Easy tips to help SHOOT REFLECTIVE OBJECTS like glass, metal and more!

Shiny and reflective objects can be tricky to shoot, all those extra reflections to pay attention to as you compose your shot! Luckily, there are a couple of tricks to assist in dealing with those reflective objects, quickly. In this video I break down the techniques for nailing the light for reflective objects and getting great shots every time!
HUGE thanks to Jessica Desforges for her help with this video! You can check out more of Jess's work on her Instagram page! ...
Comment below to let me know what you think of these techniques and what topics you want to see in future videos!
Join our FACEBOOK VIP COMMUNITY (tips + tricks shared | photo questions answered | over 7000 members): / 247300615942314
Add us on IG for daily photography and styling tips: / replicasurfaces
SHOP REPLICA SURFACES: www.replicasur...
(Get 10% off when you subscribe to emails. Plus, get free Stands, free shipping, and extra savings when you order two or more Surfaces using the bundle tool!)
OTHER HOW-TO VIDEOS YOU MAY LIKE:
Natural lighting and how to create different shadows: • NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRA...
Photo compositions to know for product and food photos: • Essential Photo Compos...
Depth perfection (aka how to blur the background with a DSLR or phone camera): • Food + Product Photogr...

[@rebeccakashinski5673]

I never would have thought to cut a circle in foam core, what an awesome yet completely simple solution!

[@replicasurfaces]

Say goodbye to seeing your reflection in reflective objects! 😎 Thanks for watching, Rebecca!

[@thecandlesnob]

At this point, I'm just going to send you my products to photograph lol. I had no idea foam boards could be used in this manner. Thanks Mandy!

[@replicasurfaces]

HAHA! You can do it! 🤩 And alllll the credit belongs to Jess for this awesome video!! 🙌

[@bekabuchashvili]

only this video was helpful for my DIY project. thanks ✌🏻

[@RobertColeProductions]

Amazing Tutorial.

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much!❤️

[@saralaplante9886]

Such an AWESOME Video ..... Can't wait to try the foam core tip!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Glad you liked it!! Thanks for watching, Sara!

[@vanessaraevideo]

The foam board with a circle cut in it / reflection blocker is such a great trick! Thank you !!

[@replicasurfaces]

Vanessa!! Thank you SO much for watching! Let us know if you give the foam core trick a go! 🥰

[@JAWStudios410]

I just started shooting reflective products and was just trying to deal with fixing it in photoshop, cutting a circle in a foam board is GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

ABSOLUTE GAME-CHANGER!!! 🙌🙌🙌 Glad you liked that bit, Jes! 🥰

[@kimberlielutz9119]

The reflection blocker, wonderful and easy tip! Thank you again Mandy for these tips for any skill level!

[@replicasurfaces]

Kimberlie!! I am so glad you liked that one! Let us know if you give it a try! 🥰

[@zzzz9571]

The foam board tip is so clever, never heard about it before! I immediately thought it would be fun to play with different coloured boards for some more funky effects!

[@replicasurfaces]

Oh, absolutely!! This is one case where experimentation is necessary!! 🙌

[@thefitcookie]

I loved that one too, so helpful!

[@rabiakhans3518]

Yay!! I’ve been struggling with this when shooting my crafts with glossy vinyls - white foam core here I come! Thank you!😊🥰

[@replicasurfaces]

Foam core for the WIN! Thanks for watching and showing some love!! 🥰

[@galeoconnor7320]

Thank you! I'm going to buy my foam-board now, this video was super helpful.

[@replicasurfaces]

Love to hear it, Gale!! Let us know what you think of the foam board trick! 🥰

[@thegreenpsychic8351]

I’m trying to photograph resin pendants I make this has been so helpful thank you - blessed be!

[@BubblyBrie]

Super helpful as I’m currently building my product photography portfolio, thanks!!

[@replicasurfaces]

We’re so happy to help!☺️ Good luck with your portfolio!😍👏

[@user-on5bu7xp3u]

there isnt any other channel that covers these kind of unique small details on product photography insanely useful thank u x

[@replicasurfaces]

You're so welcome!

