of the lights, but I'm sure this isn't the way to do it. I'm trying to get a completely white background and foreground. The background seemed a bit grey so I've tried to burn it out a bit but that's just left some darker grey patches. :bonk:
I'm a complete novice with lighting so any help will be greatly appreciated.

The setup consists of 2 lights, one softbox at about 45 degrees aimed at both the subject and background. The other light is a silver umbrella in a similar position at 45 degrees on the opposite side. Both lights are slightly higher up than the subject. :shrug:

Website2010-1.jpg


Thanks for looking

Gareth
 
Last edited:
I think you will have to light the background seperately to get a white gackground.:)
 
I agree about lighting the background seperately and you have to stop it spilling onto the subject otherwise I reckon the spilled light will mess with the exposure of the subject - a background reflector can do this I believe (Click here to see it and a video) or try and fashion something yourself?

Not so sure about the light reflection if the subject is very reflective because of line of sights - perhaps someone with more experience will know?
 
What you're trying to do is impossible with your equipment.
The problem is called a specular reflection, it's a reflection of the light source and you'll need a MUCH bigger light source to deal with it, the small softbox supplied isn't designed for this type of work and ANY softbox will struggle with a concave surface.

This post explains the principles
This one, which is actually about something else, mentions silks - and you need a silk. Actually he calls them scrims but he's American, so speaks a different language:) Go to Wickes, get a pure white plain shower curtain and attach it to a simple frame. That becomes your silk.

Edit: Also, I'm not certain but it looks from the specular highlight that your softbox has a honeycomb on it. That only makes it worse.
 
Last edited:
Congrats on choosing the worst kind of subject for your first shots :)

Ok, it could also have black fur on it and a chrome base..

Lighting glass.. You'd probably want to set it up so that your white background covers only the area visible from the camera lens. Then have black on the sides, so that the edges of the glass will be darkened against the background.

How to combine with a concave-convex-concave shape and a shiny plastic.. you're killing me :D
 
Cheers for the advise guys. :thumbs:

Looks like I've picked a bit of a nightmare subject for my first attempt. At least this is only a small part of the product range I have to do so things can only get easier.

Taking away the light reflection issues here, am I on the right track with regards to the overall lighting and white (ish) background? Or is there something I should be doing differently?
 
Try shooting it on black perspex ............... reflection may add something to shot??

Like this :shrug:

4278764801_cbc2c26d52_z.jpg
 
wippers said:
Taking away the light reflection issues here, am I on the right track with regards to the overall lighting and white (ish) background? Or is there something I should be doing differently?
Click to expand...

Well Garry gave you a good tip there.. what you want is a HUGE light source. Remember that this is not an absolute physical size but also the closer it is, the "bigger" it will be.. (classic example.. the sun is huge compared to the earth, but it's so far away that it's actually a very small light source here and creates harsh shadows and bright highlights)

Also, as stated.. increase distance between background and subject. And light the BG separately if you can.

If you want a book you can read in a day, get "Light: Science and Magic", and you will understand where your problems are coming from and how to look for some solutions.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top