Adding Sparkle To Diamond

In article <VPadnX7LQbyF14PanZ2dnUVZ8q6unZ2d DeleteThis @pipex.net>, me DeleteThis @privacy.net
says...
>
>I photographed a diamond ring recently, but the final images lack 'sparkle'.
>Any tricks and tips for adding a 'sparkle' to it post process?
>
>The ideal result I am looking for is very subtle. A bit like a catch light
>in the eyes, where it adds sparkle, but most people wouldn't really notice
>it too much.

Depending on the rez. that you have to work with, I'd go in at near the pixel
level and create a mask for the area, that you'd like the highlight to appear.
Might start with the Ellipse Tool and keep it small. Feather a pixel, or two.
With this Selection active, go to the Adjustment Layer icon (bottom of Layers
Palette) and work with, say Hue/Saturation. Play with all aspects of the
dialog box. If your "highlight" is too hard-edged, make the Layer Mask (for
the Adjustment Layer) active and run a Gaussian Blur on it. You may also want
to create a "star" as your Selection, and use that, instead of the Ellipse.

A tip, as has been stated: it's better to do this in the production phase,
rather than in post. I have a little jig, that was designed for soldering,
with a weighted base, and arms with alligator clips. I took of the alligator
clips and added dental mirrors. I use these to cast little catch lights on my
subject. The bright side of aluminum foil can also work, but the mirrors do a
better job, especially in macro/micro.

Hunt
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

John McWilliams wrote:
> frederick wrote:
>
>> The OP specifically asked for adding a "sparkle to it in post process"
>> Gimp offers better tools to do that job than Photoshop.
>> CMYK is of little use to most photographers.
>
> What are those "better tools"?
>

FlareFX, GFlare, Lighting effects, Sparkle, and Supernova.
There are probably other script-fu plugins, but I've never
looked for them.
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

RC_Moonpie wrote:
> On Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:27:52 +1300, frederick <lost DeleteThis @sea.com> wrote:
>
>> Allen wrote:
>>> frederick wrote:
>>>> RC_Moonpie wrote:
>>>>> On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:14:49 +1300, frederick <lost DeleteThis @sea.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> pico wrote:
>>>>>>> "Ali" <me DeleteThis @privacy.net> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:VPadnX7LQbyF14PanZ2dnUVZ8q6unZ2d@pipex.net...
>>>>>>>> I photographed a diamond ring recently, but the final images lack
>>>>>>>> 'sparkle'. Any tricks and tips for adding a 'sparkle' to it post
>>>>>>>> process?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> The ideal result I am looking for is very subtle. A bit like a
>>>>>>>> catch light in the eyes, where it adds sparkle, but most people
>>>>>>>> wouldn't really notice it too much.
>>>>>>> Filter - Render - Lens Flare (on a layer above. Create a spot,
>>>>>>> flare it. Change size. Change layer tranparency.) Not great, but
>>>>>>> maybe you can make it work.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Freeware "the Gimp" has much better choice and implementation of
>>>>>> lens flare / starburst / sparkle etc flare effect filter choices
>>>>>> than Photoshop without third party plugins.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I use both PS and Gimp - there are a few things where the Gimp
>>>>>> exceeds PS, and for what you need to do, it's one of those cases.
>>>>>
>>>>> Does Gimp work on hi resolution CMYK files?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Who cares?
>>>> Did the OP ask this? Most people have no need for CMYK files. If you
>>>> do, then use PS.
>>> Appropriate that frederick would chime in on this thread with such a
>>> "jewel" of a post; his phony address--lost@sea--certains describes him.
>>> As to your question--I suppose you might be able to accomplish your goal
>>> with postprocessing, but for future attempts, lighting from just the
>>> right angle is probably the best approach. One of thebeauties of digital
>>> is tye ability to see results immediately, and to be able to keep trying
>>> until you get just the effect you want, at the expense of just a little
>>> battery life. Oh, goodbye, frederick--welcome to killsville, where you
>>> will find yourself amid many other gracious, helpful souls.
>>> Allen
>>
>> LOL - you sanctimonious git.
>> The OP specifically asked for adding a "sparkle to it in
>> post process"
>> Gimp offers better tools to do that job than Photoshop.
>> CMYK is of little use to most photographers.
>> Get over it.
>
>
> and you're either too arrogant or too stupid to notice that your
> hostile and condescending sneer of an answer was also posted to a
> graphics group. And I politely asked if the app worked in CMYK, which
> is a reasonable question from someone in such a group.
>
>
> so now YOU get over it.
>
>
I've got nothing I need to "get over".
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