[@taliahaykin]

Yay! That was great! I love the foam core technique! I will have to try it with my bottles.

[@replicasurfaces]

YES! Do it up, Talia! I have found that trick super helpful, let us know if you give it a try! 🥰

[@jessicadesforges1944]

Yay!!! I'm so glad to see this come to life!! I hope everyone has an easier time with reflective products!

[@replicasurfaces]

I am SOOOOOOO happy to see this come to life too! Thank you SO much for all of the hard work you put into this!! Can't wait for the next one! 😉😉💖

[@patriceallison6491]

Awesome Video. Solved my dilemma with Jewelry.

[@replicasurfaces]

YAY!! We’re so happy to hear that!👏 Thanks so much for watching, Patrice!☺️

[@TexasPelican]

Good information! Thank you!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for joining us for the live premiere chat Leigh!! 🥰

[@wynonaely5812]

Please do a video on JEWELRY ideas with tips, and different ways to shoot etc. What background is best to use. I've just ordered my first 2

[@replicasurfaces]

We've got a jewelry video in the works!! We'll keep you updated, make sure you have notifications for our channel turned on so you're notified when we release any jewelry videos! 🥰 What kind of vibe are you wanting for your jewelry and which Surfaces did you just order?? That will definitely help me point you in the right direction! 🥰

[@wynonaely5812]

@@replicasurfaces hello. Oh great about the jewelry!!! Can’t wait to see it. I ordered white marble and the pink rose marble. My jewelry is geared towards 7-18 age range. I use a variety of charms, beads, gold and silver links chains etc. My jewelry will be colorful.

[@lauraelizabethsaunders4781]

This was super helpful!!! I have a vintage shop and photograph lots of glassware, vases, crystal and the reflections make me crazy!! This was super helpful and clearly explained - thank you !!

[@replicasurfaces]

LOOOOOOVE that you found this one helpful, Laura! Let us know if you give any of these tips a try! 🥰

[@KhayyamRS]

I am so glad my notifications are ON so I don't miss a video with great and simple tips. Thank you!

[@replicasurfaces]

SAME HERE! Thank you for having your notifications on!! 🥰🙌

[@Natasha89zr]

Wow, these tips are so easy to implement, yet have such a huge impact on the final image. Thanks Mandy!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you SO much for watching!! We're all about little tips that make a big impact! 🙌

[@prinsass]

This was so informative and helpful! Thank you for the foam board trick!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much for watching, Faith!🥰 We’re so happy you found the video helpful!

[@violavillie]

Wow, love the foam core trick! Definitely going to use it. Thanks, Mandy!

[@replicasurfaces]

Do it up!! Let us know what you think about it, Viola! 🙌

[@sorayastevens545]

Awesome, helpful tips about using foam board, and angles for highlights. Every single one of your videos is polished, professional, meaty, and delightful to watch. Big fan here!

[@replicasurfaces]

That is perhaps one of the kindest and most thoughtful comments, EVER!! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you!

[@vellealexander]

Easy, practical tips. Thanks for sharing in a polished, concise format. Cheers!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for watching!! 🥰

[@mirandaallen9297]

Wow this was super helpful!! The foam board trick is genius but I especially love the more technical visual to show how the positioning of camera/light affects highlights. So helpful!

[@replicasurfaces]

Miranda!! Thank you SO much for watching!! 💖 I am so glad you found the technical visual helpful! That is so great to hear! 💖

[@cosmo0080]

i like your pun at the beginning thank you for the video

[@Omayra2212]

Definitely trying the foam core trick with our candles! Thanks for sharing. ALWAYS looking forward to your videos.

[@replicasurfaces]

Omayra!! I think the foam board will work wonderfully for your candles!! Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos!! 🥰💖

[@RichAndLisa]

I love the whole in the foamboard trick and can't wait to try. I can't see it being pretty comical with my phone and holding both items if I'm not using a tripod. lol Love the tip because it is one of those things that drives me crazy.

[@replicasurfaces]

Hehehe tripods are so essential!! Can't wait to see what you do with the foam board trick, Lisa!! 🥰

[@jamesledlow4250]

I make signs and use a shadow box. I have a big problem with reflections in the glass and getting good details of the sign behind the glass.

