Does either one work?

[Scott]

Hi, all -

Spent the morning trying some still lifes.  Different setups, different light, different lenses.  Aside from cutting the edge off one (ugh), I'm undecided what, if anything, worked on either.  Input?

First was with the Darlot on Arista.EDU Ultra:



Second was with the meniscus on Efke 25:



Thoughts?  There are parts I like of both, but I'm not sure if what I like in each can be combined to make a successful photograph...

Thanks,
Scott

[radiophoto]

I like #2 better because of the swirlies, and #1 seems too dark but only by comparison.  My suggestion, however, would be to try this same set-up again in horizontal mode. 

[Scott]

Okay, Pete - I may take a little more time (and another sheet of Efke) and try that this pm. 

What I though would really help me is some kind of seamless backdrop.  Hafta be cheap (read: homemade)...

[br1078lum]

Photo 1) Background object is a bit too dark, and the cup could use just a bit more DOF.

Photo 2) Nice dreamy look.  Has a feeling of everything is about to slide off to the right though.

PF

[Scott]

Thanks, PF.  I've taken Pete's advice, improvised a seamless backdrop (in the form of a British Airways in-flight blanket) and reshot in horizontal.  Developing now.  Then I really have to get some work around the house done!

[Scott]

Trying to apply a little finesse to this setup, including Pete's horizontal suggestion:



Any better?

[radiophoto]

This one works a little better -- I had to save it to my computer and open it in Windows Picture viewer to see the whole thing at once -- but your subject is too centered for my taste.  A little to the left or right would be better, and you can crop it to gain this effect, and make your image a little longer as well.

The subject itself looks great, however, and the slight wrinkles of your fabric in the foreground give it a nice additional texture.



Maybe something like this?

[Madrigal]

Hey Scott- Love the cup as a subject and I prefer #2. I like what you did with #3, too, but maybe with a different subject included with the cup. The little vase and flowers work better for me when they are better defined.

Lovely light and tones in these.

[LarryD]

To be Honest none of them did a damn thing for me for reasons that I have all in my head as I hated all of them ... Sorry

[br1078lum]

I like the cloth as an underlayment.  It knocks down the brightness that was on the table top in #2.  And Pete's version works too, but then you can make a case for any number of variations in the cropping.  All in a days work, eh?

PF

[LarryD]

Sorry but nothing in any of them grabs me.. again sorry as I think at least more DOF is needed and maybe a spot of shine or even focus on the cup lip or even handle.

And it is a boring subject.... 

 OK I said more... please forgive me.. I was told I don't critique enough so I just did.

Larry

[Scott]

Well, Larry, I gotta thank you for your candor.  I think you're right - I'm approaching this from a technical standpoint, but it lacks interest.  My problem with still lifes.  Back to the drawing board, I guess.

Even better, I think I'll shoot some pics of the kids for a while with the Yashica-Mat, some Porta, some Reala, some Acros.  Then I'll be happy regardless.  Work on the artsy stuff after a little break, I think.

Thanks for the honesty.

[LarryD]

You are quite welcome and I would expect nothing less from you if I asked about something.