Reflective shots

[kat]

This is more so a help critique than an actual critique. This is another helmet, not done yet but I get to shoot it done, hoping tomorrow. I want it good, they will go into a portfolio.

I need help to not have light reflecting, or limit it. How is this possible? I don't have the equipment like the light box, umbrellas, etc.

Any tips would be loved!!!! Thanks trina
Oh this was HDR'd for fun..the final will be a clean single exposure..and hdr one for me ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4242102810_1b201c57e4_o.jpg

[Mars Observer]

Cool paint job!! :-)

I've seen a number of processes/websites etc. on how to make a DIY (Do It Yourself) lightbox, cheaply. I've been meaning to experiment with that, but just haven't had a chance yet. I wonder if anyone here has given it a go?

[kat]

Would a light box help with the refections?

[Mad Aussie]

We ahve athread or two here somewhere about lightboxes and a couple of us have given it a go. I made one out of coreflute but had to strengthen the open side with some aluminium strips as I made a decent size box that runs 4 flouro lights.

Kat ... a lightbox would definitely help ... it's loads of diffused light you need to stop the lights reflecting so much.

I wonder if a polarizer would help in your situation?

You may be able to put the helmet further from the lights and use a longer exposure too.

[kat]

Light box it will be then. Now to find the materials I need.. Thanks..I wasn't sure how they worked or for what in that matter.

[Mad Aussie]

You will need to build a big ligthbox to accommodate a helmet. And if you do that ... you need a lot of light and diffusing to kill all shadow and highlights.

[Bambi]

I can't believe I'm going to make a suggestion here because I know nothing, but would putting a white sheet with a light behind it work to diffuse the light?

[kat]

I can't believe I'm going to make a suggestion here because I know nothing, but would putting a white sheet with a light behind it work to diffuse the light?

I think it would but it would depend on the sheet and lighting.

Definitely a big box MA. I've read use white tissue paper and layer on as you see fit. Lighting won't be a problem..lol..if I have to run over and get lights from the garage I will. Harsh but it will be light.. :D

Nah..I'll try and make it and go from there..may have to try different things but will give it a go!

[Mad Aussie]

I think it would but it would depend on the sheet and lighting.
Exactly. Translucent papers and plastics work well

[Marko]

Softer light will help you as others have suggested.

A GOBO will also help for specific areas. It's just an opaque material that goes in between the light source and the subject to BLOCK light from hitting specific areas. Can easily be fashioned with a coat hangar, duct tape and some black opaque material like 2-3 sheets of black construction paper.

Gobo (lighting) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobo_%28lighting%29)

Hope that helps - Marko

[Bambi]

so when this contraption is done, please take a picture of it for me please?

oh and that helmet is stunning!

[kat]

Will do Bambi!!!

[Rinkdaddy]

I would be interested in seeing your helmut portfolio when it is done. My son is the coach of the Clarkson University Women's Hockey Team in Div 1 of the NCAA in Potsdam, NY and I would like to show him your work. His goaltenders come in on a 4 year scholarship and they might be interested in your talents.

[kat]

thanks rinkdaddy but i cant take any credit on the helmets... they are my hubbys artwork. He and a good friend of his are currently working on a Custom Shop out in BC specializing in custom paint. Of course my husband is a goalie so one of his favorite things to paint is goalie lids.

Ill post a couple pics that I have kicking around that I know he has set aside for his website that he is also building leftcoastcustoms.ca he is still working on so i dont really know how much he has done so far.

The dragon lid he is doing right now for a local goalie, the red and white one is being featured the company whos paint he uses, the black goalie helmet is my hubbys and he wants to redo it lol... and the player helmet is mine that he did up quickly when i said it wasnt fair that all his stuff had skulls and mine didnt hahaha.

[kat]

more :)

[kat]

last one... mine!!!!

:)

[zenon5940]

I've foud a few months back a very interesting series of short videos on the subject of studio lighting. I'm sure the simple setup used for the photo of a chair could be easily adapted to your helmet project.
Here's the link :
Photography Lighting Lessons (http://www.marketing-for-photographers-and-photography.com/photographylighting.html)

Hope this helps.

[kat]

I've foud a few months back a very interesting series of short videos on the subject of studio lighting. I'm sure the simple setup used for the photo of a chair could be easily adapted to your helmet project.
Here's the link :
Photography Lighting Lessons (http://www.marketing-for-photographers-and-photography.com/photographylighting.html)

Hope this helps.

Thank you. Taking a look now! :D

[Mad Aussie]

Hubby paints a mean helmet Kat!

[kat]

Hubby paints a mean helmet Kat!

Thanks. It's very exciting. He finally got top line airbrushes two weeks ago and wow..just amazing. I'll be getting my helmet redone (I didn't know my team when he did it). It should be pretty sharp! Go Jets Go!

[Mad Aussie]

Nothing like having the right gear for the job.
I used to have a nice single action Paasche I used for painting my model cars I built and some basic artwork. Nothing lkike the quality your hubby is churning out thought.
I imagine he's using a double action Paasche or Iwata perhaps?

[kat]

I think they are called MoJo something or another. A guy in the states makes them or something..I'll have to ask him when he gets home.