Tray 14"

Re: Tray 14" 

Bob Edwards

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Re: Tray 14"

John Lucas

>Bob

Although I teach people to use a light tent it is not the best way for all kinds of artwork. Really glossy subjects are the main problem because you see the panels reflected in the subject. Try using just one panel placed on one side with the light moved toward the front of the panel. Then use a smaller white card to fill in the opposite side. You will still see both of these panels or reflectors but they will be smaller and produce less over all glare.

A small light such as a 12" reflector lamp with a diffuser over the front works well to reduce the main reflection but produces a harsh shadow on the opposite side that's very hard to control. Use that type of light with a small reflector card and see what you think. If your using the small quartz lights just make a 12" diffuser out of cloth that you mount a foot or so away from the light. This will work the same way. Don't put the cloth close to the light, it could catch fire.

It would take 2 pages to fill up all the techniques I use to reduce glare.

Sometimes using a polarizer on the camera will work but it's usually not very effective when using soft light such as lighting through a panel or soft box. It's always worth trying if you have one.

Feel free to e-mail me a photo of your lighting booth showing me the position and type of lights. I can do a lot more to answer your questions.