Shooting memorial stones at DVinfo.net

Philip Younger · June 12th, 2009, 10:30 AM

I have a problem with shooting memorial stones. The headstones and plaques are white with the names just cut out of the stone (i.e. not coloured). The sun shines directly on to these stones throughtout the day (they face south) and I am trying to figure out the best way to get good clear imagery.

I am going to France next month to film WW1 cemetery footage. I have been practising at home with similar headstones (people must think I'm mad!).

Any sugestions anyone?

Bill Pryor · June 12th, 2009, 02:24 PM

Shoot in the early morning or late evening when the sun is at an angle.

Allan Black · June 12th, 2009, 03:07 PM

Take a white transparent umbrella from a lighting shop or Ebay, to diffuse the light. Get someone to hold it in position or take a lightweight tripod.

Cheers.

Jim Miller · June 12th, 2009, 05:56 PM

You might also try using a polarizing filter to cut down on reflections. I've used them with success on similar surfaces. Shielding the light with a white umbrella as mentioned above is great too and will reduce glare and contrast.

Chris Soucy · June 12th, 2009, 11:53 PM

The standardised military headstones in Europe are best shot using a seperate light source to force a steeply angled shadow using the engraving.

This can either be a reflector (not all that easy if South facing as the angles just don't work) or a powered light system of some sort.

Using the previously mentioned suggestions of a light shade and a shadow light should hit it off about right.

Keeps the contrast easier to deal with as well.

Bit of a bugger if shooting "one up" as there won't be enough hands to go 'round.

CS

Philip Younger · June 13th, 2009, 07:05 AM

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to have to try several shots I think using a combination of techniques

Colin Reid · June 13th, 2009, 02:15 PM

Hi Philip,

I will be visiting the Somme in November and will also be shooting in a couple of war cemeteries. A bit of a cheek I know, but it would be great if you could post the results of your filming once you get back, with info about the technique used.

Good luck with it.

Colin

Philip Younger · June 14th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin Reid

Hi Philip,

I will be visiting the Somme in November and will also be shooting in a couple of war cemeteries. A bit of a cheek I know, but it would be great if you could post the results of your filming once you get back, with info about the technique used.

Good luck with it.

Colin

Yes I will do that, however over the weekend my plans have had to change, it will be early September before I go now :-( - maybe the light will be better!

June 12th, 2009, 10:30 AM	#1
Philip Younger Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 207	Shooting memorial stones I have a problem with shooting memorial stones. The headstones and plaques are white with the names just cut out of the stone (i.e. not coloured). The sun shines directly on to these stones throughtout the day (they face south) and I am trying to figure out the best way to get good clear imagery. I am going to France next month to film WW1 cemetery footage. I have been practising at home with similar headstones (people must think I'm mad!). Any sugestions anyone?

June 12th, 2009, 11:53 PM	#5
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,689 Images: 18	Hi Philip.......... The standardised military headstones in Europe are best shot using a seperate light source to force a steeply angled shadow using the engraving. This can either be a reflector (not all that easy if South facing as the angles just don't work) or a powered light system of some sort. Using the previously mentioned suggestions of a light shade and a shadow light should hit it off about right. Keeps the contrast easier to deal with as well. Bit of a bugger if shooting "one up" as there won't be enough hands to go 'round. CS

June 12th, 2009, 02:24 PM	#2
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	Shoot in the early morning or late evening when the sun is at an angle.

June 12th, 2009, 03:07 PM	#3
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,927	Take a white transparent umbrella from a lighting shop or Ebay, to diffuse the light. Get someone to hold it in position or take a lightweight tripod. Cheers.

June 12th, 2009, 05:56 PM	#4
Jim Miller Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa,Florida Posts: 236	You might also try using a polarizing filter to cut down on reflections. I've used them with success on similar surfaces. Shielding the light with a white umbrella as mentioned above is great too and will reduce glare and contrast.

June 13th, 2009, 07:05 AM	#6
Philip Younger Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 207	Thanks for the tips. I'm going to have to try several shots I think using a combination of techniques

June 13th, 2009, 02:15 PM	#7
Colin Reid Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: London, United Kingdom Posts: 48	Hi Philip, I will be visiting the Somme in November and will also be shooting in a couple of war cemeteries. A bit of a cheek I know, but it would be great if you could post the results of your filming once you get back, with info about the technique used. Good luck with it. Colin