Ask Jim

ASK JIM

Every month, Jim will answer a question from his online students, from people who participate in his tours and workshops, or from subscribers to this magazine. If you have a question you’d like Jim to answer, please drop him a note at photos@jimzuckerman.com. Q: Jim . . .How do you photograph glassware? No matter where I put my flash, there is too much contrast and the exposures don’t look good. How many flashes should I use, and is it necessary to diffuse them?

Lynn Chang, Houston, Texas A: I would suggest at least two flash units, one on either side of the glassware. I would use a large diffuser, and the larger the better. As the size of the diffuser increases, the light becomes softer. In addition, place the diffused flash close to the glass. The closer it is, the more diffused the light will be. That translates to more detail in the highlights and the shadows and less contrast.

© Lynn Chang 2020