Show me the glitter

[Geedoed]

The white snow on the pumpkin has a lot more glitter, however I am having a hard time making it show up like it does in the green part. Any suggestions?
Picture taken in basement "pot light" conditions with Canon 270EX flash straight on.

(Pumpkin is about 16" in diameter)

Exif
f/5.6
1/80
Auto ISO at 400
50 focal
Flash
Manual mode
Auto WB

[norm982]

In my humble opinion....

I believe the glitter in the green is apparent because it is off center and being lit from the side. The glitter is probably lighting up in the white, but is unnoticeable because of the straight on flash. (it is also causing the hot white on the face of the pumpkin.)

I would try using off camera flashes... one on the right if you only have one... one on each side if you don't want the shadows that only one light will cause.

Overall I like the lighting, if I didn't know there was supposed to be glitter in the white, I don't miss it. However, it feels like the pumpkin is facing the wrong way... I keep wanting to turn it and see what the full design is.

I hope this helps some.

[Doug Sundseth]

Glitter is thousands of tiny little mirrors (from a photographic point of view, anyway). So you need to do the opposite of what you would do to remove reflections from glasses:

Move a light (not necessarily your key light) around until the reflection bounces into your lens. My first try would be camera left, about 60 degrees behind the pumpkin, and just a bit high. I would expect to have to move the light from there. You'll probably want to flag the light to prevent lens flare.

To get to a good starting place, look through your viewfinder while someone moves a light around and wait until you see the sparkles. Then place your accent light there.

[Geedoed]

Thanks for the feedback. Although I did try a couple different lighting situations, including shoe mounted flash and umbrella light to one side and none seemed to really help. I will try your suggestion as I don't believe I tried the umbrella light on the left side.........practice, practice, practice. This picture was also one of many, so I am posting you one almost "straight on" so you can see the design.

Originally Posted by norm982

In my humble opinion....

I believe the glitter in the green is apparent because it is off center and being lit from the side. The glitter is probably lighting up in the white, but is unnoticeable because of the straight on flash. (it is also causing the hot white on the face of the pumpkin.)

I would try using off camera flashes... one on the right if you only have one... one on each side if you don't want the shadows that only one light will cause.

Overall I like the lighting, if I didn't know there was supposed to be glitter in the white, I don't miss it. However, it feels like the pumpkin is facing the wrong way... I keep wanting to turn it and see what the full design is.

I hope this helps some.

[Geedoed]

Doug, thanks for the feedback as well. The pumpkin is going for a send off shortly so I don't know if I will get more pictures of it, but I like your ideas. Never crossed my mind to look into the camera while someone is moving the light for me as I tend to work solo.
Hopefully I get a chance to try a better angle.

Originally Posted by Doug Sundseth

Glitter is thousands of tiny little mirrors (from a photographic point of view, anyway). So you need to do the opposite of what you would do to remove reflections from glasses:

Move a light (not necessarily your key light) around until the reflection bounces into your lens. My first try would be camera left, about 60 degrees behind the pumpkin, and just a bit high. I would expect to have to move the light from there. You'll probably want to flag the light to prevent lens flare.

To get to a good starting place, look through your viewfinder while someone moves a light around and wait until you see the sparkles. Then place your accent light there.