When photographing reflective surfaces, what type of light sources should be used?

Using large light sources when photographing reflective surfaces is advantageous because they create a softer, more diffuse light that minimizes harsh reflections and glare. This soft light helps to render details in the reflections naturally, providing a more accurate representation of the subject while reducing unwanted hotspots that can occur with smaller or harder light sources.

Large lights wrap around the subject more effectively, leading to a gradual transition in highlights and shadows on reflective surfaces. This characteristic is particularly important when capturing intricate details, as it aids in achieving a balanced exposure without overwhelming the scene with overly bright reflections.

The other options, such as small, hard, or directional light sources, can create sharp contrasts and excessive highlights that can distract from the photograph. These types of lighting can produce unwanted reflections that do not accurately depict the surface being photographed, often leading to an unflattering or misrepresented image. Therefore, large light sources are the preferred choice when dealing with reflective subjects.