On Oct 25, 4:39 pm, b....DeleteThis@mindstorm-inc.com (Burt Johnson) wrote:
> Rita Ä Berkowitz <ritaberk2....DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote:
>
> > Here is what I got with my first attempt with multiple flash. While it is
> > nowhere near good, it is a good starting point that demonstrates to me what
> > can be done with multiple flash and a little patience.
>
> > <http://www.geocities.com/ritaberk2006/stoned.htm>
>
> I am trying to use multiple flash, and so far not been very impressed
> with my results. Can you give some indication of the setup for this
> shot? Or recommendations in general for using multiple (low cost)
> studio flashes?
>
> --
> - Burt Johnson
> MindStorm, Inc.
> http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html

Go get a book on photographing glass. It's the same basic thing.
Also, Rangefinder had a story on it, seems like a year or so ago
(glasses, not diamonds).

Here is what I would suggest, to start.

Put the diamond in the setting and set the camera up. black
background behind it. Put a piece of black card stock (a big piece)
between the camera and the diamond. cut a whole in it to shoot
through, but not any large than necessary. This is sort of the
ultimate "reflection control" device" to cut out all lens flare.

Then go look through the lens as someone shines a flashlight on the
diamond until it glitters. Put in flash 1. Go to the other side and
do the same thing.

In the end, I think you'll have two lights pointing at you,
backlighting the diamond. I'm betting at about 45' to 60' range, but
that's just a guess. I'd start at the 90' angle and work out. Plus
I'd try various heights -- and you might end up with one up higher and
one a little lower.

You purpose is to get the light into the diamond and let it bounce
around a bit, then hit a sharp edge to concentrate on and come out
your direction. Remember, you can't photograph the bulk of the
diamond -- only the edges. And you want the light coming out of an
edge/angle, not going it.

If I wasn't explicit enough, I would use totally side and back
lighting and leave off all front lighting.

Good luck.
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

On Oct 25, 5:16 pm, Pat <gro... DeleteThis @artisticphotography.us> wrote:
> On Oct 25, 4:39 pm, b... DeleteThis @mindstorm-inc.com (Burt Johnson) wrote:
>
>
>
> > Rita Ä Berkowitz <ritaberk2... DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote:
>
> > > Here is what I got with my first attempt with multiple flash. While it is
> > > nowhere near good, it is a good starting point that demonstrates to me what
> > > can be done with multiple flash and a little patience.
>
> > > <http://www.geocities.com/ritaberk2006/stoned.htm>
>
> > I am trying to use multiple flash, and so far not been very impressed
> > with my results. Can you give some indication of the setup for this
> > shot? Or recommendations in general for using multiple (low cost)
> > studio flashes?
>
> > --
> > - Burt Johnson
> > MindStorm, Inc.
> > http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html
>
> Go get a book on photographing glass. It's the same basic thing.
> Also, Rangefinder had a story on it, seems like a year or so ago
> (glasses, not diamonds).
>
> Here is what I would suggest, to start.
>
> Put the diamond in the setting and set the camera up. black
> background behind it. Put a piece of black card stock (a big piece)
> between the camera and the diamond. cut a whole in it to shoot
> through, but not any large than necessary. This is sort of the
> ultimate "reflection control" device" to cut out all lens flare.
>
> Then go look through the lens as someone shines a flashlight on the
> diamond until it glitters. Put in flash 1. Go to the other side and
> do the same thing.
>
> In the end, I think you'll have two lights pointing at you,
> backlighting the diamond. I'm betting at about 45' to 60' range, but
> that's just a guess. I'd start at the 90' angle and work out. Plus
> I'd try various heights -- and you might end up with one up higher and
> one a little lower.
>
> You purpose is to get the light into the diamond and let it bounce
> around a bit, then hit a sharp edge to concentrate on and come out
> your direction. Remember, you can't photograph the bulk of the
> diamond -- only the edges. And you want the light coming out of an
> edge/angle, not going it.
>
> If I wasn't explicit enough, I would use totally side and back
> lighting and leave off all front lighting.
>
> Good luck.

Go to google images and look at some picture of diamonds and look for
the shadows. That will tell you where the light it coming from.

