AboutScott Valentine Expertise Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop).
Experience I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum
Organizations Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego
Awards and Honors Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)
Expert: Scott Valentine Date: 3/24/2008 Subject: digitally photographing silver spoons
Question I have a set of silver spoons that I am trying to take a picture of the 3 tiny silver symbols on the back of them. What is the best way to accomplish this? I've tried a couple of times to do this but I am having trouble with too much light glare.
Answer Hi Colleen,
Reflective surfaces can be a real nightmare. Product photographers use a "soft box" to remove or reduce reflection and glare. These are small tents that use a white, translucent material to diffuse the light hitting the objects inside. You can find them for sale on places like eBay or handhelditems.com.
However, if you only need to do this a couple of times, I suggest you find some vellum - large sheets of thin tracing paper. Build a small tent around your spoons, avoiding seams or creases. Then use either a couple of flashes or two bright lights on either side of the spoons at fairly low angles. The side lighting and low angles will help increase the contrast and depth of the markings.
Because I can't provide you with drawings here, the best advice I can offer is to experiment, especially with the angles. The idea is to make the light hit the markings in such a way as to cause the surface to light up more than the bottom of the marks. Try to get the lights as close to the paper as possible (avoiding heat if you use work lights), and stay within 1/3 to 2/3 of your camera's zoom capability if you use it at all (unless it has a dedicated Macro mode - use that instead).
There are some websites that give explicit instructions for making your own lighting setup; these might be worth an hour of your time to get a better handle on what you need. Here's a great place to start:
