Resonator photography

[Stevie]

Does anyone have any tips on how to achieve good results when photographing "shiny" resos?

Is it best to use outdoor lighting as andys seems to do? If I use flash, the guitar body seem to take on a matt white effect. Without flash, the nickel plating just looks grey.

I have seen some really good images of a Lightning taken on a window sill on this forum and there are other examples too.

[ianz]

Steve you've said it all, flash will bring out highlights and some cool reflections but it is too easy to over-expose and "blow" the highlights. Wherever possible use natural light, preferably obliquely to mute the harshness somewhat. If you are going to use flash try muting it with white tissue or a diffuser over the flash head, or angle the flash from being directly pointing at the resonator.
If you're trying to get shots on stage, the lighting can often help, bringing out the highlights.
If you look at flickr for this photo, you can pick up the technical details, but I shot it hand held with natural light (early afternoon)....


IMG_5380 by i_zirins, on Flickr

[ianz]

IMG_5379 by i_zirins, on Flickr

[Stevie]

Looking at those images, it seems to me that the highly reflective nature of the subject needs something to actually reflect, otherwise it is reflecting nothing and that's all you can expect- a flat result. I was only referring to the task of getting a good result, not adding the complication of stage lighting and other uncontrolled circumstances. It follows that the picture of Lucy taken live is something that I'm sure you are pleased with!

[ianz]

Thanks Steve. Yes youare right, having reflections livens the image - I did some static phots for publicity etc, under a blue slightly cloudy sky and that worked a treat. Again slightly obliquely as I found on some early shots that i was in the refelctions!