How to take pictures without shadows?

Question

I sell small replacement items like new sunglass lenses and ink cartridges online and need to take shadowless pictures, how can I do that?

Answer 1

A simple solution to this problem would be to shoot the picture outside at about 10:30 to 11 AM. Get the sun just behind your head and shoot the picture using a fill flash. This way any shadow would be behind the item you are photographing and should be invisible. Most of us don't hae the silver umbrellas to work with.............

Answer 2

Hi Paige, Shiny surfaces are a unique challenge for photographers. Here are some things you can try. Have your light source directly over your subject. Diffuse the light. Most photographers use a softbox or umbrella to diffuse light. If you do not have those, try a piece of white poster paper for a reflector. Consider the angle of your lens relative to the light source and the reflecting surface. It is much like looking in the mirror. If you look in a mirror, there are certain things you see at certain angles. If you move while looking in the mirror, some of those things disappear. They do not really disappear, it is just that the angle of the light reflecting from those objects no longer is at an angle that will hit your eyes. You should try being at an angle outside of the light coming directly off the shiny surface to help minimize glare. Another thing that a lot of professionals use to reduce glare is dulling spray. Krylon makes just such a spray. It is not always easy to get your hands on. However, I would try spraying a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it is "temporary." Metal fonts might just lend nicely to this spray. But, better safe than sorry. Best wishes!

Answer 3

For smaller objects, such as the ones you mentioned, you might want to look into purchasing (or constructing) i light tent. it is, in essence, a box with translucent sides, which make the lighting really soft and flood the entire object. you can find these on places like amazon and ebay, as well as photography stores.

You can make a light tent by cutting a large square out of five sides (all four walls and the top of a box). Use white fabric over three sides (you'll want one side still open so you can still see inside the box) and top and put a large white piece of paper inside the box (leaning against one side and goes all the way across the bottom, kind of like a slide) and put the box near a bright light source (from above works well). It should diffuse the light so that there will be limited shadows.. this is what is should look like: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/step7complete-1-1.jpg

good luck with your photos and ebaying. =)

Answer 4

You'll need flood lamps coming from all angles to illuminate the shadows. Think of a football stadium -- all the lights from all directions.
Aesthetically, you'll have very flat pictures. If the object's surface is shiny it'll will take on an ethereal glow.

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Answer 5

You need to take a photography class.

Shadows are caused by an object interrupting the path of the light around it. By using various lighting techniques you can minimize shadows, this includes more lights, diffused lighting or reflected lighting.

The funny silver umbrellas and big silver panels photographers use do exactly these things.

Take a class.

Answer 6

Cross key lighting i.e. one light on either side of the object pointing diagonally to form a cross with the object in the middle. Used widely in television studios. As someone else said, this may make your pictures look very flat.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Bounce Flash and also put another flashes for backdrops.

Answer 9

Shoot at noon when there are less/no shadows.

Answer 10

Use a "light tent". Google will fill you in with the particulars.