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flash or glare reduction

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2003 3:27 am
by CheekyPro
Hello,

I currently work with pictures of tattoos. I have found it difficult to reduce the glare on the images. If anyone has suggestions or maybe a tutorial they can point me to, that would be amazing. If more information is needed>>>>>the glare happens from either the vaseline that is applied directly after the tattoo is completed or the final wiping of the tattoo. Either way, the wetness glares a bit.

Thanks in advance!

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2003 3:29 am
by CheekyPro
i should append that a bit by also saying I am using Adobe Photoshop 7

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2003 12:11 pm
by HaraldHeim
Can you supply one or more images with the unwanted glare? I could experiment a bit with them and see if I can come up with something.

Anyway, is there a possibility to take a photo of the tattoo before the vaseline is applied or after the vaseline is removed?

Glares are usually produced by artificial light that is reflected by liquid on the skin. So if you take the photos outside where no artificial light is needed, the problem will vanish. Another possibility is to make sure that the artificial light isn't directly focused on the tattoo. With indirect lighting the glares should not occure in the photo.

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2003 8:13 pm
by CheekyPro
yes, I can supply you with some examples of the images. The main problem is most of the time the tattoo artists are taking the photos themselves. I have actually asked them to not take them after the vaseline, but, in all honesty, the skin is going to be fairly wet anyway just due to normal cleanup. Where shall I send the photo to? Thank you so much for your interest in helping out.

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2003 4:59 am
by Jaci
I'm not sure how bad the photos are but usually using the Burn tool with low opacity should do the trick (or at least help solve part of it).

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2003 5:47 pm
by CheekyPro
good idea...I am going to try that right now. I am just being extremely careful with what I do to the pictures. I do not want the tattoo work to come out looking fake at all. some of the photos in question are residing on a site I maintain.... www.nokaoitikitattoo.com . There are a few in both Rebecca and Jackie's portfolios.

Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2003 6:04 pm
by Jaci
After looking at the photos I'm sure the Burn tool will do the job, it is a very light glare (it would be a problem if you had very bright white spots).
You'll might have to use the Clone tool too for the skin (also using low opacity).

glare

Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 4:30 pm
by golfixer
It sounds to me like the glare is in the taking of the picture. Have them use a softer light to the side and high or take them in the north shad of a building

Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 6:32 pm
by Guest
The glare is there usually regardless of where you take the picture. There has to be enough light for the details of the tattoo. I have tried many many locations, and have still managed to get even slight glares. After they are healed, the things you mentioned do work well. Thank you none-the-less.

Skin Glare

Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 7:07 pm
by jack215
Polarizing filter, either on camera or as plug-in? Try one or both.

Glare on Tattoo pictures

Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 9:10 pm
by Carlos
I'm not quite sure why you take the pictures while they are "wet" or haven't healed...A polarizing lens would work under those conditions.
Usually glare can be corrected...I mean prevented...by lighting. Soft indirect light is the way to go, however I don't think that it would help at all if the surface is "wet".

flash or glare reduction

Posted: Sat May 24, 2003 4:36 am
by Photosguy
Sounds like you aren't taking your own pics & they're using flash on camera?
If you are, try to get the flash off the camera axis. Put it at about a 45 degree angle to the side. If you put the flash near a major light source you'll be able to see what the camera will record so you can adjust the angle to at least reduce the glare. Best would be to not use flash at all. Then use your eyes - what you see will be what you get.
The age-old problem. Never enough time to do it right, but always time to do it over, right?
Ideal solution would be to take your own pics.
If you go the polarizing route, be aware that you can also polarize the light, as well as putting the filter on the lens.
Hope this helps.