MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photo Critique => Topic started by: heddesheimer on September 29, 2012, 03:41
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Hi,
I have some problems with studio lighting. I'm using a walimex pro vt-300 with an umbrella reflector. When I shoot 3D objects, I always get this blue-ish background. I have checked the color temperature and it should match with the flash (5600 K +-200 according to the specs), but for some reason I can't get the background white. Even if I try to adjust the white balance (I'm shooting RAW), I can't get it white.
http://rent-a-tutor.com/examples/DSC_0033_01_filtered.jpg (http://rent-a-tutor.com/examples/DSC_0033_01_filtered.jpg)
I'm not sure if I just need a second flash to illuminate the background separately. When I tried, I've got it way too bright.
Also the image was rejected by shutterstock because of "Poor or uneven lighting, or shadows". I'm not sure what's the best setup for shooting objects like these. Do I need to avoid all shadows at all cost? I think if the object looks too flat, it's not the best solution either.
Any advice appreciated.
Marian
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First.
Illuminate your background a step or 2 more than the subject.
Expose for the subject.
Then the background will burn out, which is what you want.
Second.
Your picture ca neasily be saved by using the droptool in levels. Simply take the white droptool and click on the background.
I tried on your pic. It works fine.
For studioworks I use 3 or more strobes:
2 softboxes to get even light and one harsh to produce shadows and in the same time illuminate the background.
(http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/88729/88729,1304713809,1/stock-photo-a-platoon-of-wooden-soldiers-marching-76696138.jpg)
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Thanks. I haven't found that droptool you mentioned (I'm using Gimp and Photoshop Elements, so maybe I don't have it).
Seems like I have to buy some more equipment, in order to get decent studio shots.
Thanks for the tips.
Marian
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In Gimp (PS is similar) the dropper tool referred to is under the "levels" dialogue. (Colours / Levels from the menu bar) When you open up the dialogue there are three "eyedropper" icons three quarters of the way down on the right. If you hover over them it will say, black point, grey point, or white point depending on which one you are over. Click on the white point dropper then click on the part of the image you want white.
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You are posting full res photos without any copyright or watermark protection on the net for everyone to download
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ja, but would they?
Thieves are not buyers. Real buyers care for the licence.
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YEs, its the thieves that take photos. Thats my whole point Jens. This photo is up for grabs now.
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ja ja. But the thieves wouldnt pay anyway.
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In Gimp (PS is similar) the dropper tool referred to is under the "levels" dialogue. (Colours / Levels from the menu bar) When you open up the dialogue there are three "eyedropper" icons three quarters of the way down on the right. If you hover over them it will say, black point, grey point, or white point depending on which one you are over. Click on the white point dropper then click on the part of the image you want white.
Thanks. I think I've used that before but forgot over time. Unfortunately, it's not making the background completely white. I have found a setting Colors / Auto / White Balance that seems to have the same effect.
Thanks for the trick. I think, it's best to get optimal results in the first place, so I will try to add another flash for the background.
Marian
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You are posting full res photos without any copyright or watermark protection on the net for everyone to download
Thanks for pointing that out. I'm aware of that. It's not a great shot and it was already rejected by Shutterstock, so I won't sell it anyway. And it's still copyrighted, even if somebody steals it :)
Marian
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In Gimp (PS is similar) the dropper tool referred to is under the "levels" dialogue. (Colours / Levels from the menu bar) When you open up the dialogue there are three "eyedropper" icons three quarters of the way down on the right. If you hover over them it will say, black point, grey point, or white point depending on which one you are over. Click on the white point dropper then click on the part of the image you want white.
Thanks. I think I've used that before but forgot over time. Unfortunately, it's not making the background completely white. I have found a setting Colors / Auto / White Balance that seems to have the same effect.
Thanks for the trick. I think, it's best to get optimal results in the first place, so I will try to add another flash for the background.
Marian
Exactly, you need to get the shot right "in camera" and then make small adjustments to clean up any problems.
I'm not a big fan of "Auto" anything. The thing about the dropper is that it allows you to control what you're actually making white. Anything "auto" is just a best guess by the software.
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In Gimp (PS is similar) the dropper tool referred to is under the "levels" dialogue. (Colours / Levels from the menu bar) When you open up the dialogue there are three "eyedropper" icons three quarters of the way down on the right. If you hover over them it will say, black point, grey point, or white point depending on which one you are over. Click on the white point dropper then click on the part of the image you want white.
Thanks. I think I've used that before but forgot over time. Unfortunately, it's not making the background completely white. I have found a setting Colors / Auto / White Balance that seems to have the same effect.
Thanks for the trick. I think, it's best to get optimal results in the first place, so I will try to add another flash for the background.
Marian
I DLed your full res version and the eye dropper white under curves did the trick perfectly