Glass, gems, and metals are the products that are counted into the category of highly reflective. These three types of product throw the challenge to the photographer to shoot them in proper and good manner and this is the reason we are going to discuss them one by one
Metal objects
At very first number let’s just talk about the metal objects which are considered as the most difficult in product photographer because of the reason that they are highly-reflective in nature. The detailed procedure is mentioned below:
Set-up
The first step to shoot metal objects is arranging the set-up for which you have to place your object on the table or block and have to place large studio lights on each side of the product. The other requirement is umbrellas which will diffuse lights on the both sides. You also need a sheet of the paper that is able to reflect the light on the subject. Because you are using two diffused lights that’s why you did not need the foam board. The next job is camera positioning on the tripod. You can prefer to use strobe lighting for having more control over the light. You have to decide that the lighting must be in the above the product which will angle down to shoot the product. Before you proceed further remember to wipe all the stains from the product to have best pictures.
Camera setting
The next step calls for setting of the camera. You need the best match of settings for the camera to achieve the photos that are best in quality. You have to set the aperture at f/11 or greater and keep ISO low that can be 100 ad last is shutter speed which must be according to the light meter settings. Make sure you set the camera focus in centre. For your convenience you can set the white balance at auto if you don’t want to set it manually.
Post-processing
The last step of every type of the photo-shoot is post processing to give the product the desired form and look. You have to post process the images to remove all the flaws from them by using various tools of the Photoshop that can be the cloning tool which is capable to remove all the dust, fingerprints and smudges and also remove other type of imperfections. You also have to concentrate on the background and the colour contrast, all are equally important to give the best looks to the product.
Glass products
Other big responsibility of the photographer is to shoot the glass products which is consider very complex for shoot and to get the clean and clear images
The steps to shoot the glass products are
Arrangement of the set-up
The primary step for shooting every kind of the product is set-up. You need to arrange the set-up for shooting the glass products. For having the perfect set-up you will need a table which will be helpful in setting the product and one large light and umbrella which is used to diffuse the light. It must be placed on the left side of the products for better results. After this you will need a white paper, the end which will be connected to the bottom of the camera lens. Remove all the foreground reflections from the product. The next thing that you require is the foam board which you place on the opposite side of the light source. You also can tape the two pieces to make it inverted V that will surely help to give soft and even light on the product.
Camera setting
The next step that follows the set-up is the setting of the camera. According to the backlighting set-up you will adjust the camera settings. For instance you will set the white balance according to the type of the lighting that you are using like the daylight, tungsten, and fluorescent etc. You also have to set the focus on the centre of the product and set the aperture to f/11 if you want to get the sharpest images. The shutter speed will follow the light meter’s recommendations. If you are facing the problem in the settings then you can set your camera to aperture priority mode and with this your camera will take the responsibility of optimizing the shutter speed. Set your ISO at low point.
Post- processing
The most awaited step to give the desired look to the product is post processing as it allows the user to make the desired changes in the images and make them free from all the imperfections. It will remove all the smudges and spots from the products and also consider the colour of the product with the perfect background. You can make experiments with the images by using various tools and using shadows to make them appealing and desirable.
Clear or colored glass
The third type of the product which is considered highly reflective is glass or clear glass products which are photographed by using the simple and effective technique that is backlighting. It will surely give your glass products the crystal clear look. The step to shoot the glass products are:
Set-up
The glass products require the backlighting set-up for which you need ample area as you are dealing with the fragile products and you have to use the safety proven methods for this. Use the sturdy table to stand the product by considering the light source. You have to place the light source behind the product to make the brightest area shine and it also helps you to highlight the natural outer lines and curves of the product. If you are using the tripod then you have the choice of strobe or continuous lighting. And you also need the umbrella to diffuse the light and a foam board to reflect light on the product. The next requirement is to use the white paper that is placed between the light and the object.
Camera setting
Set the aperture to f11 or f/16 according to the details of the product you need and set the ISO at 100. Users of continuous light will choose the shutter speed according to the light meter’s reading. You have to choose the manual mode of the camera to have the best results.
Post-processing
Do the necessary adjustments in the glass images as mentioned in the above two types of the product.
That’s all about the shooting of the reflective products. Follow these steps to have the best results.
Hi, This is Geetika Bhasin. I am a professional content writer with years of experience in researching, improvising and supplying content to my far-fetched clientele. I am fond of writing articles and stories and when I am not doing so, I will be reading or driving.
