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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: anonymous on March 09, 2008, 13:52

Title: How do you shoot photo of chromed sphere?
Post by: anonymous on March 09, 2008, 13:52

This is perplexing me so I thought I'd check to see if anyone has any good ideas on how to shoot a mirrored (chrome) sphere...like a large ball bearing without refelecting the camera or alot of other stuff?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Title: Re: How do you shoot photo of chromed sphere?
Post by: madelaide on March 09, 2008, 14:27

I haven't tried this exactly, but when shooting a stethoscope - which has a very odd-shaped chromed part (diaphragm), I used a huge piece of white cloth to surround it, leaving a space for the camera lens.

Last year I took photos of vintage cars and was unable to avoid reflections in the chromed parts.  Even when I managed to have myself and the camera out of the reflections, someone/something else would pop in.  I'm looking forward to the answer you get, and see if I can do something better next time, although this is a very uncontrolled condition (unlike shooting the stethoscope indoors).

Regards,
Adelaide

Title: Re: How do you shoot photo of chromed sphere?
Post by: anonymous on March 09, 2008, 14:51

I just spoke with a gent at Wolf and he said his best success was shooting "long range" with a telephoto (reducing the amount of you and camera, then excercising your Photoshop skills to remove it). Otherwise he said "good luck"  :-X

The white cloth sounds like the best idea for reducing surrounding reflections - I'll give it a try.

Thanks!

Title: Re: How do you shoot photo of chromed sphere?
Post by: PecoFoto on March 09, 2008, 14:55

How big is the sphere?  Would it fit into a light tent, you can get some that have a small flap to poke the camera lens through?

Title: Re: How do you shoot photo of chromed sphere?
Post by: nickp37 on March 09, 2008, 15:17

A few tips on shooting chrome from Strobist:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/01/reader-spotlight-paul-morton.html (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/01/reader-spotlight-paul-morton.html)

Short version:
Don't light the chrome ... light what the chrome "sees".

Title: Re: How do you shoot photo of chromed sphere?
Post by: anonymous on March 09, 2008, 15:30

Quote from: nickp37 on March 09, 2008, 15:17

A few tips on shooting chrome from Strobist:
[url]http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/01/reader-spotlight-paul-morton.html[/url] ([url]http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/01/reader-spotlight-paul-morton.html[/url])

Short version:
Don't light the chrome ... light what the chrome "sees".

Wow...I think that nails it...a bit of work but "lighting what the chrome sees" seems to be the best way to do this.

Peco, it's not truly a "sphere" but a 1960's VW hubcap (pre-VW emboss stamping), so about a foot and a half wide and its reflection is equal to a fisheye mirror.

Thanks folks. I knew this wasn't going to be easy and I truly appreciate your help.