What lighting for antique furniture

[tckadventures]

OK, I have the chance to take some photos of some great pieces of antique furniture and just have the basic kit of equipment, I was wondering would it be best to have a reflector or have another flash as the lighting is pretty dark, or do I just go about using the tripod on a slow shutter to get the mood lighting?

[tim]

Tripod and long exposure will most likely be best, a flash will cause highlights and problems. You might like to get this book (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0240802756/002-3047575-5896047?v=glance) some time, it's helpful for all sorts of things, including this.

[JakeC]

I agree with Tim, tripod and some dramatic side lighting (by window or off cam flash) to accentuate the angles and form. Of course that's if they're creative and not commercial, if you commercial I'd side light with a good helping of diffused fill light.

Furniture and old houses make brilliant subjects, I hope you have a great time shooting and share the results.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Warm... think warm.

[PhotosGuy]

Maybe add some props, like an antique candle burning to give you an excuse to throw some warm light in as CDS suggested.

[tckadventures]

Great, thanks heaps guys. It looks as though this will be an interesting and long shoot, trying to get the right angles of light etc on the furniture but hopefully a great learning curve too.