Photographing glass

Abstract

The first man-made glass was made by heating a mixture of silica (from sand) , lime and an alkali such as soda or potash . Modern glass is still made from these same basic ingredients. Lead is often added to produce brighter , clearer , crystal glass. Glass is unique in that when it sets hard , it retains the random molecular structure of a liquid . It does not form interlocking crystals and this is why it shatters when bumped or dropped . Glass is one of the most difficult subjects to light and photograph effectively. Most professional photographers face the problem of photographing glass at some stage in their careers. Those who lack patience and experience will not be able to produce an acceptable result. You can however create an extremely beautiful image, of a glass object , if you have sufficient skill and imagination. I have always enjoyed making "pretty pictures". These are photographs which' are eye- catching and pleasant to look at. Glass is a subject which has a large scope for beauty . I try t o overcome the technical challenge of making a glass object look the way I would like it to look. I usually take a long time in selecting the right piece or pieces of glass for a photograph. I look for objects which have a point of interest or an inherent beauty . Next I consider how I would like the objecL Lo appear in the final image. I imagine how I can enhance its qualities with lighting , selection and addition of colours. I believe that this previsualization is vital, as it helps you to set a goal which you can work towards . Many hours are wasted in the studio if you have no concept of how the finished photograph should look, I do not treat the previsualized image as a law. Sometimes while pursuing a certain result, I notice other more effective images . It always pays to explore new concepts and ideas. The time spent experimenting may result in a superior picture. Even if the new ideas are unsuccessful, the experience gained will help with future attempts. My interests gradually progressed from "pretty pictures" to more applied photography. I started doing advertising photographs containing glass objects . This presented a completely new set of problems to be solved . These pictures required a different pattern of thought , as their purpose is completely different. Advertising photographs are made to sell a product. Other elements, such as lab s and props, have to be included . I now had to light more than just a piece of glass. The glass must still be attractive, but the lighting must be co-ordinated so as to illuminate other important details. One must often create an atmosphere to help promote the product . I found I had to be far more reserved and selective in my introduction of colours into these pictures. Many people have asked why I concentrate on colour photography. This is partly due to necessity, but mostly because of personal preference . I find black and white rather boring when photographing glass. Glass needs colour to give it a new dimension, which I find lacking in black and white. By using colour, I can do more to ensure an attractive result . I use Ektachrome 64 professional colour transparency film. The appearance of a transparency is, in my opinion , far superior to a colour negative print. Transparencies are also preferable if the work is going to be reproduced. I get more personal satisfaction from a successful colour photograph.