Fireside toolsby
shadyComment by taterbug: I think you've got a nice idea here, with some good potential. There are some points though, that I feel could greatly enhance the presentation though. Using '3' of something is a good compositional element, it normally will have strong dynamics, and the triangulation is just aesthetically pleasing, as a rule usually. In this case though, having the rack not straight, and the ball at right cut off in the frame, takes a lot away, and gives the impression of a less thought out, and 'hurried' hap hazard 'snap shot', if you will. What you could do, is either take care and attention to place the tools very straight and parallel to the bottom edge, which would play on the symmetry present, which can be good in a photo. Or...you could go for a much more dramatic angle, and create a vertical across the image, also which can be good in a photo. Another thing to take note of is your background in a shot. Simple, clean shots, free of any clutter or unwanted elements makes for a stronger presentation of the image. Do you see here where in the background you can see the floor moulding? And those black things, either cables/cords of some sort or shadows? And the differing surfaces of wall and floor? These things are all distracting elements, and take attention away from your subject. Don't be afraid to move things around to get a good composition. You could position the tools, and the angle you shoot from to get a free, clear shot. Like, framing the tops of the tools with just the wall behind them, no distracting elements. Also, it would appear that you used the onboard flash on your camera. This should be avoided, or use some white paper, or plastic, or something to diffuse the flash. On board flashes are notoriously very harsh, and too close to the lens, causing glare, and unwanted reflections (like on the handles here) red eye, and harsh shadows and blown highlights. They can work in some situations for fill light, but using just the flash generally just causes uneven, harsh light and undesired effects.
You seem to have a good eye. This is a good choice of subject. The 3 balls, with a strong, dynamic composition could make for a nice photo. Work on some technicals and study composition, I'm sure you'll have some great shots :-)
