Ok when I was shooting my award last night I shot it in different settings and I'm now asking myself what one works better
1.
2.
3.
Thanks for looking.
and please explain why you choose.
In number one and two, the camera is clearly reflected in the shiny object. Three is better, but the glaring reflection and uneven light don't help here.
For something like this, you need to angle the object slightly so it reflects something gray or silver, probably next to the camera position, but perhaps closer. When you shoot shiny objects, you don't capture the surface, you capture what's reflected in that surface. So to convey a shiny silver surface, it should reflect a silver-colored surface. I often use light gray or white cards to create appropriate reflections.
Your other possibility here, is to edge light the object, to catch just the surface features and engraving. That requires pretty precise light control.
If you are going to make a practice of shooting shiny objects, I suggest you buy a copy of "Light - Science & Magic" It will help you understand how light works and how to use it to your advantage.
