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

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

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

I had similar problems with lightning. If you use a flash, you should not put it directly towards the objects. Use a softbox or reflector, so that you can get indirect light.

Your images look like you did flash directly, so you get all light regions too bright (loosing details) and you also get hard shadows.

I'm using a walimex pro vt-300 studio flash with an umbrella reflector, and I still get images rejected because of lighting. Sometimes you may need a second light source to light up the shadows. In most cases you just can place a simple reflector on the side, to light up these, if you don't want to use a second flash.