Today's shot came from an idea I had a few days ago. It has been a challenge for me to find things around my house to make into interesting photos. I think it's just because I see everything all the time, and I never think about how it might be viewed as artistic or worth photographing. These espresso cups were a wedding gift from a couple of our friends, and I've thought they were gorgeous since we opened them, so I decided to try a new improvised white seamless background tonight--a pillowcase... except the pillowcase isn't 100% white, it's more of an off-white or cream color, but I like the effect it has in this photo. It warms it up just a little bit, and makes the shot look less like straight product photography. I corrected the tint in post so that it wouldn't look too yellow, but still not stark white. I also set up the shot on the couch, so the surface is a little too cushioned to look flat, but I think that--like the off-white background--makes it look a little more cozy.
Photo Specs. 62mm, 1/80s, f/5.3, ISO 3200. Post: WB correction; slightly increased exposure, brightness, and contrast.
Manual. Page 160: The Playback Menu, Managing Images. There are a lot of menus and menu options that I don't know much about, so today I'm starting on the manual section that explains what my menus/options are and what they do.
Images. Checked out flickr photos by Joe Wigfall, an AMAZING street photographer in NYC. His shots are overflowing with the emotions of the people around him wherever he is shooting. I especially like his photos from Guwhati, India. Find out more about Joe Wigfall and see his interview at F-Stop Beyond. I think I'll try shooting from the hip next time I'm downtown. I know these images are totally unrelated to my image for today, but I read about Joe on Tasra Dawson's 365 post and couldn't resist checking it out.
Great composition, setup, and idea. The only thing I think you could improve upon would be to find a way to reduce the reflections on the cups themselves, but otherwise it's a really, really, really good shot. Great work Maria!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece. Love the composition! This will be interesting to see what your 'style' will be as you get better and better.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad photo, but neither is it terribly interesting. This would work if you were trying to sell these mugs - I just don't feel like you were going for a catalog shot here. Your use of the coffee grinds is very creative and well thought out. The subjects themselves are interesting... it's not everyday you see heart shaped saucers and mug handles. The primary issue I have with this shot is the camera placement. This is the view everyone sees mugs - on a table, in a cabinet, etc. Force people to see things from a new perspective. It's one of the wonderful benefits of being a photographer.
ReplyDeleteWhy not retry the shot, however, this time shoot from above with a strong light where the camera was for this shot? This will do a couple of things. One, the audience will clearly see that saucer is a heart. Yes, we can guess it, but why not show off that unusual shape? Further, the light should cast a heart shaped shadow from the handle of the mug on the right (and we'd see the heart shaped handle on the left as well). You might want to fill the mug on the right with coffee, and if you're feeling up to learning a new skill, this might be a nice touch http://www.flickr.com/photos/goodbirdie/2249317035/.
Another thing you may want to consider is your background. It's kind of grey in the image, and I'm not sure why you made that decision. If you really want these bright red objects to pop, try to create a white background. Or, if you want to keep the current camera placement, one thing you can do is swap out a solid background with something that tells a story.
Please don't be disheartened by my suggestions (pun intended), and you're not required to follow them by any means. You have stuck with this longer than most people who start, which means you're passionate about it. I just want you to get the most out of this you can.
Looking forward to seeing more work.
P'Bob
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