Ebony & Ivory: I've been trying to come up with photos to use for this year's theme at the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon, Music. I took this one yesterday and to me it was a...

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I've been trying to come up with photos to use for this year's theme at the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon, Music. I took this one yesterday and to me it was a natural for B&W. I'd like to hear opinions on this one. FYC

Walt

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I love the idea, Walt, but the perspective is kind of flat - static. Use Google Image search for "piano keys" and see the different ways to photograph piano keys, from an angle for example. I like the books on top but don't think the papers with tiny print add to the story. Best of luck with your exploration of the theme!

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Thanks for your input Linda. I did take some angled compositions but didn’t like any of them as they looked too much like all the others I’ve seen. Since the theme of the competition is music, I thought the books and sheet music would add to the theme. You never know what the judges will be looking for. I have a shot of my grandson’s guitar that is much more unique and interesting that I’ll probably go with.

Walt

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Hi, Walt,
Perhaps the pile of stuff could be topped with the sheet music of Paul McCartney’s and Stevie Wonder’s song of the same title?

Dave

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I find myself wanting to see what's supporting the books. They seem to be floating in the air. And the lighting on the keys could be better. The front of the keys are bright and the back is a bit too shadowy.

As far as the idea goes, if you can come up with something really original/inspiring/evocative you may have a winner, but this isn't it. And you'll be hard pushed to come up with something that hasn't been done a million times already. This composition looks like a still life shot that's lacking something very basic.

SoHillGuy Loc: Washington

I'm just thinking but for something different and possibly interesting I'm visualizing the base keys pressed down in a chord fashion and the higher note keys also in a struck position. I think it might be done by manipulating the key mechanism inside the piano. The key positions would have to be arranged to a musical sheets note sequence for a song. Good luck on your musical submission.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Thanks for everyone’s feedback. Obviously it doesn’t work so I’m ditching the piano in favor of something altogether different.

Walt

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Whuff wrote:

I've been trying to come up with photos to use for this year's theme at the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon, Music. I took this one yesterday and to me it was a natural for B&W. I'd like to hear opinions on this one. FYC

Walt

Walt, you have hit on something interesting here. I like the black and white; and I like including music to give more context. I think I would try many angles and many different perspectives (high, low, middle, real close, medium far away. Maybe even a shot along the keyboard with wide open aperture to be able to manipulate focus. The shot you presented, to me, lacks impact, but you should keep at it. I'm certain that you will come up with a shot that is engaging, imaginative and probably a winner! Can't wait to see more.
Erich

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

ebrunner wrote:

Walt, you have hit on something interesting here. ... (show quote)

I appreciate your input Erich, I received a PM from another member showing me some possibilities and I may work on the concept some more but as I stated earlier I have an entirely different concept that I feel is much better that I’ll probably go with.

Walt

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Whuff wrote:

I appreciate your input Erich, I received a PM from another member showing me some possibilities and I may work on the concept some more but as I stated earlier I have an entirely different concept that I feel is much better that I’ll probably go with.

Walt

You have our interest peaked.
Erich