How do you take a photo of molten glass?

[glamy]

Hi all,
I am not happy with the result, even though I was expecting some difficulties.
Any opinions?

Cheers,
Gerard

[Oneputt]

Yes - one comment. It is an interesting abstract.

[Antsl]

My initial hunch is that this image has been flooded with IR light, hence the soft fogging. What was the EXIF data and, if you shot RAW, what colour temperature was this set for?

[marcotrov]

Glamy I would have guessed for a thousand years and not have known what the hell it was but as oneputt has said very interesting image and certainly abstract.
cheers
marco

[glamy]

Antsl,
The exif says: 1/30 at f20 4650K. I'll also try with an IR filter. I was expecting a better abstract than that... really looks good in reality.
Cheers,
Gerard

[Antsl]

Now this may sound a little Irish (thats the Leprecharn in me) however I would be inlcined to keep the cameras exposure to the furnace to an absolute minimum when making these images ....

Set the camera up on a tripod and preset absolutely everything including the focus and then move the camera into place with a sheet of silver foil (preferably wrapped about some solid card) in front of the camera to protect it from the heat. Next I would drop the card just long enough to make the exposure and the pull it up quick before reviewing. My thoughts are that heat from radiant energy would probably build up quickly in the mirror box as you pointed the camera even for a short period of time, therefore effecting the image.

Have another go and try this and see if it makes a difference.

[glamy]

Antsl,
You are not wrong that's why I used the 70-200 at 200mm. There is no room for tripod and the floor vibrates a fair bit. I'll try putting a fan to blow the heat away...
Cheers,
Gerard

[Antsl]

A fan is not going to stop radiant energy... it is like sitting in your car on a sunny day with the windows up and hoping the 20 knots of wind outside will help cool you down!

My advice ... try and keep the ISO higher ... 400 to 800 range and try working with faster shutter speeds while maintaining reasonable apertures of f11 or f16.

Where is the plant and what are they manufacturing ... bottles, windows?

[glamy]

That's where I work. we make glasswool. If the fan does not make a difference to the camera, it will help my sweating!
Cheers,
Gerard

[Antsl]

What an amazing environment to work in. I have made photographs in a foundry in the past and some of the storys that I have heard from staff can put you on your toes. My guess is that you are working in the same temperature range (1200+). What is the glass wool getting used for ... thermal insulation or is it more exotic uses?

[glamy]

Antsl,
We make glasswool insulation (CSR Bradford Insulation). At this stage the glass is around the 1150 mark. Safety always comes first, and sometimes there are situations where it is most critical not to panic and "take two" before acting. Spare a thought for me tomorrow, I'll be working in dust and heat for 12 hours... The older you get the harder it is! Here is another pic:

Cheers,
Gerard

[LOZ]

Try using a mirror

[kipper]

I did about 6months of my electrical apprenticeship at the Australian Glass Manufacturers in Spotswood. Quite an interesting time, and I know the glass is bloody hot

The radiant heat that comes from the furnance and the moulding machines was insane. You're quite game to be taking in your camera to these sort of environments.