Digital cameras 101

[bigfoot1970]

A question for all you photography guru's out there. I am having a problem with bad glare and I need some help. I am not sure if anyone is familiar at all with sports cards or not, but I have been trying to take photos of my cards which are graded (appraised) by a sports card grading company. The problem is, when these cards are graded, they are put inside a plastic case and are not removeable. When I try to take pictures of them either there is not enough light or when I add light there is a bad glare from the case no matter what angle I try. The flash is obviously a big nono! LOL Is there anything I can do to reduce or get rid of this glare all together? I can get rid of it if I go on a severe angle but I need photos from directly over the top of them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi bigfoot,

Welcome to the Q&A Board!

Yes, it is best to avoid a flash whenever you can for photographing small objects and products. The tips in this article should help:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/auction-photography/index.htm

Don't miss the page on lighting. If you have questions after you read the articles,let us know.

[Deb]

Hi, I'm wondering if perhaps you could just use the ambient light and a timed exposure, then color correct (if you need to) in post processing. Your subject isn't moving so a slow shutterspeed would work out alright. You could then adjust your aperture to ensure all the subject falls within the focal range. Anyway, just a thought ....  

[bdery]

Hi, you probably know this already, but just for the sake of it... remember to use a tripod, especially if you're not using any flash or bright light source.

[bigfoot1970]

Thanks for everyones help. I was told by someone to make a light diffusing box. I made a box lined with black felt and was told this would absorb the light. I also tried playing with the white balance on the camera. Both  seemed to work alot better however it seems, no matter where I put the light source I get some type of glare somewhere from the plastic case. If I move the light too far and crank up the white balance, the color gets washed out. I tried a standard lamp and then purchased an adjustable light with a flourescant bulb. Still the light hits this sucker and I get a glare. It is not horrible and I have cut it down alot, but when selling sports cards it is imperative that the buyer be able to see the entire card. Any other suggestions?  Thanks again ladies and gents! Ken