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Post by katynoelle on Nov 25, 2011 15:49:10 GMT
I, finally, was disciplined enough to set up the tripod so that I could work on my composition more purposefully. I got a low coffee table and, then, put the tripod up on a table - I had to climb up on a chair to look in the viewfinder and, then, hop back down to adjust the composition. So, maybe, I still have a bit to figure out, still, but did learn a fair bit, yesterday. I, still, see so many flaws. I didn't reflect the light back because I wanted shadowy with black in it. Next time, I won't have a fabric with a pattern in it set up so that it's straight on, like this. That didn't work, quite. Also, food photography - that lovely out of focus thing that they do....totally didn't work in the first - I think the oof bouquet is more distracting than anything. Thoughts, please? (and, I know, I haven't even responded to all of your wonderful comments on the autumn road, yet. I'm getting there....just so busy! )
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Post by robmarshall on Nov 25, 2011 17:12:33 GMT
I got a low coffee table and, then, put the tripod up on a table - I had to climb up on a chair to look in the viewfinder and, then, hop back down to adjust the composition. Now, that's the shot we really want to see (New England lady teeters precariously on rickety chair...) The shots! This is just my theory, Katy - but for still life you want to select one object and make that the main subject of the shot. Someone looking at the shot should see that object immediately and focus on it. There may be more than one object but one of them will be dominant - the others just providing context or framing. Have a look at mine here to see what I mean www.robmarshall.net/Images/Home-Alone/13792412_LxnQMh#1600447693_4w52QVd I think it's OK to have more than one of the same object - for example some of mine are reflection pairs, but they need to have some harmony with each other. I think the objects in your shots are too dissimilar and are competing for attention. It lacks harmony, and yet this is just the type of setting that should have a sense of calm. I think I would have just used the pie. Perhaps a slice cut out and a fork (I love forks ) resting on the slice. Perhaps a light dusting of sugar, some soft-focus back-ground. A gingham table cloth, a napkin ring... I'm starting to burble now... Was the pie nice? I'm sure it was. Where's my slice?
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Post by katynoelle on Nov 26, 2011 3:07:37 GMT
I got a low coffee table and, then, put the tripod up on a table - I had to climb up on a chair to look in the viewfinder and, then, hop back down to adjust the composition. Now, that's the shot we really want to see (New England lady teeters precariously on rickety chair...) Yup! Right! I almost didn't tell you about it all.... Alright, after I got over being slightly crestfallen... ;-) I've been thinking about this all day and I do really see what you mean. I had to be quick with these photos and, when I stopped, I thought that I hadn't really explored it much - what was there and the angles and the light, etc, etc....but people were waiting for their slice of pie. So, I'm patting myself on the back for taking a crack at this. I feel like it's a step in the right direction and, now, I've got "work on simplicity of shot" in my brain. (well, and quite a few more thoughts than that but, please, don't make me put it into words.) Anyway, I knew that - I really did. It just really helps for you to say it. Thanks! Food photography seems so simple from the outside....it feels like a bit of a complicated puzzle to me. I think I need a new lens! Yes! very.....better hurry! Only three slices left (and a little pecan and a whole apple cake that I've had hidden....!) Thanks, Rob, for the input!
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Post by chrisc on Nov 26, 2011 5:15:54 GMT
Don't much care for pumpkin pie, but apple cake and a fresh apple pie..ooooh, now that's the cat's meow.
I have to agree with Rob as to this these images needing one focus point and with oyur assessment as to having a much plainer backdrop.
Nice pie crust!
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Post by robmarshall on Nov 26, 2011 7:24:38 GMT
So, I'm patting myself on the back for taking a crack at this. I feel like it's a step in the right direction... It is a step in the right direction, and I should have acknowledged that It's important to try different things, to experiment, to take on techniques from others etc. And using a tripod is definitely a plus point. The only problem now is you have to start going to the therapy group "Hi there. My name is Katy, and I'm a tripod user..." ;D
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Post by DonS on Nov 26, 2011 14:10:50 GMT
Katy, you really make me hungry now... Is that your home made pie??? I really like the 1st picture... As for #2, I think it would be better if you focus on the pie instead... Aaaaarrrgggghhhhhhh.... Now I'm hungry..... ;D
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Post by jeeperman on Nov 26, 2011 17:03:22 GMT
Great attempts Katy, this type of shot can be somewhat tricky to set up perfect. For time restained I think you did quite well and now have a map of sorts for next time. I too would rather the focus be on the pie in #2 which is the image I like best. While the eggs are interesting I think they add too much as they steal some attention. Also I agree with Chris, Nice crust!
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Post by katynoelle on Nov 27, 2011 2:02:18 GMT
Thanks, Guys, for your comments! They're always helpful, you know! Yes, I do love pumpkin pie, personally, but, Chris - although, I know you don't like Garrison Keillor - he's expressed the opinion that pumpkin pie is just an excuse for mediocrity - one isn't any better than the other - it's just an excuse to eat nutmeg. I don't completely agree - i love it! ;-) Maybe, I just love pumpkin. so, here is the raw (unedited) of the second shot with the focus on the pie, instead. What's confusing me is that it seems like so much of food photography is about oof - except for the main subject but the flowers, oof, just are bugging the heck out of me. Maybe, because, the nest - being at the same level as the pie - is too much in focus. Part of the puzzle.... is this all too boring for words, though? Well, I'm so tired - I'm just going to stop now.
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Post by Kay on Nov 27, 2011 19:29:56 GMT
Well done Katy - it is noteasy stepping out on a new direction and with ungry mouths waiting as well! This of course proves correct my path down the whole no-cooking direction, I don't have ayone wtg to consume anything I create... they just see me in the kitchen & start slinking ever so slowly to their phones & attempt surrepticously to hit the right number for their speed dial of 'the noodle man' without my knowing I think Rob et al are correct about the linking or theme to the items.. It made me think then of the patchwork quilts, I have some warm flannel ones that I made with friendssome years ago. But I bet you know what I mean, when you look at a quilt and it is just straight away pleasing the different fabrics tie together 'just so' but then another time you see one & you think - if onlythey hadn't added that 1 'fat 1/4' in that fabric, it just 'doesn't go'. For me with this picture, it's the eggs, they distract rather then add to the whole. The autumn tones in most of the flowers link them, as you say a plain tablecloth, even the vase and the piedish, both crystal or both white - don't have to be from the same setting, just ...I'm sure you know what I mean. But like the Lads, I really look forward to you sharing some more on this theme with us.
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Post by katynoelle on Nov 29, 2011 3:41:19 GMT
Thanks, kay! Wow! It is soooo nice to have you back, I must say! I do know just what you mean about the quilts with the one wrong fabric and one thinks, "what were they thinking?" and, I suppose, they just couldn't see it, at the time.;-) Well, well....I'll try some more. I think that I really need a studio, though - a place that I can keep these wacky setups without having to constantly move the furniture and everything and, then, having a huge mess to clean up!
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