Ceramic Help

Tedz · #1 (**permalink**) 16-02-2008, 19:46

Photographers Comments
Hello to those of a technical disposition, perhaps You can help Me.
My quandary being, the Shooting of Ceramics which give off such a reflection,
due in part I believe, to the glaze which seems to give off prisms of
light in all directions.
I am seeking advice to remedy this problem, as I Photograph for the Artist.
Also, with the close up Image, You will see spider web fine lines in the Glaze,
this is purposely done by the Artist, and We would not like to loose this look
by eliminating the reflections.
I am not very Camera Technical and used a Canon 350D with a standard Lens to
take the shot. This reflective problem, I have encountered before when Photographing
Painted Art done in Acrylics, or any thing that has a protective varnish coating.
Any help with this would be appreciated.
~~~~~~~~~~~
p.s. The Art Piece

A Clay Mold was made of My Mannequins Face and re-shaped as a Maori Warrior
by the Artist John Moriarty of New Zealand.
~~~~~~~~

Tedz · #2 (**permalink**) 16-02-2008, 19:49

The Art of John Moriarty |

fayswon · #3 (**permalink**) 16-02-2008, 21:50

Seeing you are inquiring about my disposition...not so good....am having the same problems, only I'm shooting mundane tomatoes.

whatt · #4 (**permalink**) 17-02-2008, 03:17

Hi Tedz ... wish I could help you .. but for my .. experience .. 0 ...lol . I am wondering if a light box ..with heavy fabric so not much light would go through .. and a longer exposure. . or .. in a darkened room with little light .. coming into it.. I will ask my son and see if he has any answers .. never know who will come up with the perfect answer for you . .. ...?? What a lovely art piece . . . Thanks for sharing ..
Cheers
Else

**Photo Phil** · #5 (**permalink**) 17-02-2008, 11:28

Hi Tedz,
Only 2 remedies I can think of,
1. shoot out of doors using natural light, an overcast day would be ideal whereas the diffused light would not cast shadows or leave reflective light hotspots.
2. A light tent. This is where you object is placed inside the tent (usually white opaque) and the flash or light from the exterior is dispersed and helps to illiminate those hotspots again.

Try here for ideas Photo Light Tents, Photo Light Cubes, Photographic Tents, Tabletop Photography | Steve’s Photo Shop

Very interesting subject here.
Regards....Phil

cyclone · #6 (**permalink**) 17-02-2008, 11:35

I think a polarizer would help a little, but would not be an absolute cure.

Tedz · #7 (**permalink**) 17-02-2008, 16:09

Thanks very much for Your replies

*squeeze Fay's tomatoes*
Else ... Your input is heeded regarding the Light Box.
Merv ... the Polarizer, is what I do use in an attempt to diffuse the prisms of light from acrylic subjects ... sometimes successful, sometimes not.
Phil ... thanks for info and Link. This piece of Art was shot outdoors, using an Umbrella to shade from the Sun.
I guess to get the best results, a "hot box" or "light tent" would be best for such Photography ... I will have to build one, as I have had success with a Hot Box made out of a Plastic White Paint Drum. Time to experiment.
Cheers!

Tco · #8 (**permalink**) 18-02-2008, 21:31

When shooting glass Tedz i'll use the polarizer and triple diffuse my light source. If I still have unwanted hot spots or glare then I apply dulling spray. The spray works well with glass and is non damaging and wipes away easily after use. I used it on one particular job and the bottle I was shooting was the only one in the country at that time. My confidence in the product is that high.
I'm sure it is suitable for ceramics but don't quote me on it. Actually I have just googled the site. Have a look and see what you think oh master of the surreal.
Krylon | Krylon® Dulling Spray

**Photo Phil** · #9 (**permalink**) 18-02-2008, 21:35

I'm glad you posted that link Andy,
I had heard of such a product but, never used it. I didn't even know what it was called. Is it any good on baldies? LOL

Great link.
Cheers mate,
Regards....Phil

Tedz · #10 (**permalink**) 19-02-2008, 01:46

krylon dulling spray ... may be just the ticket, and I believe it may be available in NZ through Art Material Suppliers. I shall certainly check it out next time I go to a big Town. Yep ... a spray on "duller" , as many pieces shine more than glass, some of the Art Pieces are given Metallic Glaze. I shall certainly look into acquiring this cheap product to test and to *sniff*
Thanks all ... and to Else, who is getting Me information ..."under cover"
*salute*