The way of the old West
Feb 27, 2019 15:05:01 #
Any comments on my still life would be welcome---either positive or not. Thanks.
Feb 27, 2019 15:09:51 #
Still-lifes are tricky, for me anyway. I like the concept, but I think you have too much going on. By that I mean there are too many objects being displayed such that the mind tries to imagine stories about them all, which becomes an overload. Perhaps limit the scene to two objects. Having said that I'm not an expert.
Jason
Jason
Feb 27, 2019 15:29:21 #
DeeAndre wrote:
Any comments on my still life would be welcome---either positive or not. Thanks.
It is very good to me.
Of course I am not hyper critical but look as a whole and the feeling.
It has a wonderful feeling to me and draws me in as a cowboy growing up in a western family.
Feb 27, 2019 15:40:15 #
Feb 27, 2019 15:49:04 #
Feb 27, 2019 16:01:41 #
Feb 27, 2019 16:05:03 #
kenievans
Loc: Dallas
I like the idea, the items you shot and that great table in front the window (?). I think the lighting is a little flat and doesn't set a mood. The lantern light is over exposed so the flame looks like a blob of light instead of a flame. You might try toning down the lighting or shooting just from the light of the lantern and maybe move the bottle and the shot glass so some of that light shines through it. If some of the areas are too dark with just the lantern light you could apply a filter over a flashlight and use it to lift the darker areas and add some highlights. Its a good idea that with just a little tweaking could be a really nice still life. 
Feb 27, 2019 19:28:47 #
NMGal wrote:
I think it could do without the bottle and shot glass.
The guys that inbibed ended up on boot hill.
Feb 27, 2019 19:29:24 #
kenievans wrote:
I like the idea, the items you shot and that great... (show quote)
A very good critique which I agree with. The image definitely invokes a feeling of the Old West. It's a nice image that could become a real winner. Thanks for sharing.
Feb 27, 2019 19:41:26 #
I like the concept. I don't think the window helps because light attracts the eye, in this case away from the subject.
I would like to see some room, if possible, between the lantern and the bottle. Then, if that is a reflector on the lantern it could be lighting up the bottle a little more.
A good start and hopefully we'll hear from a still life specialist. We have a couple of them on the site.
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I would like to see some room, if possible, between the lantern and the bottle. Then, if that is a reflector on the lantern it could be lighting up the bottle a little more.
A good start and hopefully we'll hear from a still life specialist. We have a couple of them on the site.
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Feb 27, 2019 20:56:41 #
I like it. I would have used a smaller aperture for a little more dof so the old pistol and spurs were a little sharper.
Feb 28, 2019 09:28:05 #
I wouldn't change a thing in this. It conveys to me at least, life on the
prairie in the 1800's.
prairie in the 1800's.
Feb 28, 2019 09:33:45 #
Caribou
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Good effort. I'm very much an amateur and I have tried some still lifes. It's my favorite mode of expression. But I have found it very difficult to get it right. And even when I think I finally got it right others look at it and shrug. Bottom line is you have to be happy with it. But, based on my meager experience, and since you asked, here are my thoughts: I don't think the bottle looks authentic if you're going for "old west". You could lose that and the shot glass. I would put the window more to the right of the lantern instead of behind it. If you want "atmosphere" I think it's a little over-lit. Just my thoughts. That being said I admire you for putting it out there for comments.
Feb 28, 2019 10:07:10 #
Feb 28, 2019 10:48:08 #
JasonC wrote:
Still-lifes are tricky, for me anyway. I like the concept, but I think you have too much going on. By that I mean there are too many objects being displayed such that the mind tries to imagine stories about them all, which becomes an overload. Perhaps limit the scene to two objects. Having said that I'm not an expert.
Jason
Jason
Thanks for your comments. I was debating about adding the bottle and shot glass.
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