Shiny Cylinder

[barny60]

Hi,
My daughter has been presented with an engraved artillery shell casing that I would like to photograph. Any hints or advice on how to deal with the multitude of reflections would be much appreciated.
I have a Canon 550D with stock 18 - 55mm and a 50mm f/1.8

[greenwing]

No specific recommendations, except to read "Light - Science and Magic". A great book on the technique of lighting many different types of object for many types of effect.

Chris

[John B.]

Originally Posted by barny60

Hi,
My daughter has been presented with an engraved artillery shell casing that I would like to photograph. Any hints or advice on how to deal with the multitude of reflections would be much appreciated.
I have a Canon 550D with stock 18 - 55mm and a 50mm f/1.8

I think a dark background would be a good place to start. Then add other reflectors, even black ones, to subdue unwanted reflections. Experimenting is the way to go until you get what you want. I recently bought a 48" reflector set, comprising of black, white, gold, silver and translucent. I'd recommend the kit if you will be doing future work that would need them. Otherwise see if you can improvise with temporary ones made from cardboard. Spray paint them black or white as needed.

[barny60]

Thanks guys. I've put the book and reflector sets on my Christmas / birthday wish list.
Will have a look around, I'm sure we've got some dark sheets / blankets that will for now (?)

[jet_kit]

Hi Barny60,
Try making a tent from a white sheet and use your lights/flash outside the tent. This should give you good soft reflections and enable you to pick out the engraving.