Shooting Fiber Optics

[Gauranga]

I've got a client that needs me to shoot their fiber optic products. I'm shooting against a white background with the lights on (so you can see the product) and with the lights off (so you can see the fiber optics). I'm doing a cool cross-fade in post to transition between lights on and off.

The trouble is that when the lights are on you can barely see the fiber optics, if at all. We're talking teeny, tiny, small fiber optic lights that actually look ok to the eye, but the camera barely sees them. I need to see these fiber optics with the lights on.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[j]

Back light might help to bring them out.

Works with water. You can't see rain on camera unless it's very heavy or back lit.

 

[dewman]

I would go with a different background which provides contrasts with the light on. I'm not sure the type of fiber optic lighting your filming, but try and find a background that works with the transition.

BTW - i use to sell fiber optic lighting for pools and spas - I would lean towards highlighting the lights when on -

 

[JwrFord]

What is it your exactly lighting? I think given that we could probably help more. Cords, lights, artificial fireworks?

 

[dbarak]

Polarizer maybe?

 

[Gauranga]

Unfortunately I can't reveal exactly what I'm shooting because the products aren't to market yet and I have a confidentiality agreement I need to adhere to.

But, I can say that I rarely shoot the same product twice as they are mostly prototypes; every product is different (sometimes wildly different).

Changing the background probably wouldn't do anything as the fiber optics are on the products themselves and not against the background. Basically the background only serves as a pretty setting. I'm guessing that it would have more to do with the lighting or a camera setup than anything else.
Though I appreciate the suggestion. I know it's hard when I can't tell you what it is that I'm shooting.

Dewman - I was the Creative Director for a hot tub and spa company a few years back. I agree with you, it would be best to highlight the product with the lights on.

I just need to see blinking lights more prominantly and unfortunately making them brighter isn't an option. Unless I can make them brighter with a camera setting or lighting configuration that won't effect any other aspect of the product.