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Still Life with Peaches
Still Life with Peaches
MAK


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Impressionism II (Advanced Editing V*)
Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro
Lens: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
Location: England
Date: Sep 3, 2007
Date Uploaded: Sep 3, 2007

 Not gonna say anything about this shot other than to express thanks to a wonderful friend and very talented artist called Alan Hunniset who spent ages talking with me about arrangements for still life and helping me with this set up through his expertise.


Est Score. - 6.8
Dream score - 7.4

Yes I am mad, I have had 3 5's on the trot and feel this time I have created the best image I have ever submitted to DPC.. I am so excited and I hope you, The voter, can enjoy this work as much as I. If it gets voted low, I don't mind, I love it.




Post challenge: I am totally honoured with the 4th placing THANK YOU! even more honoured with the FAVS (thanks Ursula) About setting up still lifes, well firstly I think you need to have interesting shapes and objects, then I was told by my friend that need to create pleasing ways into the image through lines and colours hence the tall flower to guide the eye into the center frame with the slant of the arranged fruit down to the lonesome single peach that then introduces the vase, similar in shape but not in texture or colour, I was also told that you should include a fair amount of table as to balance the shot out a bit.. I tried many set ups and this one seemed to jump off the page at me.



This is an outtake that didn't work for me as it seemed too cluttered




For those interested here is the original resized only image



This photo is now available as a print. I don't know why it is not showing under the image yet

Here is the printable image (MAK Error)


Statistics
Place: 4 out of 206
Avg (all users): 6.6174
Avg (commenters): 7.7273
Avg (participants): 6.3678
Avg (non-participants): 6.9677
Views since voting: 6368
Views during voting: 396
Votes: 149
Comments: 66
Favorites: 23 (view)

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AuthorThread
 10/11/2009 11:19:30 PM
wonderfully done, i love the composition entirely
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/01/2008 03:51:57 PM
This is really a classic! Nice setup and wonderful finished photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/25/2007 04:08:20 PM
Magnificent tonal processing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/28/2007 07:02:08 AM
This indeed is very much like a real painting. Great effort, Mak. The only thing that doesn't quite ring true as a painting is the quality of the reflected light on the vase.
You should check out this gal's folder; she was featured in Popular Photo magazine, Oct 07 (I saw it today in the library, and thought of your photo here...)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/19/2007 08:49:23 AM
Really nice work! I've done something similar that I am pretty happy with, but I think your attempt is even better. Well Done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/17/2007 05:55:37 PM
Wonderful image and congratulations on your finish.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/17/2007 02:45:26 PM
Gorgeous still life - like a Dutch Master. Artful and painterly. Not so "impressionistic" in my opinion, but a stunning achievement that you have every reason to be proud of.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 11:25:40 PM
excellent work MAK! luv it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 04:51:55 PM
Those peaches look Ripe! Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 01:25:00 PM
Agree absolutely with Connie. This IS a piece of art and you are rightly proud of it! Marac, I congratulate you on 4th place with this wonderful image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 12:58:09 PM
This is now available as a print
 09/14/2007 12:30:56 PM
I gave your beautiful image a 10 as well!! This is one of the most gorgeous images I've ever seen. I agree your photo is truly a work of art. Congratulations!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 12:16:51 PM
THIS IS A PIECE OF ART! I GAVE IT A 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 11:56:31 AM
Originally posted by anotherday:
This is a very beautiful picture, but it doesn't look very "impressionist". You should have used a filter or smth else in order to enhance some strokes. One of the trademarks of impressionism is the visible brushstrokes, which do not appear in your picture.
I am sorry to be the one that hammers down this picture, because it's a very beautiful one, but to me this does not reflect impressionism. Just my opinion, of course.

Cheers,
Bianca


Thank you, your opinion is very valid. I do not see Impressionism in photography the same way as I look upon Impressionism within art, I do not feel that by adding a filter that creates brush strokes would then label this photograph as Impressionism. however I do feel that impressionism is opinionated and each to their own.

