Photographing glass art can be quite challenging, especially for the amateur, but there are some basic techniques that can be employed to achieve fantastic results with the most basic experience, and with limited effort. Photographing glass doesn't require expensive equipment for backdrops or even cameras themselves; it simply takes a basic understanding of how light disperses through glass and the best techniques for capturing that light in the most flattering way possible.
Use a graduated background
A continuous tone background, also known as a graduated background, is a method for photographic glass art that is popular with many industry professionals. Any close examination of trade magazines or other publications will reveal how effective, and simple, this technique is. The continuous tone background allows the photographer to create an illusion of light fading into darkness as it moves away from the glass art piece.
Of course, these backgrounds can be created or used independently, but they are most effective when used in conjunction with an art photography cube. The art glass in placed within the cube among the background that is curved outward and upward to create the deeper illusion of surrounding the art glass itself. These photographic cubes are relatively inexpensive and make the process of photographing glass art much more effective, and exciting, for the art itself.
With this technique, the images that can be created will resemble professional work and will highlight the spectacular nature of the artwork itself.
Underlighting for special effects
Using a light panel beneath the glass art will have a dramatic and lasting impact on the photographic images that are created of the glass art. This technique is ideal for clear glass art projects that allow light to penetrate and travel up and through the glass to illuminate the artwork evenly. Panel light can be used independently of a cube, but is recommended that the two be used harmoniously. Underlighting will create a natural graduated background that will bring out the natural tone and texture of the clear and transparent glass art. This technique works wonderfully with carved edges such as coldworked cast glass.
Backlighting with a black background
If the glass art that you have created is clear, then a strong backlighting with a black background will highlight the sensitive textures, cuts, and lines of the glasswork. Again, a photographer's cube is the best solution for bringing this technique to its highest measure and achievement. Place a small black background strip (enough to encapsulated the glass art in the photographic shot) in the center of the cube and add a strong lighting source behind it. Within the cube, the light will capture the best essence of the glass art.
These are just a few of the best techniques for photographing glass art. Once you have the basics of these techniques down, then you will be ready to experiment with different variations and that is where you will find the greatest achievements in your own glass artwork.
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