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11/14/2008 09:55:51 AM · #1 |
I played around last night trying to get a good picture to put on our table for our engagement party.
I dont have access to good lighting or a nice macro lens. This was shot with a 50mm F1.4 prime. ISO200 1/125 F1.4
I think I like the end result but I would comments and suggestions please.
Here is the original
And here is what I came up with from the NEF file
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11/14/2008 10:00:45 AM · #2 |
I think it looks good. Way to be creative.
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11/14/2008 10:07:32 AM · #3 |
honestly ...the whole ring on a bible thing is pretty overused. stoic. so is 1 Corinthians. is it well executed? absolutely. i just don't find it all that inspiring or creative. isn't there anything else that's important to you and the lovely that might convey a little more personal meaning and creativity by placing it as the backdrop to the ring?
congratulations, by the way. :) |
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11/14/2008 10:25:33 AM · #4 |
| I think it looks good. I like the DOF but I wish there was a touch more focus on the diamond. Love the b/w. |
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11/14/2008 11:33:10 AM · #5 |
Thanks for comments.
On the overused aspect I understand where your coming from. The 2 key things for me is the bible is the most important thing to us plus with the use of my bible and her ring and my photo it adds a personal touch to it they we are happy with.
On the focus issue I wanted the diamond to be sharper but im not sure if it was the light/ the lens or the photographer but I just couldnt get it any sharper.
I appreciate the feedback |
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11/14/2008 11:49:40 AM · #6 |
| Don't worry about the ring on the bible thing being "overused." Frankly, what's overused for jaded DPCers is totally new to somebody getting married for the first time. I think it's lovely. Did you shoot using a tripod and use live view to focus? With DOF that shallow, even breathing will knock it out of focus. |
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11/14/2008 11:51:42 AM · #7 |
I agree with IreneM.
CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming marriage! May you both give 110% every day to each other. It sounds like you have a good focus to start with. :)
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11/14/2008 11:53:41 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by Ann:
Don't worry about the ring on the bible thing being "overused." Frankly, what's overused for jaded DPCers is totally new to somebody getting married for the first time. I think it's lovely. Did you shoot using a tripod and use live view to focus? With DOF that shallow, even breathing will knock it out of focus. |
I completely agree with Ann here on all points. Moving the camera just 1/4" or 1/2" closer might have shifted the diamond in to the sweet spot for sharper focus... BTW I also really like the B&W version, very nice.
-dave
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11/14/2008 11:57:04 AM · #9 |
I was reading the other night about lighting gemstones like this (Joe McNally, maybe).
From what he said, if you could set it up exactly like you have it, then get a really defined light source (think laser pointers) to light just the diamond, it might really make it sparkle. |
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11/14/2008 12:00:21 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Ann:
Don't worry about the ring on the bible thing being "overused." Frankly, what's overused for jaded DPCers is totally new to somebody getting married for the first time. I think it's lovely. Did you shoot using a tripod and use live view to focus? With DOF that shallow, even breathing will knock it out of focus. |
i'm far from a jaded dpc'er. im a jaded photographer. the market is saturated with stay at home mom's trying to make a little extra cash as a wedding photographer. as a result they regurgitate the same poses and shots over and over. i got married for the first time 3 months ago ...and even then i knew the ring on the bible, or flowers, or isn't new.
monaro ..given the additional background info, the shot is very suiting to your needs and lifestyle. the opinions expressed were simply that and in no way a dig at you or your style... simply an effort to stretch your creativity. if that makes me jaded, so be it.
people should remember that the world of photography exists outside of dpc and opinions can be formed as a result of many many factors other than challenge results. |
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11/14/2008 12:03:03 PM · #11 |
| as an aside .. any arguments or frustrations at my comments should be directed here: unpopular view thread so as to not detract from the point of this thread. |
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11/14/2008 12:27:22 PM · #12 |
Just a quick note on the whole "overused" thing --
If this were a shot I had taken at a wedding, I can guarantee you that it would sell. What is "overused" to a photographer, or even on the market, is usually "overused" for a reason.
Standard shots sell. My more "artsy" creative stuff, often doesn't. |
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11/14/2008 12:33:22 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by karmat:
Just a quick note on the whole "overused" thing --
If this were a shot I had taken at a wedding, I can guarantee you that it would sell. What is "overused" to a photographer, or even on the market, is usually "overused" for a reason.
Standard shots sell. My more "artsy" creative stuff, often doesn't. |
some are in it to make money ..others are in it for creativity and reputation. believe you me ..the latter tend to be highly sought out, extremely unavailable, and never hurting for cash flow. it's about priorities, i guess. |
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11/14/2008 12:48:17 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by karmat:
I was reading the other night about lighting gemstones like this (Joe McNally, maybe).
From what he said, if you could set it up exactly like you have it, then get a really defined light source (think laser pointers) to light just the diamond, it might really make it sparkle. |
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL with using lasers on gemstones or anything that can refract light!!, most lasers can do a lot of damage to your eyes and all you need is the light to refract in the gem and back at you and its game over, I had an actual science teacher do something similar in high school where he pointed a laser at a simple light bulb without thinking about refraction, let say he came out very lucky that he didnt do any permanent damage...
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11/14/2008 03:05:20 PM · #15 |
| Yea, I probably should have clarified that. I wouldn't recommend using an actual laser pointer. Something that can give a direct, focused beam of light is what I was after. |
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11/17/2008 07:35:17 AM · #16 |
thanks for all the comments and a big thanks to IreneM who helped me out with some final PP.
Here is the final result, printed 8x10 mounted in a black frame with white mat and the fiance loved it!
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11/17/2008 11:33:39 AM · #17 |
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11/17/2008 01:07:22 PM · #18 |
Nice Work!! Lovely photo.
Here's something else I just noticed, that the letters from the other side are showing up.
Dave's tech tip of the day: To keep the letters from the opposite side of the page from showing through put a BLACK piece of paper under the sheet that you are shooting, this will keep the letters from the back side from showing through as strongly and easier to manage in post, in a book though make sure the black insert is roughly the same size as the paper you are shooting as it will also show through if it isn't. This is an old scanner tip from my days in advertising that still works for this kind of photography as well.
-dave
*edited for better clarity ;) *
Message edited by author 2008-11-17 16:43:50.
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11/17/2008 02:28:21 PM · #19 |
... erm ... isn't it backwards print from the other side of the page of the fine "bible paper" ?
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11/17/2008 04:44:47 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by Greetmir:
... erm ... isn't it backwards print from the other side of the page of the fine "bible paper" ? |
Yes that's what I was trying to convey, edited the post for better clarity, tkx :)
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