How to make details of black object show

[minli98]

Hi,

I am trying to take photo of a black object, say a black cotton jacket, under studio floodlights (w/ umbrella) and put the photo on the web. I am disappointed with how the photo came out. The details (pocket lining, zipper) are too hard too see on the screen, unless I really blow the photo up. If I try to brighten the photo using Photoshop, I lose the richness (blackness) in the color, and the object turns brownish. What can I do to improve the photo? I have tried underexposing it a couple notches, but it hasn't helped much.

Thank you,
Min

 

[SLOShooter]

My only thought, and this is just a thought, would be to put second light at a large angle to your main light to bring out the contrast of all the tiny little details. Maybe up the contrast in PS?

Maybe increase the brightness of the highlights?

 

[Christie Photo]

Black fabric can be a bit tricky. Keep the umbrella as a fill, but add a main with parabolic reflector... or maybe even a flood. Keep the main at a fairly great angle to bring out texture.

I hope this helps.

-Pete

 

[DocFrankenstein]

Is there any detail in the photgraph or the negative?
How much did your scanner cost?

I would suggest printing with a zero filter, scanning and curving in photoshop.