Glare off items

[globaluser]

I am shooting some snorkel equipment, which is made of silicone plastic. No manner how I postion my lights, I seem to get some glare off some part of the plastic. Also, shooting some items in blister packs with resulting glare. Is there any way of elimating some or part of glare? Does polarizer help in these cases? Any help would be appreicated.

D60
3 unbrellas with reflective flash with 3 420EX. One to each side about 20 degrees, one directly in front.

jerry

[robertwgross]

Jerry, you did not state what you are using for a diffuser at each flash. Umbrella reflectors are one thing. Diffusers are somewhat different.

---Bob Gross---

[globaluser]

I really am not famiular with diffuser, but just read up on it. Would you consider a translucent umbrella a diffuser? Then shoot thru the umbrella. I have also seen the white plastic cups that fit over the flash, is that considered a diffuser also?
And what is a diffuser filter?
Thanks for your tips..Bob appreciate the information.

jerry

[robertwgross]

There are several approaches. One is to put a white diffuser over the flash head, regardless of whether it is pointed into a reflective umbrella or pointed at the subject. There are some nice white plastic diffusers on the market to fit just about anything. Or, I once used the bottom of a white plastic milk jug, shaped to fit over the flash head. If you don't have white plastic, then try a white handkerchief. Or, you can aim the flash head at something soft and white, like a piece of white foamboard.

I know reflective umbrellas are used, but I find them too clumsy.

---Bob Gross---

[Slow]

We generally construct a "tent", around the product that we are taking images of, out of a white cotton or muslin type material and place the flash heads some way away from the "tent" to ensure that there are no hotspots

[globaluser]

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I will try all and let you know what works best in my situation. Again, thanks for the help.

jerry