[@chondraalmeida28]

I don't photograph shiny things that often, but I will keep these tips in mind

[@replicasurfaces]

It totally comes in handy for photographing anything in glassware or beverages too! Gotta catch that glass highlight, but we'll have a video all about that soon! 🥰

[@CC-ho5lw]

So helpful. I’d love a recommendation for a basic general-use light/lamp to use for still life photography. Thank you so much for any advice and for making videos! New follower!

[@Dilipb1972]

Beside explaining verbal theory, u must show live photography demonstration mam because it's not as easy as we talk 🙏

[@tiffanychambers9344]

Okay, your videos are the freaking BEST. I am so grateful I found your channel! Now please pardon me while I go down a product photography rabbit hole…🐰

[@andrewfegz5260]

i mostly photograph my mugs and they’re so reflective. thank you for this!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you SO much for watching, Andrew! Let us know if you give any of these tricks a whirl! 🥰

[@carolelombardi2350]

I've been shooting food since August and find your videos to be easy to follow and full of great tips and tricks! I really appreciate all the valuable information you provide. If you have any information on overhead video tips, that would be awesome. Thanks, Mandy!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for watching, Carole!! I really appreciate the suggestion about the overhead video tips, I'll pass it along to the team and we'll see what we can do!! 🥰

[@DelicateHazard]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m trying to film an acrylic mirror coaster without my face in it. This helped me so much! ❤️🏆

[@stephaniestewart6734]

Love these tips! I definitely need to try shooting through foam board! And I agree, playing around and moving our feet to find the right angle to capture highlights and details is key! Thanks for the tips!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank YOU for watching, Stephanie! I am so thrilled that you are loving these tips! 🥰

[@anneroberts872]

Great info! I always look forward to your videos!

[@replicasurfaces]

Oh, Anne!! I always look forward to your sweet comments! 💖 Thank you for always taking the time to watch our videos!

[@anneroberts872]

@@replicasurfaces You're very welcome!

[@storiesnstoneware]

So helpful! My mugs are so reflective! This will come in handy

[@replicasurfaces]

YAY!!! I am so glad you liked this one! Let us know if you give any of these tips a whirl! Allllll the credit to Jessica for all of her help on this awesome video! 🙌🙌

[@patricialewis8561]

Love these videos! Such helpful tips for us newbies! Thanks.

[@replicasurfaces]

Glad you like them!!! 🥰💖

[@karineeludut6228]

Yay to the foam board!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Love that reaction, Karine!! Thanks for watching! 🥰

[@jstenberg3192]

1) a cheap black sheet or felt like material can be easier to deal with sometimes. 2) get a circular polarizer and rotate it to eliminate sources of glare you dont want.

[@josemor2719]

Nice

[@pradalikenada205]

I need to stop by the 99 cents store for some foam board! Thanks for the tips!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you SO much for watching!! 🥰

[@agarwalsonika7]

Nice tips!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much, Sonika! ☺️

[@farahchaitilly9935]

Amazing tips! but I wish to see more photography happening in action not only photos, Thank you 😍

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much for watching and for the request!!☺️ We’ll definitely keep that in mind!👍

[@ishaarora1464]

Really informative Thanks for sharing 💜

[@thefitcookie]

Great tips, thank you!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much for watching! 🥰

[@SEPK09]

Really need to demonstrate for maximum effect for the audience.

[@gameboy666666]

what if the only light would be from a glass lightbulb and you want to photograph the inside? like a mini moss terrarium

[@moSahl]

Such great tips! Thank you!!

[@kristinaebert822]

Yes sometimes you just have to play around till you get that light just right.

[@replicasurfaces]

I always try to be as specific as possible, but this is truly one instance where small adjustments with your light placement can make a HUGE difference! Thanks for watching, Kristina! 🥰

[@jdo8034]

The hole in the board is great advice. Spoons are my biggest issue.

[@replicasurfaces]

SPOONS!!! 🥄 They are tricky little reflective creatures!

[@thetastytin]

great video! I'd love to hear more about non-dessert foods. So I don't bake, at all! But I do make lots of dishes for large groups like jambalaya or pasta salad. They have tons of ingredients and textures and I struggle with capturing them and making them look appetizing. And capture your backgrounds in the same shot!

