Reflective Surfaces Problem

B

bergman

Member
Hi,
we are shooting a short Sci-Fi movie and we have lots of reflective surfaces like tinted gas masks to Mirror face scientist suit, so i want to hear your suggestions on how to shoot them without appearing on the shot :) especially on close ups.
 
You can apply dulling spray to the surface, it eliminates reflections.
Or if you don't have access to that, hair spray can do the same, but it can damage the surface plus it should be cleaned after your work's done.
 
hmm that spray is hard to get for me right now because of my location but somebody told me to use a dry soap for the surfaces of gas masks and small areas of reflection and i will try it. but meanwhile any other ideas?
 
Put black behind/over yourself in a way that it cuts off the light causing reflections of you. obviously might not be as possible if there is lots of movement but on a fairly static closeup it can help. Play around with the angle you shoot at too.

Good Luck
 
That's the best/easiest suggestion as far as I'm concerned.

Even if it's just a big black cloth draped over the camera...maybe it'll show up in a reflection somewhere, but it won't be a reflection of something easily recognizable.
 
You can also go the opposite direction and cover everything white. For close ups, cut a hole in a 4x8 ft piece of foamcore and stick your lens through it.
Look at any catalog you get in the mail that has shiney objects (like Pottery barn, restoration hardware, or any place that sells silverware, or chrome type appliances) Look closely at these photos and you will see the reflection of white foam core or white sheets or walls.
I see a "mirrored suit" as a major pain in the you know what, and this would need special lighting as well. The white foamcore should be experimented with at your location. The black fabric is a tried and true friend, but you may find it ackward for a mirrored surface. The white board usage will also alter the lighting setup, but at the same time, may also enhance it. Experiment.
 
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