Apple

[Mike Buckley]

I just now went to the store and bought an apple that I think is the same species -- a Fuji apple. I'm barely getting any direct reflection, which means that the surface of my apple reflects the light source a lot less than yours. So, my recommendation for the easiest possible solution: photograph a different apple.

[Max von MeiselMaus]

Hahaha! Mine is a Red Delicious. Now I need to search for a Fuji. Or polish it less before I photograph it. *Throws out the dishcloth*

[IzzieK]

I'd make a salad instead, Max...you already have the ingredients...

[Max von MeiselMaus]

Unfortunately, all those other fruit are long since gone. Fortunately, my family and I enjoyed a lovely fruit salad.

[bnnrcn]

I just want to say that they are both lovely images .For the apple shot , the last version works best for me

[Loose Canon]

Hi Max!

A couple of things struck me as I looked through your thread.

First thing is your opinion (and that of others) on reflections.

...when photographic spheres and cylinders (fruit is generally spherical), means that you effectively have a 180° reflector and the reflection cannot be avoided.

Manfred hit the nail on the head with this statement. The only way to rid yourself of the reflection, and properly light the camera facing side, is in post and/or compositing.

But my question is why would you want to?

Direct reflections are not always to be avoided. In fact, quite to the contrary. What has been neglected here, and is very important (in fact, critical) with this type of photography, is the fact that a direct reflection gives a visual cue for the eye to determine that it is a glossy surface.

In the version where you completely removed the reflection, your apple looks like it has a matte surface. Not near as sexy as the shot with the reflection. Most folks know an apple is glossy, prefer one when it is, shine it up before they take a bite, and question a piece of this fruit when it is not. It looks like you hit it with that dulling spray that was mentioned.

Now granted, you wouldn’t want a whopping hot spot wiping out a large percentage of the skin, but you don’t have that here. There is nothing that your specular is hiding of any importance. But, it is making the huge and necessary contribution of indicating the nature of the apple’s glossy skin.

The key to this (and photographing any glossy surface) lies not in avoiding direct reflection, but in using it to your advantage. Shaping it, defining it, precisely locating it, and administering overall control of it. To indicate a glossy surface in a photograph, and especially a mirror-like surface, you need everything from blown whites to clipped blacks and between. But, they need to be tightly controlled and subtle. You don't need the clipped blacks with your fruit necessarily because it is not exactly a mirror-like surface, but the highlight is essential. That is what I would be looking at rather than complete avoidance.

There are a ton of ways to do that. You could have simply taped a “cross” over your light to simulate light from a window pane as just one simple and quick example. Diffusion panels, shaped softboxes, this list goes on. It isn't always as easy as might be thought and why this type of photography is a challenge.

Try to imagine your mixed fruit/urn shot with no reflections. It would look very dull and unnatural.

[Max von MeiselMaus]

Terry, we are of a mind. One of the beautiful things about these fruit is its glossy surface. The matted out attempt was appealing in a subdued way, but you are right, it missed an important part of what it was trying to convey.

I love your idea of mimicking a window on the softbox. That would have been so easy to do and might have made a real difference. That is a great idea to stash away for next time.

Thanks, Binnur. The last process is also my favourite.