How do you take a photograph of a chrome kettle?

68lbs

68lbs

Suspended / Banned
Messages
5,450
Name
April 2008
Edit My Images
No
...or something similar, but without getting a reflection of yourself in the surface?

Are there any trade secrets here?

Am I missing something obvious?
 
With a zoom lens from a good distance away
 
Light-Tent...and studio lights or some 'creative flash'

google it...
 
I don't think you will ever photograph something like that and not get a reflection. I think it would be best to try and keep the reflection to a minimum then you could possible remove it in post processing.

Just my tuppence worth !
 
Two diffused flashes either side of the kettle against a white background and mounted on a white surface would be my first port of call, then adding a little front light if needed.

The main issue I suppose is getting a neutral surrounding, a light tent sometimes just doesn't cut it if it's too small.

Tricky one that mate :thinking:

I started hanging products but I think a kettle may be too awkward :shrug:
 
You can make one with some dowel-rod painted white and a white cotton bed-sheet - I had one like that about 20 years ago...
They do make them now as I've seen them - no idea who the manufacturer was though...maybe search for backdrops and go with one of them to see what other stuff they make...?
 
I would of thought using an old, but clean white sheet to stand behind would work the best. Obviously the rest of the surroundings would need to be clear of clutter and other distractions. Just cut a little slit in the sheet and poke you lens through (that sounds far too naughty :naughty:). I'm sure that would mean the least amount of PP because you will only have the lens to clone out.
 
68lbs said:
...or something similar, but without getting a reflection of yourself in the surface?

Are there any trade secrets here?

Am I missing something obvious?
Click to expand...

Get yourself this book - apart from being an invaluable source of all about lighting it covers this very subject (photographing metallic objects and covers reflection hiding).
 
The easiest way is to use a tilt/shift lens and shift the image so as not to have the camera in the frame. The camera was to the left of the mirror out of shot.

24tse.jpg


But, if you do not have a tilt shift lens, and lets face it many of us do not you have to use other tricks to get the results you desire.

As stated, you could use a light tent and shoot through a hole in a white board or sheet and then just retouch the lens out in photoshop, although as you want to shoot a kettle, I would consider shooting from behind a white board with a narrow black stripe in it which has a hole for your lens to poke through in the stripe. You could also have a couple of other white boards with a thin black stripe to place either side of your kettle to give some form to the image.

Video showing how to light shiny surfaces here.
 
Light tents are strictly for people who know nothing about photography and who want to know even less. They produce bland results.

The trick isn't to avoid reflections, it's to control them in an attractive way. This piece explains how its done
 
That's a clever pic Ed. I wonder why you'd posted it when I scrolled down, then realised. :)

I should probably fess up that I don't actually need to take a pic of a kettle, it just came to me whilst I was sat at work and we had this pic of a studded leather belt that was full of little reflections. Got me thinking, how the heck would I take a pic of our kettle (which is mirror finish stainless steel - when it's clean!) without getting me in the shot.

Think I'm going to have to give it a go now. :D
 
OH wow, some dopey people aren't there...why nude?!??? LOL

I read this thread as I have a car shoot coming up and was curious :) Good for the laugh though
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top