Home >> Hobbies >> Photography

How to Take Pictures of Shiny Objects

Each photo assignment presents its own unique challenges, and such is the case whenever you are photographing shiny objects. Whether it's glass, metal or polished wood, some objects require that the photographer not be fooled by the camera's light meter, which may read the scene as brighter than it really is. Camera light meters read reflected light and, when shooting shiny objects that reflect a great deal of light, your camera may underexpose the image.

Things You'll Need

2 photo studio lights
2 white reflector cards

Instructions

- 1
  Position the shiny object and compose the picture the way you want to shoot it.
- 2
  Press the spot meter button on your camera to measure the brightest and darkest points of the object. The spot meter button is identified by a symbol that looks like an asterisk. Select an exposure that is the midpoint between the two readings.
- 3
  Position one studio light on each side of the shiny object you are photographing. Do not aim the lights directly toward the object; direct them toward the ceiling or the white reflector cards. This will create a blanket of light and reduce the amount of reflection in the object. Use the reflector card by placing it at a 45-degree angle to the side of the object. A piece of white poster board is a good choice. Place the studio lights at the bottom of the card and slightly in front, so that the light is between the card and the object you are photographing. Aim the lights upward to make the light bounce off of the card.
- 4
  Take a test picture, observe the image and check the exposure to make sure it is not overexposed or underexposed. Inspect the image closely for any reflection of the studio lights. Make any changes needed to adjust the exposure or the lights to eliminate any reflection.

Photography