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I had to take some shots for a course at uni. The brief was to use everyday objects as the subjects of 3 photos with the same basic composition but varied lighting from multiple light sources. The idea was to show how 3D objects appear differently in varied lighting. Your thoughts welcome.

Needs a straighten , but this one was my favourite. Flash backlit + Candle.


3 Candles


3 Candles + Snooted Flash

Kris,

(special effort not to call you Macka) I like the first too, but maybe greater distance to the backdrop and a shallower DOF to only encompass the glasses? PS I thought it was going to be an image from the book Patrick won

Glen wrote:Kris,

(special effort not to call you Macka) I like the first too, but maybe greater distance to the backdrop and a shallower DOF to only encompass the glasses?

Yes, that would definately look a lot nicer. Space is a bit of an issue in our meagre dwelling, but I may give it a try if I can find the room.

 PS I thought it was going to be an image from the book Patrick won

I had to try and generate some interest, didn't I.

Glassware is a fabulous subject as it changes its mood with the light. Most folk think "glassware must be backlit" but it takes on a beauty of its own as the lighting is changed. Fruitful exercise Macka!

#3 is great, I love it

Very creative

How did you created the diffracted lights in the #2 shot?

Yi-P wrote:Very creative

How did you created the diffracted lights in the #2 shot?

Thanks.

It was created by the candle shining through the blue jar. You can't see it in the other two because the flash nuked it.

You've done well here kris. #3 is my pick- lighting highlights the 3D quality of the glass and enhances the great feel to the image. It also sets of the specular highlights(always needed for glass shots) best out of the three. Exposure is great too.
cheers
marco

Kris - you are right about straighening #1 and the comment about DOF is also valid. All three shots are great - I can see the candle in the last two and a simple way to overcome this is to use gel - it would appear more transparent.

If you have a CPL you could experiment with reducing light reflection.

A great effort and great pics

Thanks, Guys.

sirhc55 wrote:I can see the candle in the last two and a simple way to overcome this is to use gel - it would appear more transparent.

Only just got the flash, so no gels yet, but definately something I want to invest in soon.

If you have a CPL you could experiment with reducing light reflection.

That I do have, but I must admit I wasn't worrying too much about the reflections, simply because the images were meant to show the effect of light on the objects. Good to know for future refernece, though. I didn't even think of using the CPL.

A great effort and great pics

Thanks!

macka wrote:Thanks, Guys.

sirhc55 wrote:I can see the candle in the last two and a simple way to overcome this is to use gel - it would appear more transparent.

Only just got the flash, so no gels yet, but definately something I want to invest in soon.


I actually meant the candle Kris

sirhc55 wrote:I actually meant the candle Kris

Gel on the Candle??

Nice one, Kris. First and third particularly, but I don't think the middle one does much for me...

With a less crinkly background, I think the first would be my favourite! Hell, it's my favourite anyway.

macka wrote:

sirhc55 wrote:I actually meant the candle Kris

Gel on the Candle??

No A gel candle - it looks like jelly

Few years back I employed a full time pro to shoot some glassware for Bohemia Crystal. He used a softbox underneath the glassware and a soft coloured backdrop with minimal side lighting which i cant remeber. The glass and cuts came ot incredible.
After seeing these images I genuinely believe that a light box underneath would lift the shots immensely.
All in all the effect is there.

jethro

sirhc55 wrote:

macka wrote:

sirhc55 wrote:I actually meant the candle Kris

Gel on the Candle??

No A gel candle - it looks like jelly

Now I'm really confused.

jethro wrote:Few years back I employed a full time pro to shoot some glassware for Bohemia Crystal. He used a softbox underneath the glassware and a soft coloured backdrop with minimal side lighting which i cant remeber. The glass and cuts came ot incredible.
After seeing these images I genuinely believe that a light box underneath would lift the shots immensely.
All in all the effect is there.

jethro

In theory these things would be great. But not having access to these things it was never my intention to try and produce professional product photos here, simply experimenting with light on my dining table.

No offence meant Macca, only advice.
Jethro

jethro wrote:No offence meant Macca, only advice.
Jethro

Oh no, I wasn't taking offence, just trying to explain my goals in taking the shots.

Kris - I will take a photo tomorrow of a gel candle and post it up for you

sirhc55 wrote:Kris - I will take a photo tomorrow of a gel candle and post it up for you

Excellent. I look forward to it.

just a thought that no-one has bought up yet, in shot 1, it might b a good idea to iron the backdrop and as has been said, a bit more dof would help thier too
cheers

land-lubber wrote:just a thought that no-one has bought up yet, in shot 1, it might b a good idea to iron the backdrop

Ah, yes, that's a fair comment. I generally don't iron my pillowcases.



Thank you to everyone for your comments. I shall take them on board when I next venture into photography of glassware.

i like the first shot macka, but wondering if you can diffuse the backlighting a bit as it's a tad harsh. the 2nd pic has some funky light effects tho

If you're looking for an inexpensive/quick way of sourcing gels, try plain wrapping cellophane from BigW, newsagent etc. It works great with small hotshoe based flashes, comes in big sheets (can tape it over the end of a DIY snoot or softbox... all for $1.50 a pack

macka wrote:
Only just got the flash, so no gels yet, but definately something I want to invest in soon.

Hi Kris. I thought perhaps you could have a look at how the 2nd shot looks in b&w - think it might come up well with the right treatment. Nice work.
Cheers,
Mick

Okay Kris as promised.

A gel candle is basically a jelly like substance instead of the normal candle wax. In the photo the gel is in glass tubes complete with wick and some shells

sirhc55 wrote:Okay Kris as promised.

A gel candle is basically a jelly like substance instead of the normal candle wax. In the photo the gel is in glass tubes complete with wick and some shells

Well, you learn something new every day. Thank you!

And thanks everyone - I didn't expect so many helpful comments.