How do I take photographs of scientific laser products?

Question

I have been asked to take some product photos of various scientific lasers.

Most of them will just be simple shots of the boxes on a white background but I will also have to do an 'action' shot a bit like the one below. The laser produces a white beam that can be split into the full colour spectrum when it goes through a special prism.

I have never photographed anything remotely like this before and I want to get it right. For example it would be nice to minimise the amount of reflection on the laser 'box' itself. I will have to do this in an empty laboratory as I will not be allowed to take the laser off site.

In terms of gear I've got a nikon d300, a selection of dx lenses (35mm, 18-200mm, 14-24mm) and a decent tripod.

How should I approach something like this?

Answer 1

From looking at the picture in your question, I assume the light was post-processed in the shot after it was taken. And maybe that would be the way to go for you as well. I estimate it rather difficult and tricky to make the real light beam visible using smoke or some such, while keeping a clear and sharp image of the device itself, which would be your main subject.

So maybe, take some good shots of the device, and after you have them, use smoke to take pictures of the light beam, at least to see how it really looks like. Then, edit the good pictures of the device and the beam together.

Just my proposition...

Answer 2

One thing, depending on the power of the laser be careful about the laser hitting the sensor directly.

But regarding your specific question about the photo, you won't get past trying and experimenting before you get it right or the way you want it to.

To "see the beam" you need something to reflect the light - a fog machine, a bit of dust, steam etc. - after that all you can do is experiment.

Answer 3

Try to use a glass prism if you need to achieve the same effect.

True, because the laser is only a specific wavelength, you will not get the full rgb range, but you will split it in at least 1 to 3 different sub-wavelength's.

True, depending on what laser types you are using, the filter of the SLR which is filtering optically/physically some particular UV's wavelength's might make your beam to look weaker or not even show.