Reflection photos on plexiglass

[crockny]

This is a lousy photo just to illustrate my questions!

I want to photograph small objects on a reflecting surface -- I'm using a small piece of plexiglass with a black skirt underneath! I hate the texture of the fabric that shows through and I hate the line at the back where the plexiglass ends. What do I need to do/purchase to eliminate these problems? Thanks.

[Nicole]

I use a piece of black tile in my shots. The reflection comes out a lot clearer and no extra texture. Plus depending on how you light the background, you can get your reflection on a different colour. Both were done on a black glossy tile:





Edit: One more thing I remembered, it also helps (at least with the tile) if you avoid getting the edge in the shot at all. So shooting from a slightly higher angle usually helps there.

[crockny]

Those are great! I'll be going to Home Depot soon! Can you tell me how you lit the second shot?

[Nicole]

Sure thing. This was lit with 2 flashes. One pointed at my white wall, then one on lower power (can't remember the exact settings) off to the right (I'm pretty sure) to light the hearts. The trick to getting a white "background" to the reflection is to make sure you're lighting the wall or background pretty heavily. The other thing is get as glossy of a black tile as you can (and if you can find a 12x12" tile you'll be grateful for the extra bit of room).

This is actually the article that helped me figure the technique out: Strobist: One-Minute Lighting Tip: Lighting on Two Planes

[crockny]

You're the best! Thank you so much for the info ... I'll check out the link today ...

Yes, I hope to find a glossy 12x12 but you never know with Home Depot ...

[crockny]

Well, I found out there's not much chance of my buying one glossy black tile in Manhattan -- everything is special order ...

Amy other ideas?

[JBK617]

Originally Posted by crockny

Well, I found out there's not much chance of my buying one glossy black tile in Manhattan -- everything is special order ...

Amy other ideas?

Try specialty tile stores they may have some display pieces that they aren't using that you may be able to purchase.

[Doug Sundseth]

Try a piece of glass or plexiglass and a can of glossy black spray paint. (Assuming that Nurse Bloomberg still allows the sale of spray paint in NYC. ) Spray the top side of the piece with the paint; it's the front surface reflection that you're looking for.

[Nicole]

Yep, if there are any specialty tile stores that might work. I'm totally shocked Home Depot / Lowes wouldn't have any. Otherwise, there's always everyone's good friend Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Tone-Inc...8380962&sr=8-3

[crockny]

Hey thanks for all the thoughts! I'll probably go with Amazon (although I'm old enough to buy spray paint!) It's funny, with all you can get in NY sometimes you just can't get what you want ...