Setup for my dark reflection shots.
I get often asked how I achieve the black backdrop, the reflection and what kind of light I use, for my dark reflection shots. Today I had a couple minutes on hand, so I try to explane and visualize todays setup.
I have no fancy studio and as the best light is "on" our dinner table, this is the place I shoot this stuff. It is an easy setup, so it is no problem to set it up and put it away in a couple of minutes. The backdrop is black felt material, the layer under the glass a black fleece blanket. The windows from the right are normally my light source. (Rarely I add light from the pendula lamp above). I use an external flash only for smoke, steam, glitter, powdered sugar, etc. The later I take the picture, the better the light. (Softer and warmer light from the setting sun).
The glass I have taken from an old picture frame. The cleaner the better, for the reflection. Depending on the size of the object I use my nifty fifty, a macro lense 90 or 100mm), or in this case a good 18-50mm lense. Depending on the dof I would like to achieve, I work with small or large aperture and adapt the shutter speed. Always in manual mode. (ISO 100). I always check the white balance. I really try to have a dark picture, with only some light on the object already in camera.
Processing: This depends on the RAW picture. I often use different layers. Dodging and burning is often involved, cross processing the colours too.
Thats about it! But I also try to use different techniques. Crazy homemade filters, fokus stacking, etc. to get out of my comfort zone.
I hope this helps. Please tell me, if there are further questions. If you give it a try, it would be a pleasure for me if you tag me, so I can enjoy the pictures too.
Final picture:
https://365project.org/mona65/2015-plan-b-alb/2017-07-10
I must say mine is much the same, I follow the light around my house. I do like the idea of a piece of glass on a blanket though for reflections...