Flash Glare

[ST0MPA]

Hi, I have a photo to submit to sony to redeem a SPS3, the photo is from my fathers new tv. they need the serial number on the back so he (me) can redeem the bonus SPS3. the problem is the glare from the flash has covered the serial number. I was wondering if it is possible to remove flash glare to reveal the serial number. I have photoshop 6.1 running on XP pro. I would like to be able to use this photo without having to take another photo becouse the camera was from dads work and they dont like letting the camera out of the workshop. thanks in advance.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/ST0MPA/PICT0504.jpg

[tscreative]

I'm afraid that taking another photo is you're only option. There is no color information in the flashed out areas to even begin to bring up the text. Try taking the photo with the flash off and increase the brightness setting on the camera a few stops before you take the picture. Even if it comes aut dark, at least you will have something to work with.

[ST0MPA]

ok thankyou for your response

[admin]

THIS MESSAGE IS FOR ANYONE WHO READS THIS POST:

When shooting a shot like that, always look carefully at the photo in the camera to make sure there's image -- particularly if you think you may never get another chance to get the shot.

If image is burned out...
as in this hot spot, you won't have any pixels to work with. It's spoiled. Move the camera just slightly to either side and shoot at a slight angle. You should be able to still read the information, but the flash reflection will bounce away from the camera rather than directly back into the lens. (Flash on a subject that is perpendicular to the lens will ALWAYS bounce right back INTO the lens!)

If image is dark or very dark
... then there is usually detail and pixels in the dark areas. Not the ideal -- but savable.

This tutorial (http://www.photoshop911.com/tricks/better_pictures/exposure_tricks.html) addresses common exposure problems, including flash fall-off, and is recommended for anyone shooting digital snapshots.

I try to avoid flash all together in such situations.
The object is stationary... the camera is stationary -- so an auto shot with flash turned OFF should result in a usable shot. (Note I did not say "perfect" of "ideal")

If you're in tight quarters ... no available light and you're forced to use the flash (as I suspect this situation was) -- then take a small piece of tissue paper and put it over the flash for the shot! This acts as diffuser and softens the flash while spreading the flash angle over the whole scene as if it were "ambient" light. I've used Kleenex, somtimes two layers to get very nicely diffused, soft light. But ONLY when the flash has to be close to the subject -- as in the case of this example.

;)