Glass and shiny objects show whatever is around them, so you control the picture by controlling the surroundings. Use large soft light sources, place them where they form clean edges, and keep yourself out of the reflection. These steps work for bottles, vases, mirrors and polished metal.
Think in reflections, not just light
A reflective surface is a curved mirror. It does not have a color of its own; it shows the shapes and brightness of everything near it. That means a window, a lamp or a white card appears as a bright shape on the surface. Your job is to choose what shape and where.
Two classic looks
Bright-field: glass on white
Put the glass on a white surface with a light behind a translucent panel. The glass appears with thin dark outlines on a bright background. It looks clean and simple.
Dark-field: glass on black
Put the glass in front of a black card, and place a strip of light at each side, just out of frame. Bright lines trace the edges and shape on a dark background. It looks dramatic.
Step by step setup
- Wipe the object carefully; every mark shows on glass.
- Place it away from walls and from clutter that could reflect.
- Position one large soft light to the side, then add a second light or white card on the opposite side.
- Check the live view and look for stray reflections of yourself, windows or lamps.
- Use a dark cloth over you and the camera, or stand farther back and use a longer lens.
- Mount the camera on a tripod and use a timer.
Fixing common problems
| Problem | Quick fix |
|---|---|
| Hot white spot | Move or enlarge the light, or add a diffuser |
| Your reflection visible | Cover yourself in dark cloth, move off axis |
| Glass blends into background | Add dark edges or a bright gradient behind |
| Window glare on flat panes | Turn a polarizing filter until reflections fade |
A polarizing filter works best at roughly ninety degrees to the light and removes glare on non-metal surfaces such as glass and water. It has little effect on bare metal.
For polished metal such as a kettle or a spoon, surround it with a tent of white paper and cut a small hole for the lens. The metal then reflects smooth white instead of the room. Remove fingerprints with a soft cloth before every set of shots.
FAQ
Why does my flash create a white blob?
Direct flash makes a small, harsh reflection. Move it off to the side, bounce it, or use a large diffuser.
How can I show liquid in a glass?
Light from behind through a diffuser so the liquid glows. A backlit card behind the glass makes the color appear.
The Short Version
Control what the object reflects: big soft lights, dark or bright edges, and nothing unwanted in view. Use a tripod, cover yourself, and add a polarizing filter for flat glass.