Here is an example. Seems to be light from the front.
http://esoriano.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/diamond1.jpg
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

<me.DeleteThis@privacy.net> wrote in message

> I photographed a diamond ring recently, but the final images lack
> 'sparkle'. Any tricks and tips for adding a 'sparkle' to it post

That's 'Rita' again.
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

RC_Moonpie wrote:
> On Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:42:35 +1300, frederick <lost.TakeThisOut@sea.com> wrote:
>
>> RC_Moonpie wrote:
>>> On Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:27:52 +1300, frederick <lost.TakeThisOut@sea.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Allen wrote:
>>>>> frederick wrote:
>>>>>> RC_Moonpie wrote:
>>>>>>> On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:14:49 +1300, frederick <lost.TakeThisOut@sea.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> pico wrote:
>>>>>>>>> "Ali" <me.TakeThisOut@privacy.net> wrote in message
>>>>>>>>> news:VPadnX7LQbyF14PanZ2dnUVZ8q6unZ2d@pipex.net...
>>>>>>>>>> I photographed a diamond ring recently, but the final images lack
>>>>>>>>>> 'sparkle'. Any tricks and tips for adding a 'sparkle' to it post
>>>>>>>>>> process?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The ideal result I am looking for is very subtle. A bit like a
>>>>>>>>>> catch light in the eyes, where it adds sparkle, but most people
>>>>>>>>>> wouldn't really notice it too much.
>>>>>>>>> Filter - Render - Lens Flare (on a layer above. Create a spot,
>>>>>>>>> flare it. Change size. Change layer tranparency.) Not great, but
>>>>>>>>> maybe you can make it work.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Freeware "the Gimp" has much better choice and implementation of
>>>>>>>> lens flare / starburst / sparkle etc flare effect filter choices
>>>>>>>> than Photoshop without third party plugins.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I use both PS and Gimp - there are a few things where the Gimp
>>>>>>>> exceeds PS, and for what you need to do, it's one of those cases.
>>>>>>> Does Gimp work on hi resolution CMYK files?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Who cares?
>>>>>> Did the OP ask this? Most people have no need for CMYK files. If you
>>>>>> do, then use PS.
>>>>> Appropriate that frederick would chime in on this thread with such a
>>>>> "jewel" of a post; his phony address--lost@sea--certains describes him.
>>>>> As to your question--I suppose you might be able to accomplish your goal
>>>>> with postprocessing, but for future attempts, lighting from just the
>>>>> right angle is probably the best approach. One of thebeauties of digital
>>>>> is tye ability to see results immediately, and to be able to keep trying
>>>>> until you get just the effect you want, at the expense of just a little
>>>>> battery life. Oh, goodbye, frederick--welcome to killsville, where you
>>>>> will find yourself amid many other gracious, helpful souls.
>>>>> Allen
>>>> LOL - you sanctimonious git.
>>>> The OP specifically asked for adding a "sparkle to it in
>>>> post process"
>>>> Gimp offers better tools to do that job than Photoshop.
>>>> CMYK is of little use to most photographers.
>>>> Get over it.
>>>
>>> and you're either too arrogant or too stupid to notice that your
>>> hostile and condescending sneer of an answer was also posted to a
>>> graphics group. And I politely asked if the app worked in CMYK, which
>>> is a reasonable question from someone in such a group.
>>>
>>>
>>> so now YOU get over it.
>>>
>>>
>> I've got nothing I need to "get over".
>>
>
>
> do you have any examples of your own work in Gimp online

Yes, lots.

> that you could post a link to?

No.
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

On Oct 25, 9:33 pm, b....TakeThisOut@mindstorm-inc.com (Burt Johnson) wrote:
> Pat <gro....TakeThisOut@artisticphotography.us> wrote:
> > > I am trying to use multiple flash, and so far not been very impressed
> > > with my results. Can you give some indication of the setup for this
> > > shot? Or recommendations in general for using multiple (low cost)
> > > studio flashes?
>
> > > --
> > > - Burt Johnson
> > > MindStorm, Inc.
> > > http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html
>
> > Go get a book on photographing glass. It's the same basic thing.
> > Also, Rangefinder had a story on it, seems like a year or so ago
> > (glasses, not diamonds).
>
> Actually my question was more general than just diamonds. I have trying
> to photograph flowers in my (newly created) studio, and been unhappy
> with the results. Very flat. I don't seem to have enough control.
>
> I keep thinking maybe I need to go with LED gooseneck lights, but the
> $1200 price keeps me looking for other alternatives.
>
>
>
> > Here is what I would suggest, to start.
>
> > Put the diamond in the setting and set the camera up. black
> > background behind it. Put a piece of black card stock (a big piece)
> > between the camera and the diamond. cut a whole in it to shoot
> > through, but not any large than necessary. This is sort of the
> > ultimate "reflection control" device" to cut out all lens flare.
>
> Cool tip -- thx!
>
>
>
> > Then go look through the lens as someone shines a flashlight on the
> > diamond until it glitters. Put in flash 1. Go to the other side and
> > do the same thing.
>
> Though I am not looking at glitters myself, I can see where the
> flashlght idea might be useful in getting a better handle on the flash
> results.
>
> --
> - Burt Johnson
> MindStorm, Inc.
> http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html

