On Oct 25, 4:39 pm, (Burt Johnson) wrote:
Rita Ä Berkowitz wrote:
Here is what I got with my first attempt with multiple flash. While it is nowhere near good, it is a good starting point that demonstrates to me what can be done with multiple flash and a little patience.
<http://www.geocities.com/ritaberk2006/stoned.htm>
I am trying to use multiple flash, and so far not been very impressed with my results. Can you give some indication of the setup for this shot? Or recommendations in general for using multiple (low cost) studio flashes?
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– Burt Johnson
MindStorm, Inc.
http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html
Go get a book on photographing glass. It’s the same basic thing. Also, Rangefinder had a story on it, seems like a year or so ago (glasses, not diamonds).
Here is what I would suggest, to start.
Put the diamond in the setting and set the camera up. black background behind it. Put a piece of black card stock (a big piece) between the camera and the diamond. cut a whole in it to shoot through, but not any large than necessary. This is sort of the ultimate "reflection control" device" to cut out all lens flare.
Then go look through the lens as someone shines a flashlight on the diamond until it glitters. Put in flash 1. Go to the other side and do the same thing.
In the end, I think you’ll have two lights pointing at you, backlighting the diamond. I’m betting at about 45′ to 60′ range, but that’s just a guess. I’d start at the 90′ angle and work out. Plus I’d try various heights — and you might end up with one up higher and one a little lower.
You purpose is to get the light into the diamond and let it bounce around a bit, then hit a sharp edge to concentrate on and come out your direction. Remember, you can’t photograph the bulk of the diamond — only the edges. And you want the light coming out of an edge/angle, not going it.
If I wasn’t explicit enough, I would use totally side and back lighting and leave off all front lighting.
Good luck.