Gradient Paper

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:15 am

Ive been asked to document a friend of mine's glass artwork. He recently purchased a type of photographic gradient paper. At least i think thats what its called. It is supposed to be two tones if you aim the light and camera correctly. I tried it last week and got some results back today. If anyone has any experience with these things it would be much appreciated.

As far as this shots concerned, i feel like the bottom is way too bright and the top really isnt dark enough. If anyone has any pointers on how to position the light/camera on a tripod it would be appreciated.

Exposure data:
Kodak EliteChrome 100
Shutter : 1/8 sec
Aperture: f-8
ISO: 100

There were two lights, one was about 1 foot above the subject and another was about 4 feet above the entire setup, perhaps a little higher.
I was roughly 5 feet from the subject. The shadow is pretty distracting as well as the diffused reflection(?) from the paper.

Thanks.

Joined: 22 Nov 2006 Posts: 81 Location: MA

all i can think of at the moment is 2 lights with softboxes at 45s for it? i will ask a teacher and see what he thinks!

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 9:54 am

I would use small gobos directly to the right and left of the artwork. This will pronounce the edges with clean dark lines towards the bottom and upper sides. I like the look of the artwork. I think a diffuser would work great on the closest light. I am assuming the paper is white on the bottom. Hmm... I am no expert, I am learning myself. I will try some things here and see what I come up with.

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:30 am

the paper is actually totally grey, but by the positioning of the lights it creates the effect of a two toned gradient. im gonna try it again sometime next week, i dont although have money for soft-boxes and all that jazz.

Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 288

I think it is a stunning image. Nice work.

Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 191

I second that. very nice image

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:38 pm

It looks slightly tilted to the right. Although I don't mind the shadow at the bottom, I think it would look great if you could get rid of it. I think the background looks good as is.