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Photography – Laser-engraved crystal block
by Richard Cyril Coad
Commercial
Photographer
One of
the most interesting aspects about commercial photography is the
never-ending lighting challenges that face photographers. The
example this photo presents is no exception.
The product is a crystal glass block with the image of a
race car and driver which were laser-cut only on the inside of the
block, leaving the outside surface totally smooth.
In
photography we always want to create the feeling of depth from a
flat plane. To achieve
this, we must light the object in such a way that gives highlights
and shadows that are familiar to the viewers’ past experiences.
To simply shoot this item conventionally with only front
lighting, no depth would be created.
This object required lighting from the inside, and no lighting
of the outside surfaces.
To solve the lighting
problem this product presented, a mask was cut the exact size of
the bottom of the product.
The product was placed on clear plexiglass with the mask
in place. Thus, light
was allowed to go through the opening of the mask on the bottom
of the product only, and not light other areas of the item.
In this case, transparency film was being used, so Polaroid
tests were done to perfect lighting ratios.
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