Woah. Hold your horses. The last thing you need right now is big,
fancy lights. The problem isn't the light. I repeat, the problem
isn't the light. You can do everything you want with a pair of 60
watt desk lamps, if you wanted to.

Too flat can mean a couple of things. I would start with the light
being too flat -- too soft. You need shadows for contrast to add
depth to images. It could also be too much light reflecting into your
lens and glaring. That's were I would start.
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

Rita Ä Berkowitz <ritaberk2O04.TakeThisOut@aol.com> wrote:

> Here is what I got with my first attempt with multiple flash. While it is
> nowhere near good, it is a good starting point that demonstrates to me what
> can be done with multiple flash and a little patience.
>
> <http://www.geocities.com/ritaberk2006/stoned.htm>

I am trying to use multiple flash, and so far not been very impressed
with my results. Can you give some indication of the setup for this
shot? Or recommendations in general for using multiple (low cost)
studio flashes?

--
- Burt Johnson
MindStorm, Inc.
http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

Rita Ä Berkowitz <ritaberk2O04.TakeThisOut@aol.com> wrote:

> Here is what I got with my first attempt with multiple flash. While it is
> nowhere near good, it is a good starting point that demonstrates to me
> what
> can be done with multiple flash and a little patience.
>
> <http://www.geocities.com/ritaberk2006/stoned.htm>


Just a couple things. Black flocked paper might be better (if you really
want black) because it won't have lint on it, and when it does get lint,
just throw it away and roll out another sheet. Velvet is better because you
can sculpt it to make the little sheen work for you in the OOF area. Clean
velvet with a dog-hair roller.

It appears you went for all the DOF you could get and diffraction sent
sharpness to hell.

Lights? Man, put a light to the left. It looks like an industrial shot. Too
dark, and off-color (naughty guy). I don't see any 'quality' in the diamonds
which should have some colors in it. Pinlights will help that.

And the goo holding the ring up... well, PS it outta there.

Even if this is for eBay it's not good enough.
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond 

Pat <groups RemoveThis @artisticphotography.us> wrote:

> > I am trying to use multiple flash, and so far not been very impressed
> > with my results. Can you give some indication of the setup for this
> > shot? Or recommendations in general for using multiple (low cost)
> > studio flashes?
> >
> > --
> > - Burt Johnson
> > MindStorm, Inc.
> > http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html
>
> Go get a book on photographing glass. It's the same basic thing.
> Also, Rangefinder had a story on it, seems like a year or so ago
> (glasses, not diamonds).

Actually my question was more general than just diamonds. I have trying
to photograph flowers in my (newly created) studio, and been unhappy
with the results. Very flat. I don't seem to have enough control.

I keep thinking maybe I need to go with LED gooseneck lights, but the
$1200 price keeps me looking for other alternatives.

>
> Here is what I would suggest, to start.
>
> Put the diamond in the setting and set the camera up. black
> background behind it. Put a piece of black card stock (a big piece)
> between the camera and the diamond. cut a whole in it to shoot
> through, but not any large than necessary. This is sort of the
> ultimate "reflection control" device" to cut out all lens flare.

Cool tip -- thx!

>
> Then go look through the lens as someone shines a flashlight on the
> diamond until it glitters. Put in flash 1. Go to the other side and
> do the same thing.

Though I am not looking at glitters myself, I can see where the
flashlght idea might be useful in getting a better handle on the flash
results.

--
- Burt Johnson
MindStorm, Inc.
http://www.mindstorm-inc.com/software.html
 >> Stay informed about: Adding Sparkle To Diamond