Dear Datakes
First of all, my name is Robyn Raggio Lavaneri and I will be fielding some of the photography questions here on the Engraving, Etc. forum.
Not knowing the parameters under which you are photographing your crystal items, I can only suggest certain situations you may wish to explore on your next photo challenge. Crystal is one of the most difficult to shoot due to it's reflective nature, of course, but the results can be most beautiful if done with a few facts in mind. I prefer to shoot using natural light when at all possible, but when shooting crystal, there is a strange but enchanting lighting combination I prefer to strive to create. That employs the use of both specular (bright, unfiltered) as well as diffused (softened) light in order to bring out the depth, cut, clarity and refractive nature of the crystal. I set up either early in the am or later in the afternoon where the sunlight can illuminate the object from the side. Direction is quite important and sidelighting is exemplary when accentuation of a subject's texture (etched imaging?), volume, shape and contrast is desired. You can employ the use of fill flash or additional artificial lighting to pick up more contrast in the imaging areas, but be sure it is not lit straight on or that the additional lighting is too "hot". When this happens, you have the unfortunate result of areas of the crystal becoming too "blown out" or too white hot in the areas of contrast levels. This has a tendency to flatten the contrast and lead to a image devoid of visual impact or drama, which sells a piece time and again. A backdrop or background surface upon which the crystal is displayed is also important. Move in on your subject and keep the background simple. Let the piece speak for itself.
If you give me some idea of how you are shooting the piece, I may be able to be of more assistance. Until then, I do hope that the above suggestions bring the desired results.
Sincerely,
Robyn Lavaneri
Photomato |