[@replicasurfaces]

You got it!!! That is on my list of things to make happen because I know shooting larger dishes like casseroles and stews can be super tricky! Thanks for hopping on and joining the live chat early today!! 🥰

[@ChristineKing2]

Been needing this one, cause my last silver ring was reflecting me or the ceiling fan, lol

[@replicasurfaces]

Metal jewelry!!! Catches me in the act every time! 😂📸

[@rachelkay5684]

But what do I do if the gold appears black on the photo. I'm photographing dishes that have gold designs and they appear black in the photos

[@Teabloom]

Your videos are so informative and so enjoyable as you explain things so clearly and so poetically. We would love to see a video with tips on shooting glass with your replica surfaces. Thank you again for all the great videos you put out. If you would like us to send you some complimentary glass products for such a video, please let us know.

[@replicasurfaces]

It is coming, I promise!! Thank you SO much for watching!! 🥰💖

[@deaxh4358]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼yesss thank you!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Any time! Thanks for watching!! 🥰

[@saranyamurugenderan8783]

its really helpful

[@replicasurfaces]

We're so happy you enjoyed this video!!

[@markdsass]

Very helpful!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for watching, Mark!

[@Juicingwithmaddy]

This is so helpful ❤ thanks

[@MrArgall]

I am trying to take photos of some pasta in a clear plastic bag but the reflections are all over the place as the bag is not flat.. any tips please

[@replicasurfaces]

Hey there! Have you tried shooting through a hole in a foamcore board? This may help if there are multiple reflections!😊👍

[@gisellemejia6083]

what if i have a glossy white product and i see the reflection of the soft box or any lighting on the bottle. do you suggest the foam board or anything other tips?

[@connielam7196]

Does it matter if it’s foam board with a matte white or a shiny white

[@replicasurfaces]

I think either finish could work, but it's always safer to go with a matte finish to ensure there are no inception-like-reflections from the shine of the foam board 🤯

[@farhanrahman6935]

Hi, this is Farhan from Bangladesh. I love your videos. I have just started my food photography. I follow your tips and applying them to my shots. I post in the VIP group. Can you please elaborate like how far should we put our phone while taking food shots. Which lens to use when like 1x and 2x on iPhone. Thank you in advance.

[@replicasurfaces]

Hello Farhan!! Thank you so much for watching our videos and congratulations on beginning your journey into food photography. I've seen you in the VIP Group and it is very nice to catch you on this side of social media! We typically do not recommend additional lenses for phone cameras, your phone camera is pretty great already and I do not think these add much. I highly recommend shooting in portrait mode with your iPhone flipped upside down for true eye-level photos and how close you need to be will depend on what you are shooting! For overhead shots, I recommend a tripod with an extendable arm that will allow you to position your phone directly over your scene for perfect flat-lays! Another thing to consider when zooming on a phone is that phones typically come with one-three lenses, each at a set focal length and aperture. When you zoom in, the photo is artificially zoomed and you lose resolution, or overall quality, and the ability to edit extensively. Basically, don't zoom, just move closer to the scene 🥰 I hope that helps!

[@miamcneal15]

I would really love to see product photography. ESP with hands in the shot.

[@replicasurfaces]

Great suggestion! I'll pass it along to the team! 🙌

[@Stan7670]

Thanks for the tips. Less hand movements would be less distracting.

[@theheadinclouds]

What if I work with 2 lights?

[@replicasurfaces]

Great question, Tamara! That's definitely a concept we will consider covering for a future video! In the meantime, feel free to join our Facebook VIP Group - the community there is awesome and it's a great place to get advice if you have specific photography questions!😊

[@MEDWink]

👍

[@janicerobbins393]

Great video but your hand movements are so distracting.

[@kaydee7409]

Why wouldn’t you actually demonstrate shooting through a hole in the foam board you showed the problem you showed the foam board, but you never showed the solution. Not a very good tutorial at all.

[@elizapansoy]

I feel tired watching her eyes looking up all the time 😅🙈 quite disturbing lol