Taking pics of black glossy artworks

[Kylie]

For the life of me I cant seem to take pics of really glossy surfaces. They are all reflecting badly.
These are my artworks done in automotive paints and have several layers of two pack clear over them. I am using a Sony DSC F828 and have the proper flash for it too if need be. Can someone give me some settings to play with as starters? Id be greatful

[chris.mapey]

I'd put the camera on a tripod, turn the flash off & if necessary use a polarising filter to remove the reflections.

Check the white balance settings if you are shooting under tungsten lights.

That should be a decent starting point for you.

HTH

Chris

[Simpo Two]

I think the easiest (and cheapest) way is to take them outside into natural daylight. Then to minimise distortion, make sure you're a decent distance away - ie use some telephoto - and be sure to be square on to the surface.

[Kylie]

Thanks guys I knew I bought that polarized filter for something, I honestly forgot about it, cleaned it up and put it on. I took some shots and was soo much better, but yeah I was lacking good light. I think ill take them out side tom and see what happens. Ill post up some pics tom....well if the weather is good that is and not raining etc!!

Edited by Kylie on Tuesday 1st April 10:33

[nogginthenog]

You need to get your lights far enough away, and at a steep enough angle away from the artwork so they no longer reflect in it. Use softboxes rather than unsoftened lightsources if possible. If your camera and tripod reflects in the artwork you need to shoot through a black curtain with a hole cut in it for the lens to poke through ( black velvet is best, but expensive ) . Make sure the light falls evenly across the subject - a lightmeter used to be the way to do this, but with digi you can just do it visually because you get to see the results instantly. Make sure your lights are not shining into your lens - this won't happen if you are shooting through a black curtain, otherwise use a lens-shade, or pieces of black card positioned appropriately.

Hope this ( bad ) illustration helps.....

[Kylie]

Oh wow thank you really appreciated this. Thats fantastic advise. Ive printed all this off and will have a play when I get home from work.

Cheers