Thank you very much for your honesty
 09/14/2007 11:41:58 AM
This is a very beautiful picture, but it doesn't look very "impressionist". You should have used a filter or smth else in order to enhance some strokes. One of the trademarks of impressionism is the visible brushstrokes, which do not appear in your picture.
I am sorry to be the one that hammers down this picture, because it's a very beautiful one, but to me this does not reflect impressionism. Just my opinion, of course.

Cheers,
Bianca
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 11:32:13 AM
Wow - I'm still looking at it - really really great work
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 11:31:26 AM
Absolutely beautiful - you are right - the arrangement is phenomenal
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 11:12:00 AM
Marac, it's gorgeous! The composition is quite tasty and I just love the lighting. A beautiful work of art!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 11:09:47 AM
I'm impressed with the highest quality of this image. One of the best photos I’ve seen since I’m here at DPC. Quality, technique, composition, mood, all at top stage. Simply a fine piece of art.
Congrats Marac!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 11:00:34 AM
Congrats on your ribbon. It's a gorgeous work. I would have scored it higher (I gave it a 7) if the subject had been "oil painting", but as others have indicated, to me it's not really impressionism nor even post-impressionism.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 10:37:34 AM
An extremely well done capture. Really glad you made the top5.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 10:19:23 AM
Damn - this definitely deserved a ribbon. Well done, mate.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 09:42:16 AM
MAK!!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Last time you told me, you were at 6.4! Way to GO!!! 4th place. You totally ROCK!! This photo Is FABULOUS!!! I love to see it so appreciated by the masses too! CONGRATULATIONS!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 09:40:58 AM
Beautiful still life. Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 09:32:40 AM
Great image, Marac and absolutely perfectly executed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 09:32:11 AM
Well, it was as good as you said! Nice study and a well deserved score.

