Class project, still life
Feb 17, 2018 11:33:21 #
VERY GOOD1
Now let's go to the next step..
To refine the shot you need to correct a DISUNITY OF LIGHTNING. That happens when the image seems to have 2 MAIN light sources. We are used to seeing things lighted, in nature, by one main source-THE SUN, and since we have only one of them our eyes and brains tend to process images that way. Also, we need the product or main motif in any photography to stand out as the point of interest- we want the eyes to go directly to it. Lighting and composition are the tools.
The multiple reflections are a symptom of light disunity- one major reflection or highlight is a good thing because it delineates the shape of the item and separates it from the background. I would like to see the highlight on the right side of the bottle softer and longer- the ull length of the bottle. To do that, bring the soft box in from the right and get it in closer. If you are using a speedlight without a modeling lamp, you may want to temporary replace the flash unit with an ordinary light bulb so you can see you lighting. As you bring the light in close it becomes softer and will probably cover the length of the bottle. If not- use a (speedlight) light bounced off your reflector as the main light and try the same approach- closer and covering the full length. For fill light, use a piece of white cardboard - it will be softer and less directional that the disk reflector or bounce another light off the ceiling at a distance away.
Watch the props- there is a grape that is bruised- in the foreground!
You might want to try a higher ratio- less fill to give the shot a bit more mood. Replace the glass of grapes with a basket or grapes of other container that does not create more reflections and move it more ot the back of the bottle.
If you do lots of this kind of work, you may consider a larger soft-box.
I did a quick edit on you image to help visualize the idea that I am trying to explain. I removed some of the reflections at the left. I darkened the background to subdue it but there is enough color mass remaining to provide separation and depth. Many of theses painted portrait background are made with high-chroma paints that tend to fluores and take on an iridescent look. I darkened and diffused the grapes so the are suggested but do not compete with the bottle. I moved the bottle slight off of dead center.
We are making good progress! Thanks for continuing the project. Please see the edits in the next reply boxes.
Now let's go to the next step..
To refine the shot you need to correct a DISUNITY OF LIGHTNING. That happens when the image seems to have 2 MAIN light sources. We are used to seeing things lighted, in nature, by one main source-THE SUN, and since we have only one of them our eyes and brains tend to process images that way. Also, we need the product or main motif in any photography to stand out as the point of interest- we want the eyes to go directly to it. Lighting and composition are the tools.
The multiple reflections are a symptom of light disunity- one major reflection or highlight is a good thing because it delineates the shape of the item and separates it from the background. I would like to see the highlight on the right side of the bottle softer and longer- the ull length of the bottle. To do that, bring the soft box in from the right and get it in closer. If you are using a speedlight without a modeling lamp, you may want to temporary replace the flash unit with an ordinary light bulb so you can see you lighting. As you bring the light in close it becomes softer and will probably cover the length of the bottle. If not- use a (speedlight) light bounced off your reflector as the main light and try the same approach- closer and covering the full length. For fill light, use a piece of white cardboard - it will be softer and less directional that the disk reflector or bounce another light off the ceiling at a distance away.
Watch the props- there is a grape that is bruised- in the foreground!
You might want to try a higher ratio- less fill to give the shot a bit more mood. Replace the glass of grapes with a basket or grapes of other container that does not create more reflections and move it more ot the back of the bottle.
If you do lots of this kind of work, you may consider a larger soft-box.
I did a quick edit on you image to help visualize the idea that I am trying to explain. I removed some of the reflections at the left. I darkened the background to subdue it but there is enough color mass remaining to provide separation and depth. Many of theses painted portrait background are made with high-chroma paints that tend to fluores and take on an iridescent look. I darkened and diffused the grapes so the are suggested but do not compete with the bottle. I moved the bottle slight off of dead center.
We are making good progress! Thanks for continuing the project. Please see the edits in the next reply boxes.
Feb 17, 2018 11:40:36 #
Edit #1& #2
Add a texture screen and a frame and you start making art!
Add a texture screen and a frame and you start making art!
Feb 17, 2018 18:42:25 #
I was able to get the highlight all the way down the bottle but could not light the label without another light.
Feb 17, 2018 19:58:59 #
PERFECT highlights! The thin line on the right side is fine- it adds shape and separation and is not distracting.
SEE- you solved all the bad reflection issues, NOW- work on your props, mood and composition.
Are we having fun yet?
Believe it or not, even with years of experience and an expert styling crew on hand, some shoots are problematic and require a lot of working up. When you add the props, bring in as many things as you think may work and then, by the process of elimination, find the simplest and most elegant combination.
SEE- you solved all the bad reflection issues, NOW- work on your props, mood and composition.
Are we having fun yet?
Believe it or not, even with years of experience and an expert styling crew on hand, some shoots are problematic and require a lot of working up. When you add the props, bring in as many things as you think may work and then, by the process of elimination, find the simplest and most elegant combination.
Feb 18, 2018 08:27:03 #
I will look for the right props to finish this set. Thanks for hanging in there with me and yes, we ARE having fun.
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
PERFECT highlights! The thin line on the right sid... (show quote)
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