Creative Flash Photography

Workshop 21

Photographing Reflective Objects

▸ Setting up an improvised modeling light

▸ How to photograph reflective surfaces

▸ Using a collage to create a mood shot

Now that we have taken a look at the practical aspects of product photography, this section demonstrates how to produce a mood shot. Mood shots are often used in advertising and are usually less practical than conventional product shots; they communicate with less tangible information and more atmosphere. Watches and jewelry present a challenge because the reflections they produce are difficult to control. Most photographers who do this type of work use studio flash with modeling lights and high-end macro or tilt/shift lenses. This chapter shows you how to produce similar results ...