Glass

Photographing Glass


Notice:

  1. You can photograph this and any photo assignment as a group. Each member of the group must edit and hand in their own photos.
  2. Take lots of photos so the everyone’s photos are not all the same.


Glass is both a reflective and transparent surface. Learning to photograph it can be a challenge. The key is to diffuse and control your lighting, so it does exactly what you want.

Here are a number of links to help you learn.

This first one is my favourite as it includes how to do lighting diagram. Plus the photographer is Canadian.

  1. Digital Photo Mentor
  2. DIY Photography
  3. Phillip McCordall
  4. Slanted Lens - Laws of Light

Your assignment.

Practice setting up you’re your glass products and lighting. Be prepared to adjust your lighting to remove any reflections.

You can bring glass objects form home. Don’t bring your parents’ expensive or antique glassware, because remember that if they get broken, it is your responsibility. If something does break, keep everyone away and notify the teacher immediately.


There are some glass objects in the class. A clear plastic glass or cup also works.

Most students use the middle back room for their glass assignment. There are also a couple of rooms in the Mr. Campbell's music room that are sometimes available.


You need the following photos:

    1. an available light photo using the classroom lights. Remember to set the correct white balance. Do NOT use auto.
    2. two (2) bright field photos of your piece of glassware – different angles
    3. two (2) dark field photos of your piece of glassware – different angles
    4. an one (1) additional photo with something like coloured water or tea in your glass.

Be creative. AT LEAST POUR WATER INTO THE GLASS OR USE A DIFFERENT COLOURED LIQUID AND SHOW IT DISPERSING THROUGHOUT THE WATER IN THE GLASS.


For an extra assignment, include a bottle with a label and ensure the label is illuminated.

  • Details are under the the first link called Digital Photo Mentor.
  • Do not use any bottle that promotes alcohol. A soft drink or food bottle is better.
  • The bottle has be transparent, tinted or somewhat clear. This one is tricky and you will be able to drop one other photo assignment.

1. After you write your proposal and lighting diagram, assemble all your glassware and any equipment you need

2. Prepare your lighting set up

3. Clean your glassware with the hand blower and a soft cloth remove any dust or finger prints. Add your glassware to your set up.

4. Check for any unwanted reflections and make any adjustments.

5. Take your photos, being careful not to add any finger prints or smudges.

6. Upload your photos to the computer and do any post processing, then hand in by email for marking.

...end