photographing bottles

[bubbas dad]

does anyone out there have any suggestions on the bestway to get a good picture for ID purposes, mainly on embossed bottles. i have seen some pictures where they took
a marker and traced the embossing but i was warned it might stain below the surface if the markings are worn. i have several bottles i would like help with identifying and want the best picture possible.

thanks, john

 

[glopf43]

Hey John. I've got one word for you; Backlighting! I came up with the idea of shining a 60 watt bulb on a flexable "gooseneck" lamp through the bottle. This really shows of the embossings. I will post a couple of photo's to show how well it works...

 

[glopf43]

You can change the brightness and detail by moving the bottle farther from and closer to the light.

 

[DOLANBADGER]

RE: photographing bottlesreply to glopf43

Hello glopf43
Great idea on the back lighting.The embossing really stands out.Ill be taking your advice with some of my embossed bottles.[]

 

[glopf43]

Hey Ron, it also works with picture embossing's real well. Here is a Scott's Emulsion. The detail in the face etc. look cool []...

 

[glopf43]

And it helps to identify bottles by making the base/bottom very easy to read...

 

[tazmainiendigger]

Nice crisp shots Gary! Is that a soft white bulb? Taz

 

[glopf43]

Hey taz, yes I believe it is a soft white bulb. I tried a "natural light" and did not like the results as much although, they weren't bad. I am trying many different types and watts and will post the results here soon. I am thinking of making light box as was suggested also so I can capture more of the bottle in a single shot. Hey (i just thought) maybe flourescent tubes? Just for the heck of it here's another photo...

 

[Mainepontil]

I think I'll just send my bottles to you for photographing. []

Perfect lighting.

Joel

 

[mescal]

its all about contrast-the dark background and bright light makes it-i have some photos taken with a white background,and found i needed a dark thing near (but not in the picture )to get the contrast into the emboss-now where did i put those pictures...........[]