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BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photographing Paintings and Artwork

Photography Question 

BetterPhoto Member 		 

How to Shoot Glass Art


I have a unique chance to photograph artists who create glass sculptures. This is the first time I have ever shot a subject like this. What lenses and/or filters do you recommend that I use to take full advantage of this opportunity? I will be photographing the artists, their process from designing to production of a piece, and then the finished colored glass art. I use a Canon D60. Thank you in advance.


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March 26, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Lens choice will depend upon the size of the finished product and how close you are able to get to it, and the artist. Any lens from standard size to portrait (50-120mm) with close-focusing capability should work. Try backlighting the finished product to accentuate its shape and detail.


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March 26, 2004

 

Charles Dias 		 
 
 
To shoot glassware, try to use side lights, lights from above or below it. You can also use a dark cloth or base to stand the glass piece, and a light background - so you´ll get the object in dark shades against the light background. The reverse would work too - light stand and dark background.As you´re using a DSLR, take care with the correct adjustment of the white balance. I suggest you use concentrated dichroic continuous light sources ... cheap and effective. Another tip: You can use a cross screen filter to get some light "star shape" sparkling ... in some cases it´s cool.


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March 30, 2004

 

Dev Mukherjee 		  Do not forget about the opportunity to shoot the artist with his/her piece of artwork, with a moderate wide-angle lens (28 or 35). Also, make sure you catch the pride in the artist's eyes when you take this photo. If you see a lot of glare in the glass or unwanted reflections, you might try a polarizer. You could try it both ways - with and without a polarizer - and see which shot is better.


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March 30, 2004

 
- Shirley D. Cross-Taylor

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Shirley D. Cross-Taylor
Shirley D. Cross-Taylor's Gallery 		  Charles had the best suggestions for shooting the glass objects. I shot glass sculptures in an art gallery for their catalog of the show. The pieces ranged in size from very small to quite large. I had the best results from using indirect lighting. I used my two studio lights, which also have modeling lights, so I can see ahead of time where the flash will fall. What works for one piece may not work for another. You have to move your lights around until you see what best shows off each piece. Some looked best with a bit of backlight to show their design in the translucency of the glass. Most of all, try to avoid hot spots, or glare, on the glass, if possible. As always, a good tripod is a must.


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April 05, 2004

 
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