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How to capture “sparkle”?

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by Craig Lipski on Tue Nov 20, 2018 10:28 am

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I’ve been trying to photograph a Mexican Fritillary chrysalis. What I tried, but failed to capture and present, was that some parts are really shiny and reflective - it looks like Christmas Tree tinsel. They came out white. I tried various exposures to avoid blowing out those highlights, (and succeeded at not totally blowing them out,) and played with anything and everything I could think of in PS. Is this possible? Any tips?

Good light,
Craig

Please visit my Flickr page for more.

Last edited by Craig Lipski on Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:05 am, edited 1 time in total.

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by signgrap on Tue Nov 20, 2018 10:41 am

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Have you tried using a polarizing filter?
Rotate the filter till you see the least amount of highlights.
You also may want to use a flash or other supplemental light to control light direction while using the polarizing filter.

Dick Ludwig

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by Craig Lipski on Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:06 am

Craig Lipski
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signgrap wrote:Have you tried using a polarizing filter?
Rotate the filter till you see the least amount of highlights.
You also may want to use a flash or other supplemental light to control light direction while using the polarizing filter.

I’ll try that; thanks!

Good light,
Craig

Please visit my Flickr page for more.

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by Robert on Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:00 pm

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Fill flash dialed down to -1 2/3 stops is a tried and true macro technique that I was taught. That's a mild enough amount of light to illuminate details but not look apparently flashed. Direct the light at a 30-45 degree angle to the subject for best result and a slightly 3 dimensional effect. The digital polarizing filter sounds like a good way in post processing too when fill flash wasn't used to begin with.

Also helpful in the field is to use the gold reflector to shine a little extra warm light on your subject. That will make your subject sparkle, adjust the angle of the reflector while looking through the viewfinder for the best result.

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