Politics: My disclaimer is that I have absolutely no evidence that Helmut Kohl ever had even the slightest problems with alcohol. I just thought that the portrait on this book which is...

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

My disclaimer is that I have absolutely no evidence that Helmut Kohl ever had even the slightest problems with alcohol. I just thought that the portrait on this book which is an autobiography of the former Chancellor of West Germany, looked interesting gazing intensely at the cocktail glass. What do you guys think? Does look better in download; but I'm conflicted myself about the "old photo" treatment.

conflicted

(Download)

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Could it be that the serious expression is because the glass appears to be empty? I like the treatment, at least for this set up.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Nice idea Erich and original. If I was being picky the shadow from the glass could do with reducing in intensity ie fading somewhat. Its darker than the glass itself and probably not helped by being higher than the glass.
I would never have considered shuttering plywood as a backdrop as its totally at odds with the main subjects but for some unfathomable reason it works. Great thinking out of the box my man.
I generally think still life's stink but you have pulled it off. Its interesting its different with an amusing side. I suppose it should make one think but I try and avoid that particular activity at all costs!!!!!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Cwilson341 wrote:

Could it be that the serious expression is because the glass appears to be empty? I like the treatment, at least for this set up.

I figured it would be best if I kept the glass empty. I did, after all, want the shots to be sharp.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Billyspad wrote:

Nice idea Erich and original. If I was being picky... (show quote)

I don't know if it is thought provoking. Probably because I don't really know if I know how to think. You know? The plywood was actually the inside of a box (small trunk) actually that I bought at the goodwill store for about 7 Dollars. I liked the texture of the inside, so I bought it. Thank you for taking a look. I'm glad you liked it.

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

Good for you Erich for making your own statement and not using cliches.
I like it. It's well done, simple and interesting and above all, imaginative.
Pierre

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Looks great, and it's a very clever idea. I do like the plywood backdrop - its random pattern adds interest, yet does not distract from the subject.

Usually I'm not a fan of the "old photo" look, but it works here very nicely; to some extent echoing the memoir within the composition.

The book should make an interesting read.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Pierre H.J. Dumais wrote:

Good for you Erich for making your own statement and not using cliches.
I like it. It's well done, simple and interesting and above all, imaginative.
Pierre

I really like your still life photos. But, like you said, copying might be the highest form of flattery; but I wanted to try to get my own style going. I'm borrowing ideas from the others I've seen on the forum without actually copying. We shall see where it goes. Thanks for taking a look.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

rook2c4 wrote:

Looks great, and it's a very clever idea. I do like the plywood backdrop - its random pattern adds interest, yet does not distract from the subject.

Usually I'm not a fan of the "old photo" look, but it works here very nicely; to some extent echoing the memoir within the composition.

The book should make an interesting read.

I enjoyed the book; although it was a bit too self serving. The plywood was the inside of a trunk that I bought at Goodwill for a few Bucks. I'll be using it again. I like the look. As you said, different but not distracting.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

ebrunner wrote:

My disclaimer is that I have absolutely no evidence that Helmut Kohl ever had even the slightest problems with alcohol. I just thought that the portrait on this book which is an autobiography of the former Chancellor of West Germany, looked interesting gazing intensely at the cocktail glass. What do you guys think? Does look better in download; but I'm conflicted myself about the "old photo" treatment.

Interesting and creative. I like the treatment- though I know sepias are not in vogue these days I think they are an appealing alternative. The cocktail glass may be listing slightly to the right, and might be better balanced if tugged on a bit in software correction. (maybe his intense gaze has bent it away)

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

minniev wrote:

Interesting and creative. I like the treatment- though I know sepias are not in vogue these days I think they are an appealing alternative. The cocktail glass may be listing slightly to the right, and might be better balanced if tugged on a bit in software correction. (maybe his intense gaze has bent it away)

Thanks, this is certainly not a "knock your socks off" impact; but I did think it was interesting. Thanks for taking a look. I'll have to check out the level; but it was sitting on a flat surface on a table. If it is off; then the whole photo must also be off. I'll check it again. Thanks.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

ebrunner wrote:

Thanks, this is certainly not a "knock your socks off" impact; but I did think it was interesting. Thanks for taking a look. I'll have to check out the level; but it was sitting on a flat surface on a table. If it is off; then the whole photo must also be off. I'll check it again. Thanks.

I think it is a lens thing rather than a photographer or subject thing. Draw an imaginary vertical line through the middle of the stem of the glass. This is an issue I run into a lot with close ups and sometimes tinker with, don't know about other folks...

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

ebrunner wrote:

My disclaimer is that I have absolutely no evidence that Helmut Kohl ever had even the slightest problems with alcohol. I just thought that the portrait on this book which is an autobiography of the former Chancellor of West Germany, looked interesting gazing intensely at the cocktail glass. What do you guys think? Does look better in download; but I'm conflicted myself about the "old photo" treatment.

Hi, Erich,
This is creative and interesting at first glance. Well executed within the "oldie" image realm...but, to my eye at least, there is ultimately "less there than meets the eye".
I find myself at a loss as to the purpose or message.
I can relate it in no way to what I know of Kohl and of his administration. The "compressed partical-board" clearly focused...seems an unusual background choice...that makes me wonder "why" such a complexly-structured background was chosen. Seems distractive to me.
And Helmut's gaze is a thoughtful and distant one that is not aimed at the liqueur (schnapps ?) vessel, but above and beyond it...
Technically it is an accomplishment; pictorially ?????

Dave

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Uuglypher wrote:

Hi, Erich, br This is creative and interesting at ... (show quote)

I'm really interested in your observations. I had similar reservations. First the background. I liked the randomness of the particle board. Does it really fit this subject? Maybe not. I also had some serious reservations about using Helmut Kohl's image with the cocktail glass. I was afraid that it might be taken the wrong way. Besides they are not really related in any way. I still enjoyed putting the elements together; but I would agree that the picture does not really work. Thanks for keeping me honest. These are the kinds of comments and insights that help me to improve. I really appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

Not sure what it says about me, but I seem to like some of the oddest photos - like this one. Take three disjointed objects and combine them into a puzzling whole. Why the book? Why the glass? And what in the world does particle board have to do with it? But, I find the whole quite fascinating. And I'm cold sober.