Misc Help with Shadows

Imp · 03-03-2015, 10:31 AM

Perhaps this isn't in the right section - but here goes.

Below is the picture I took. The problem I have is the shadows, wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to smooth out the lighting while keeping the shadow of the cup at the base. Thanks!

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bdery · 03-03-2015, 11:19 AM

By "shadows", do you mean the red reflections at the bottom?

I'm not sure there is an easy way to do this, other than taking a picture before adding the wine. As it is, you could desaturate the foot (turning in, more or less, into B&W), that ought to work.

You might consider adding some saturation to the red while you're at it, some punch since it's the only touch of colour.

Good capture by the way!

DeadJohn · 03-03-2015, 11:40 AM

You want an all-white background except for that bit of shadow below the glass? Photoshop or another editor can make the gray background white, either using layers or a brush. I suppose you could also do it by retaking the photo with multiple carefully aimed lights but I'm interested in seeing comments from our lighting experts.

Imp · 03-03-2015, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by bdery

By "shadows", do you mean the red reflections at the bottom?

I meant the almost vignetting like shadows caused by my arm while pouring - now that you mention it, I might have a picture from before the pouring while I was trying to focus accurately (with my M50 1.7).

thanks!

bdery · 03-03-2015, 01:51 PM - **1 Like**

For the shadows you refer to, strategically placed reflectors might help brighten the lower part of the image, or other light sources.

Imp · 03-03-2015, 02:17 PM

This was low budget, paper with clamp light in my basement, photography. I'll see what i can do next time.

For anyone interested, my post-production solution was to use the gradiant tool with a neutral-density setting. Not perfect, but a LOT better.

thanks everyone!

wildman · 03-03-2015, 10:23 PM

Originally posted by Imp

anyone has any ideas on how to smooth out the lighting while keeping the shadow of the cup at the base.

It can be done but it probably should be a re-shot.

Selected the mid tones to another layer then gently burned them out and merged back to background layer...

Last edited by wildman; 03-18-2015 at 08:17 PM.

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03-03-2015, 11:19 AM	#2
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	By "shadows", do you mean the red reflections at the bottom? I'm not sure there is an easy way to do this, other than taking a picture before adding the wine. As it is, you could desaturate the foot (turning in, more or less, into B&W), that ought to work. You might consider adding some saturation to the red while you're at it, some punch since it's the only touch of colour. Good capture by the way!

03-03-2015, 11:40 AM	#3
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	You want an all-white background except for that bit of shadow below the glass? Photoshop or another editor can make the gray background white, either using layers or a brush. I suppose you could also do it by retaking the photo with multiple carefully aimed lights but I'm interested in seeing comments from our lighting experts.

03-03-2015, 12:09 PM	#4
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery By "shadows", do you mean the red reflections at the bottom? I meant the almost vignetting like shadows caused by my arm while pouring - now that you mention it, I might have a picture from before the pouring while I was trying to focus accurately (with my M50 1.7). thanks!

03-03-2015, 01:51 PM - 1 Like	#5
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	For the shadows you refer to, strategically placed reflectors might help brighten the lower part of the image, or other light sources.

03-03-2015, 02:17 PM	#6
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749 Original Poster	This was low budget, paper with clamp light in my basement, photography. I'll see what i can do next time. For anyone interested, my post-production solution was to use the gradiant tool with a neutral-density setting. Not perfect, but a LOT better. thanks everyone!

03-03-2015, 10:23 PM	#7
wildman Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flyover America Posts: 4,469	Originally posted by Imp anyone has any ideas on how to smooth out the lighting while keeping the shadow of the cup at the base. It can be done but it probably should be a re-shot. Selected the mid tones to another layer then gently burned them out and merged back to background layer... Last edited by wildman; 03-18-2015 at 08:17 PM.

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