Product photography

[AndrewWG]

All,

I know this isn't Disney related, but I figured I would ask here anyways. I have a client that would like to have photos of her artwork (mostly all clay vases, pitchers, etc) done for her portfolio. She wants a black background (not a problem) and she wants it to be a smooth transition from background to where the object is sitting (no horizontal line that you normally see in the background). This also isn't really a problem. However where I am having problems is with the fact that an all black background and foreground makes the item seem to "float" in a sea of black. I need some sort of sense of stability in the photos. Something that shows it is resting on an object. I am thinking of placing the items on something like a piece of neutral colored cloth or circle of fine sand or something like that. Any other suggestions? I have never done this before and although my first attempt was "ok", it isn't what she wanted. A link to the photos I took today (on my blog) is here:

http://andrewg365.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-6-2011.html

Any info you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[JoeDif]

How about sitting it on a piece of black plexiglass so that you get a reflection of the object below it?

[AndrewWG]

How about sitting it on a piece of black plexiglass so that you get a reflection of the object below it?

I was thinking of something like that too. I think it would give it a nice look. Concerned that it might cause the black backdrop to crease up and cause the line that she doesn't want but I might give it a try anyways. Do they sell black plexiglass or would you just put clear on top of the black backdrop (which is brought down and under the piece).

[JoeDif]

Clear might work over a black surface but I know they do sell black on ebay. I've been thinking about getting a piece. The 1/8 inch thick piece would work as it shouldn't be too heavy to lug around

[Icemann]

Check the local glass shop in town or one of the national craft stores for the plexiglass.I got a piece from American Glass Co. in town.

[C&B Young]

Depending on how big an item you're shooting, a big piece of floor tile can also work.