Taking decent photos without glare
By themooster
@themooster (74)
January 28, 2007 1:02pm CST
I've been trying to improve on the photos I'm taking when selling my eBay items. I want to display everything on a pure white background, and the nearest thing to pure white I've found so far is my whiteboard! I was using a white sheet but because it's not flat it hasn't been working too well, and looks washed out in the pictures.
Whenever I use the whiteboard I get a glare in the photo, whether I use the flash or not.
Any ideas would be gratefully received!
1 person likes this
5 responses
@jumpinjack00 (3054)
• United States
29 Jan 07
Alright, here's the problem and the solution.
The problem with the glare (with or without
the flash) is the background you're using
seems to have what's known as a gloss finish.
It reflects the light, thus creating the glare.
I don't know the items you're selling or their
size so I'll just be general. Find or buy a
background or use a wall that has a very matte,
dull, finish. This type of surface absorbs the
light, hence no glare.
Also, make sure you are using a lamp or the sun
off to the side a bit but in front of the item.
A light source from the left and the right will
give you the best result.
Play with the lighting, back it off, bring it
closer. Put it off a little more to each side
etc.
Good luck. ‹(°¿°)›
@themooster (74)
•
29 Jan 07
Yup, the matte finish seems to be a good way to go. Never thought about changing angles though, will try that next time! Thanks a lot
@Bizziebod (3497)
•
28 Jan 07
If you're looking for the best solution get yourself a photograph tent (it's a small tent like construction) put your item inside and put the lens through the hole - this is what we use for ebay and stops all glare. It does all depend on what your taking photo's of, will they not photograph better with a different coloured back ground? Alternatively have you tried putting the sheet over your head and item while trying to take the photo - stops all glare!
@themooster (74)
•
28 Jan 07
Thanks for the speedy reply - fortunately I'm the half of the partnership that finds the stock to sell; my partner will be the one who has the sheet over their head trying not to look silly! lol
Seriously, thanks for the info; will start hunting for a photograph tent...
@maru_047in (1007)
• India
29 Jan 07
I think the white board is ok but the flash need to be avoided and the flash has to be given or the photograph has to be taken in the different angle to the white board so that the glare ll be reduced and the best quality photographs are obtained.
@CallMeDaddy (535)
• United States
29 Jan 07
I agree with the other guy. I think that because of the board you are using that is what's causing the glare. I don't understand what was wrong with the sheet. Sure the sheet can be a little sloppy but I'm sure that it was something that you can do to keep it from getting crumpled up. If you use the sheet and take your time setting it up then you should be fine.
@MichianaGuy (92)
• United States
28 Jan 07
You need something with a more matte finish. White posterboard is good, if the glare is still there, spray light coats of cheap aerosol hair spray on it. Or, if you have a white sheet to spare, cut it up and spray glue it to thin plywood. Also, soft light from the front and back side of subject will help reduce glare.