Message edited by author 2007-09-14 09:32:25.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 09:14:52 AM
Very nice still life Marac...congratulations on the HM!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 08:22:21 AM
Excellent job on composition of this still life for the lighting and elements really carry it off as an oil painting. Your friend's eye really helped you nail it in this photo. Love the lighting, the colors, shapes and textures one sees in this still life photo study.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 07:25:33 AM
Absolutely awesome arrangement! This entry is the epitome of still life captured in a photograph. You obviously took the challenge description and ran with it, puttiing to good use the research and all that you have learned from your artist friend. Generally speaking, I have never cared much for still life paintings, but your shot is a "painting like" image that has kept me lingering for awhile. Outstanding job. Congratulations on your 4th place finish.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 07:22:50 AM
Very nice! Congrats on 4th!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 05:03:02 AM
Beautiful still life, congrats on 4th place!! =)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 04:15:52 AM
Beautifully classic work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 01:14:26 AM
no way you didnt win. :(
excellent
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 01:09:42 AM
Congrats on the HM. I thought for sure you had a ribbon with this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 12:49:59 AM
Mak, I agree that this is one of your most beautiful images. If you'd ever care to share a bit of knowledge on how to set up still lifes, I would much appreciate it (eat it up actually).
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 12:13:57 AM
Thought this was a NATURAL winner, congratulations on the finish.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 12:08:07 AM
Well, ya got a 10 out of me. :) Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/14/2007 12:05:27 AM
Hey, the first green of the year for you. Nicely done without filters.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
09/13/2007 09:04:39 PM
Very authentic. I like the wrinkled skin of the peaches - adds interest.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/13/2007 06:24:07 PM
I think this is really nice, but it looks more like a 17th century painting. (And it's very centered)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/13/2007 11:19:01 AM
I voted a while back and didn't leave a comment so I'm doing that now....I gave this an 8 and I really like the composition and "fitness" of challenge. The tones and lighting are just fantastic. The strange background really works well to support the subjects. I am a very "simple" composition person so that is why I took off a little as there seems to be to many "exta" object thrown in. Other than that small personal taste thing it is a wonderful photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/13/2007 08:36:12 AM
Definitely one of the most appealing shots in the Challenge, but this is more Baroque or Neoclassicism.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/12/2007 11:29:23 PM
I think the Cezanne lovers will score you high. It's the Manet-lovers you better look out for.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/11/2007 11:05:35 PM
I have to say that this picture is absolutely fantastic!! It looks as though Vermeer himself had painted this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/11/2007 09:30:50 PM
Absolutely breathtaking. Nice work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2007 07:52:16 PM
great shot i love it,
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2007 11:30:56 AM
I really like this one, I think that the image would ahve been perfect if the vases weren't there. I like the dirty towel, and how the peaches look. The composition is really nice, the lighting is great, one of my favorites for the challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2007 06:41:30 AM
Very Nice!!! Love the set up. Well done. Perfect lighting and colour.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2007 10:41:59 PM
I am not sure if it fits the challenge for me. I do like the still life arrangement and photo over-all.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2007 08:28:04 PM
I like the slightly shriveled peaches. The added texture enhances the story. Being a still life, one becomes critical of composition and placings of objects. But for me, it works well and looks "genuine." Perhaps the white cloth is an oddity. I'm not sure. The background looks nice. Is this realist still life in a Dutch sort of way or impressionism. That question does not really concern me. I think it is as good an impression as any photo in this challenge and better for not using some sort of gauche software filter to mimic pointillism or brush strokes. 7.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2007 02:48:23 PM
Nice...very nice!! Awesome lighting and colors!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2007 07:41:13 AM
I like the basic image. You processed it to look like a painting. Too bad it doesn't look more like an impressionistic painting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 11:29:48 PM
Top Marks for a great impressionism photograph......10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 10:34:23 PM
A really pleasing collection. Lovely warm light, plenty of entertaining textures and patterns. The "elderly" peaches are a really nice touch.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 09:04:42 PM
Remarkable.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 06:14:13 PM
THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 06:09:38 PM
Fantastic submission for this challenge. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 05:28:16 PM
I love that you did a still life image. These are not as popular at the moment. I love the lighting on the fruit and dishes. Not so fond of the hot spot on the cotton 'rag' I feel that fabric should be a more sensual fabric.
The background has some great textures but the seam lines draw my eye. The colors of the image is great, but I would perfer to see the tapestry on the background and a deep rich wood tone or marble surface. The styles of the dishes is a hodgepodge. The pitcher has an aztec feel, the vase is oriental in nature and the plate (from this angle) looks like a french. I would like the dishes to be more along the same styling. I also love the unopened flowers in the vase. they have some great shape and color. They lend some hight to the left side, which is good. The formation of the fruit brings your eye down at an angle, that is also good. The pitcher though adds height to the right side. That is distressful to the flow of the image. I would prefer the pitcher in the left side forming a diagonal line visually.

Just my opinion and possibly some pointers. Great job on the shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 04:57:02 PM
More Vermeer than Degas or Renoir but a very nice composition. 6
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 01:41:36 PM
Beautiful, very classic feeling to it. Not sure it is "impressionism" but I won't take off points for that. I wish it weren't so centered though, I think that takes it down a few notches. But I absolutely love the setup and the tones and the softness of it while still staying sharp and defined.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 12:41:08 PM
So soft and inviting! Beautiful composition. Sweet tones. Classic!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 12:36:57 PM
I see more Rembrandt inspired in this image than impressionism. Still it is a terrific photo. Nice still life photo with dramatic lighting. Highly rated.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 12:29:27 PM
This is not impressionism.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 11:56:39 AM
you captured a beautiful still life. the only thing I am missing is the technique shown that makes impressionism so unique: elimination of details, brush strokes, hiding, not showing the details. You did show well the intaction of shadows and lights.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 05:38:06 AM
10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2007 12:13:12 AM
stunning still life...has to be a contender for a ribbon in my opinion 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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