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kathleenkparkerphotography.com - Kathleen K. Parker Contact Kathleen K. Parker Kathleen K. Parker's Gallery		Photos of Large Shiny Wood Flooring Samples I have been asked to photograph large samples of antique pine flooring. The samples are about 5 feet by 3 feet in size. The photos will be needed for website and print. Problem is that the coating on the flooring is very shiny. The client wants the shine OUT, the grain of the samples sharp, and the color of the samples exact. Shooting in RAW, and thus can fix things. However,while the grain/color are fine, the glare from any light source on this wood is bad. What do you suggest. He was going to degloss the samples, and I have not spoken to him since as he got sick, but the work is there when the time comes. I also have considered using a portrait lens to shoot these samples once we have this gloss issue addressed. In addition, I will be shooting photos in homes that use this flooring. Simply. Any suggestions about this? Thanks for any ideas! KK Parker To love this question, log in above June 23, 2009

- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery		Hi Kathleen, Use large diffusion panels and place the light source away from the panel. This should spread the light and keep the intensity down so that you get a nicely illuminated subject (floor sample) and no bright reflections. You will also need to experiment a bit with the angle of the light/diffuser. By angling, you can avoid direct reflection of the light. I had to do a similar shoot with a scarred wooden bar top. I needed to show the scar marks on the wood and by placing the lights at a 45 degree angle and diffusing, I was able to capture the scars in the wood grain and avoided the harshness of the light. John Siskin may have a suggestion as well if he happens across this thread. Good Luck, Carlton To love this comment, log in above June 23, 2009

kathleenkparkerphotography.com - Kathleen K. Parker Contact Kathleen K. Parker Kathleen K. Parker's Gallery		Thanks, Carlton. This makes good sense to me. I do have lights but they are in my stuffed storage place (from my move back home- to New Orleans). But I may be able to crawl in there and get them......may. I really appreciate your help and your bar project is very interesting. How cool is that! Thanks again, Carlton! KK To love this comment, log in above June 23, 2009

- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery		I have alien bees but I actually used 2 speedlights (580EX & 430EX) with umbrellas triggered by an STE2 transmitter for the shoot I described. Carlton To love this comment, log in above June 23, 2009

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