glow-in-the-dark photography

[Bambi]

I'm doing an art project for college for which we have got to design a clothing line inspired by a city. Also part of the project is that we have to exhibit our works in a location that fit's with the line and with the city in question. We have to take photographs of the location with our works in it. My problem is that part of the work has got glow-in-the-dark bits on it. I definitly need a dark location, otherwise they won't show, but if I don't use the flash, you can't see the rest of the work. When you do use the flash, you don't see the glow-in-the-dark bits, which are the most important parts of the work. I thought that experimenting with the shuttertime might be a solution to my problem, but I have no idea where to begin, as I've never used it before. I'll be using a compact camera.

[carlos_dfc]

You need to use a method called fill-in flash.

Takes a bit of working out - and it'll be easier if you use a seperate flashgun.

If you do a long exposure in the dark - so that the glowing bits show up nicely - then - DURING the exposure, fire off the flashgun - but set the flashgun for about HALF of the exposure that a straight flash picture would require.
Easiest way to set the flashgun, is to use it on auto and set it to match the camera's aperture, BUT double the ISO setting on the flash

Depending on the camera - you might be able to do it with the flash mounted on the camera's hotshoe, and let the camera fire-off the flash - BUT - make sure that the camera doesn't take over and override your flashgun ISO setting (use a non-dedicated flashgun, then the camera CAN'T interfere with settings, it can only fire the flashgun)

[Walwyn]

Assuming that you are using a digital compact and not film experimenting with the shutter seems like the best option. You may find that there is no happy medium exposure for both the glow-in-the-dark and background. In which case use a tripod and take two photo one exposed for the background, one exposed for the glow-in-the-dark. Then combine the two in photoshop.

[zxccxzasd]

Fire the flash first, or early in the exposure. Flash "charges up" glow-in-the-dark material. Then keep the shutter open or just take a second picture without flash and merge the two in Photoshop.

[big bill]

Hello Bambi just a thought have you considered taking two shot then combining your glow in the dark images using your photo software program like Photoshop elements?otherwise its a case of experiment with the shutters and flash.
Take one shot to expose the glow in the dark and another to expose the remaining images then merge the two together its all I can think of best of luck hope all works out