Week 2
by bsluijk

Comment by bassbone:
The shadows do give this an unfinished look due to the angle of the light. The 'outtake' with the different angle works much better - I would just recommend leaving a bit more room 'below' the statue as it is almost bumping up against the edge of the photo.

Week 2
by bsluijk

Comment by tjbel05:
This is a nice statue, but the subject does not really appeal to me. This is just a personal thing. The shadows are a little harsh, perhaps a different angle and tone down the light a tad.

Break free
by bsluijk

Comment by giantmike:
Wow, a powerful image.

Week 2
by bsluijk

Comment by kasaba:
hmmm ... don't know anything about lighting, so can't help. If it were my image I would work on it in pp. Quite like the angle of the second one, but unless my eyes are starting to give trouble, it seems the back end is not in focus? Also the dark shadow between the back legs is almost more annoying than in the first image.

Whichever way, I think it is a bit of nit-picking, I like the photographs and what a cool statue to start offf with - very nice. How big is it?

Week 2
by bsluijk

Comment by Abra:
I have no skills when it comes to artificial lighting and little experience with still life so I can't really add any words of wisdom. For me the details are good and the subject is interesting. I feel it is a little too tightly cropped at the bottom making it feel a bit unbalanced.

If I was to try to take a shot like this and wanted to get rid of the shadows I would use a tripod, reduce the aperture to get an exposure of several seconds then use a small torch through a tissue to paint some light into the dark areas. This may come out looking like crap which is why I don't do these sort of shots well :-)

Week 1
by bsluijk

Comment by sfalice:
bsluijk I probably can't help you in the technicals, but will try to assess your results!

Your first try is delightful. you have achieved good patterns without glare. Not sure I like the 50/50 centered composition, but that's my only critique.

Week 2
by bsluijk

Comment by Ann:
Since you're working on lighting, it might be a good idea to post your setups. Some people here could probably help you with that if they can see what you're doing.

Reading the weekend paper
by bsluijk

Comment by Ammie:
LOL

Week 2
by bsluijk

Comment by mariuca:
I find the lighting too even and the background too close surface wise to the sculpture (their surfaces seem equal in your shot). That bull needs either more air or has to dominate the background.

Week 1
by bsluijk

Comment by Ann:
It really is a good start at dark field lighting. I think you have the basics of the technique. Now I think it would be time to start experimenting, with different lighting angles, and different amounts of light. To me, it looks a little dark, and the back of the bowl seems to blend into the background.