BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

SHARON MCAULAY

How to tone down shine from metallic objects

Does anyone out there have a suggestion for knocking back the burned out letters in the word "Pentax" in the attached image? I've tried cloning from the "P", using the burn tool, the paint bucket tool, etc., but none of these methods look very good. Would appreciate any ideas! Many thanks, Sharon

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March 27, 2008

SHARON MCAULAY

OK, so next question is how do I upload the image to appear here? On this page it says that if images are ready, you can upload on the next page, after entering the number of images you would like to upload. I put in "one" and clicked on "Submit", and was then directed to a sign-in page... Thanks again!

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March 27, 2008

SHARON MCAULAY

Hey! It worked this time! S.

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March 27, 2008

Bernard

Sharon
To tone down the shine
select the rectangle tool, select the area,then darken it. if there are any areas within the selection you don't want to be affected, of the four little blue boxes at top of window choose remove from selection then select areas accordingly.

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March 27, 2008

SHARON MCAULAY

Bernard - thank you very much! That seems to have done the trick. Sometimes the easiest solutions are the best! Thanks again for taking the time to answer!

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March 28, 2008

Brenda Tharp

Sharon, in the future, before you even make the picture, you can tone down glare by using a polarizing filter - this helps with any reflective surface, and if the angle of light/reflection is right, the polarizer will work your magic instead of having to do it later in the computer.

Best, Brenda

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April 01, 2008

SHARON MCAULAY

Hi Brenda, thank you so much for the advice! As of right now, I only have a polarizing filter for one of my lenses, but they're on my "want" list for sure!
Thanks again for taking the time to answer. Cheers!

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April 01, 2008

Mark Feldstein

Before turning to a polarizer Sharon, which you may well find blocks up detail in your shadow areas and knocks highlights down in important areas of the shot, you might consider learning how to light it properly without polarizers.

Moreover, if Sharon is shooting this type of shot with a flash, unless she just spends a lot of time using trial and error, how would she know how to position a circular polarizer in order to knock down the reflection without creating an adverse reflection in another area of the same shot? Hmmmmmmmmm? Problems problems problems.

The solution is actually quite simple.
But I'm sure Brenda knows that. Right?
Okay, class...what's the real solution? Class? Anyone? Anyone??
I'll check in later to see how you're doing with the answer. This week, grand prize is one week in Bishop California. Second prize is two weeks in Bishop. The race is on.
Mark

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April 01, 2008

Brenda Tharp

Yes, learning how to light properly is always KEY to a good image - even if using natural light. I'll let you be the 'teacher' in this one Mark, since you offered, and included the incredible challenge of winning a trip to Bishop...I've been there many times...LOL. Great place, too!

If Sharon's using flash, then yes, it would be difficult to know how to turn the filter to get the right results without a lot of shots - unless there was a modeling light with the strobes; but if an accessory flash is used, then this would not work. Since I do a lot of natural light work, that's what came to mind first - looking through the filter to see what you'll get as a quick solution.

So hopefully you'll get some takers on your challenge. Thanks for contributing your help for Sharon.

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April 01, 2008

Mark Feldstein

Thanks Brenda. Let's see if Sharon rises to the challenge.

OK, lemme give you a large hint. Got a clamp on light of some kind and a chunk of fomecore?
M.

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April 01, 2008

William Schuette

Hi Sharon, a polarizing filter is probably not going to be a lot of help. For some reason (you'll have to talk with the real techies to understand why)polarizers do not work on metal reflections like they do on glass or water relections. Mark is right in stating that the answer is in the lighting and watching what is being reflected when you take the picture. But you can use this to your advantage. When you set up the shot take a piece of white or gray foamcore and let that reflect off of any shiny parts. White will give you more of a reflected light look with less brightness than just a straight light reflection. Gray will make it look more steely. And remember when you set this up that the angle of incidence (angle from foam core to subject) will always equal the angle of reflection (which will be the angle at which you want to take the picture). So set up your camera and move the foamcore around until you get the right reflection.

Bill

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May 12, 2008

SHARON MCAULAY

Oops - so sorry Brenda and Mark for not sending a big ¨thank you¨ for your suggestions. And Bill, I'm more on top of it today and do send you a big ¨thank you¨ for your suggestions and for taking the time to answer. The image was taken with just one studio light, and I think if I had just been more careful to angle the Pentax down a bit more, the problem would have been taken care of. In the meantime, the image has been made into a temporary business card with a bit of Photoshop work done to tone down the shine. Nonetheless, I am very grateful to all of you for taking the time to give your input - it's very much appreciated! best, Sharon

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May 12, 2008

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