Sometimes photographers have to shoot shiny stuff. Lighting works very differently on things that are shiny compared to how light works on more diffused subject matter. The shinier the object, the more it will be reflecting the light sources – both main and secondary.

Controlling these ‘specular’ parts of the light – as it is reflected from the subject – can be the greatest challenge.

Highlights give clues to our subjects. They tell us if the surface is smooth or not, and they can aid in showing us the dimension and shape of the object or subject.

The P52’ers had a blast with a “Shoot Something Shiny” assignment, and here is what they came up with.

Cup
Rui Bandeira (And featured image above)

Reflective action
Jorge R

Honey spoons [Explored]
Rasmus Hald

p52 shinny-3053 composite.jpg
Gerry DAc

301/365 Shiny
David Travis

shiny handmade mercury glass coral vase
Virginia Smith

Faucet
Cindy Kopp

Shiny
Unfounded Stu

Bogle Petite Sirah
Irene Liebler

something shiney
Dan Berry

Shiny Knife
Bryan Lawler

Pen on Typewriter
Arni Freidling

Project 52: Shiny Object
Lily Dale

p52-2012-assignment39
Tim Lester

The Veins of my Heart
Grey Gibbs

Glass Clock_MG_7639-2
Photoartel

Red Vase
Barbara Tozier

Lots of ‘behind the scenes’ setup shots at the Flickr Page.

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