A macro abstract: Smoky Lady In A Frame (she just showed up)

[JBW]

Another tie pin. The lower bg is a book The upper bg is my computer. When I order my next gear I'll be ordering a longer tether cable

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Brian,

If you can find a couple of sheets (each) of white and black stiff-ish card*; fold them down the middle to make self supporting miniature "V-flats". You can then position these either side of the subject and shoot through the gap between them. Sometimes, depending on the shape of the shiny reflective surface, another sheet to go across the top is necessary; e.g. if it is a spherical object.

* I use "A4" size, but for 'imperial' countries; say 12 x 8 inches, or near offer.

I often shoot small stuff like this where I work, and these cards are invaluable for blocking reflections of unwanted things in room AND also 'filling' shiny objects with the shade (bright or dark) you want to reveal (say) engraved detail.

Larger sheets of card; A3, A2, A1, can be used for seamless background if pegged at the top edge and allowed to flow down on to the shooting table top.

If you experiment with say, a shiny chrome/brass spherical ball as a subject, then you'll soon see where to position them for best effect - worth a few frames as a learning exercise.

I use a fairly large (20 cm/8 inch) diameter angle poise desk lamp with a nice bright (but cool) LED bulb fitted as a light source above/in front of the subject. Sometimes the top sheet is paper, not card, so the subject can be illuminated through it (making a light tent).

Cheers,
Dave

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[JBW]

Hi Brian,

If you can find a couple of sheets (each) of white and black stiff-ish card*; fold them down the middle to make self supporting miniature "V-flats". You can then position these either side of the subject and shoot through the gap between them. Sometimes, depending on the shape of the shiny reflective surface, another sheet to go across the top is necessary; e.g. if it is a spherical object.

* I use "A4" size, but for 'imperial' countries; say 12 x 8 inches, or near offer.

I often shoot small stuff like this where I work, and these cards are invaluable for blocking reflections of unwanted things in room AND also 'filling' shiny objects with the shade (bright or dark) you want to reveal (say) engraved detail.

Larger sheets of card; A3, A2, A1, can be used for seamless background if pegged at the top edge and allowed to flow down on to the shooting table top.

If you experiment with say, a shiny chrome/brass spherical ball as a subject, then you'll soon see where to position them for best effect - worth a few frames as a learning exercise.

I use a fairly large (20 cm/8 inch) diameter angle poise desk lamp with a nice bright (but cool) LED bulb fitted as a light source above/in front of the subject. Sometimes the top sheet is paper, not card, so the subject can be illuminated through it (making a light tent).

Cheers,
Dave

In 4 days, the gods willing, M'Lady returns from a road trip carefully guarding my new Sony Alpha a68. Among other new options this camera offers is 'Live View Tethered Shooting'. That will make things a lot quicker and I'll be putting your suggestions into practice. Thanks.

I have been using a single A4 white sheet to cut down on the blown areas but at best it is a crude fix.

[JBW]

Nice shot.

I'm beginning to enjoy this studio stuff. But I'll be glad when the new camera arrives and I can get back to the garden.