Shooting reflective surfaces

[OwenD]

This will probably seem strange, but I need some tips on photographing fishing rods.
My wife & I custom build them and include decorative thread art like these below.
They are done by weaving threads back and forth whilst wrapping another thread around the rod.

They're a real bugger to photograph, because the epoxy is very reflective.
Also if you get too close you can see details that you can't pick up with the naked eye.
Gaps between threads etc.

The best lighting for colour detail seems to be direct sunlight, but then you have to worry about flaring and reflection lines across the shot.

As the weaves wrap right around the rod we have to make a composite photo in the end, so it's important the lighting be consistant.

I've tried diffusing the light with white paper and making a reflector from foil for the underside, but it's not really any better.

I'm only using a Canon Coolpix 4300 so my options are limited as to the camera.

Any ideas?

If I was to look at a digital SLR, what should I look for to do this kind of work?

Thanks,
Owen

[Briancd]

Try a circular polarised filter. Theye are good for reducing reflection form metal and glass and may help with your problem.

[MarkW]

Can you get a CPL for a coolpix - rembering they are a P&S camera??

[Briancd]

Can you get a CPL for a coolpix - rembering they are a P&S camera??

Some P&S cameras allow for an adapter that fits over the lens and enables lens converters or filters to be screwed onto the front. At least some of the Canon models can. You should check your manual.

[ricktas]

If you cant get a polariser, i would suggest maybe a small lightbox to try and stop any specific glare points by providing a very even light source.

Not sure if that will work, but its an alternative. maybe someone else here might have thoughts on whether a lightbox would work?

[Astroman]

you can always hold a 50mm or 55mm circular polarising filter infront of the lens and rotate it until you get the desired effect then shoot, holding the filter as close as possible to the front of the lens assembly to reduce the lens reflection.

Lightbox idea sounds good, although it would be large considering the object you are imaging.

[OwenD]

Thanks for the tip.
Just to show my ineptitude a bit more, it's actually a NIKON coolpix 4300
I don't see any way of putting a filter on the lens.
The lens cap actually connects to the camera body.

Might be time for an upgrade

cheers,
Owen

[Harves]

Thanks for the tip.
Just to show my ineptitude a bit more, it's actually a NIKON coolpix 4300
I don't see any way of putting a filter on the lens.
The lens cap actually connects to the camera body.

Might be time for an upgrade

cheers,
Owen

Yeah..... we'll back you up, tell the cook you want an SLR for chrissy