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08/02/2004 12:12:51 PM |
hi Dan, thanks a lot for taking the time to critique my picture, i do agree with everything you said - and that's the first for me! i must say that this is the most useful explanation of how to handle the shadows by far that i received here... you understood everything correctly and appreciated the picture on it's own even without the reference to that classic dance chaplin was doing with little buns in gold rush... thank you very much again for the in-depth critique and kind words. irina.
PS: i do believe that i should put my reply on the photograph itself, so it might inspire people to give thoughtful comments like yours!
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08/02/2004 10:22:23 AM |
From the critique club:
I am embarrassed to admit that I was never a Chaplin fan abd as such the meaning here is beyond my comprehension. I will therefore address the shot from a compositional and technique point of view.
Also, allow me to add that the chocolate here is more of an addition as a dressing to the buns. This is not to deny your freedom to use chocolate in any manner you please, but only to point out that whenever you depart from the focus of chocolate you risk irritating those who did use chocolate as their main theme. It does not bother me, I rather see less as I almost got insulen shock while voting.
First, this is a very well composed visual with a hidden tilt of humor. Of course, it is food oriented but nevertheless the image is pleasing and does have a unique twist with the parallel lines running down. The forks and buns are in advantageous placing and the fingers very well posed. The picture has clarity at the cost of distracting shadows and here lies the major problem. You should always look at such a composition as a studio shot. This does not mean you need a studio, but you need studio lighting which means at minimum 2 lights and a couple of poster boards as reflectors. I have been in the photography business for many years. Since I got my Cannon 10D, I have yet to use the built in flash. I even avoid direct light most of the time. What this picture needed was a combination of lights. You could have presented the same clarity but with less strong shadows. Remember, photograpy is represented basically with light and shadow and strong shadows draw the eyes with the same force as highlights. You go to the shadow to receive a reward of finding some detail or serving as a contrast to the higher zones. When a shadow exist that adds no interest, then we have a minor problem. This is the major draw back to frontal flashes. They follow the eye level and leave obtrusive shadows. If you look at the image before you take it, you will usually find it pleasing but when you add the frontal light, it changes the meaning.
The picture has enough charm to stand on its own and one can see that you paid attention to detail, yet in order to compete, the lighting should have consisted of one main light with a fill. Also, to give it more interest a better choice of newer silverware, since the forks are very prominent.
I note in your comments that you are pleased with this choice. This is, after all, what matters most. I see enough reason to agree with you. You know, once we move a picture over to a studio look it changes character somewhat.
To conclude: It is a strong and interesting composition with the minor problem of the shadows competing with the image. Even with this, I too like the picture. dan
Message edited by author 2004-08-02 10:26:06. |
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07/28/2004 06:28:15 AM |
| thank you for your comments! |
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Comments Made During the Challenge  |
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07/27/2004 11:23:52 PM |
| I saw this movie about Bennie and June staring a famous actor immitating Keith Richards as a pirate. I love the plate changing Buster Keaton routine with the diner patrons...oops! Chocolat right? Sorry. |
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07/27/2004 08:16:36 PM |
| different and strange, but I like that. |
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07/26/2004 01:38:42 PM |
| No, I dont like it. --2-- |
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07/26/2004 12:42:01 AM |
| flash is harsh, maybe soften the lighting? |
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| Photographer found comment helpful. |
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07/25/2004 09:14:44 PM |
| the focus is great but the focul point should be the chocolate pastries not the forks and the hands |
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07/25/2004 11:43:37 AM |
| I get it but the harsh flash detracts -- also not quite enough chocolate for this challenge. ;-) |
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07/23/2004 01:34:21 AM |
Huh? Whaaaaat? A chocolate challenge and all you come up with is some dough with two drips of chocolate pierced by the tines of two forks??? Well fork you two!
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07/22/2004 08:44:04 PM |
| Sort of an interesting concept. |
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| Photographer found comment helpful. |
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07/22/2004 03:45:46 PM |
| Ugh, the lighting's a bit harsh, as if from the camera's onboard flash. |
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07/22/2004 04:42:21 AM |
| Over exposed maybe? Hands are too bright and the shadows are distracting. One fork reflects bright, almost too bright, and the other has a green tint that draws away attention. |
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| Photographer found comment helpful. |
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07/21/2004 06:23:39 PM |
| Chaplin should have used eclairs! Much yummier than potatos. I like your idea - it creates a funny mood, a unique story. The lighting is a bit harsh tho' - creating those distratcing shadows. A couple of lights from the sides with a warmer glow would create more of a diningroom feel. |
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| Photographer found comment helpful. |
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07/21/2004 11:26:15 AM |
| Cute, my only reference to this is from the movie Benny and Joon but it made me smile to remember the scene. Without that reference I'm not sure how well it works as a photograph. The composition is fine, lighting is ok although the shadows are a little distracting, but without the context I'm sure it looks a little odd. I like it purely based on what I believe it represents. Good luck in the challenge! |
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07/21/2004 10:20:01 AM |
| The technical specs are fine, but i don't understand the image. What does "Chaplin" have to do with anything? |
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| Photographer found comment helpful. |
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07/21/2004 09:48:27 AM |
| background shadows are distracting |
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| Photographer found comment helpful. |
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07/21/2004 04:37:48 AM |
| lighting/shadows seem a bit harsh - on-board flash? not very appealing to me overall, not sure I like those poor things picked up by forks... |
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| Photographer found comment helpful. |
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