A Sipping Bourbon
Aug 20, 2019 13:34:44 #
Shot this 3 or 4 different ways before I settled on this one. I wanted to try a single defused light overhead. Added white foam core reflectors on both sides. Shot 3 different light setting then blended the 3 pictures together. One additional shot with the candle in focus then blended this layer too.
Aug 20, 2019 14:21:54 #
I really like the exposure and composition. The image seems a little slanted, though.
Aug 20, 2019 15:06:08 #
kpmac wrote:
The image seems a little slanted, though.
Perhaps the effects of the bourbon?
Nice still life! I'd boost the highlights a bit, to create a white, or near white high point outside of the center lines at the top of the bottle. I also think this might look great in black and white, but the color of the bourbon is an important story element, too.
Andy
Aug 20, 2019 18:06:21 #
kpmac wrote:
I really like the exposure and composition. The image seems a little slanted, though.
I moved it just a smudge. See below
Aug 20, 2019 18:09:51 #
AndyH wrote:
Perhaps the effects of the bourbon?
Nice still life! I'd boost the highlights a bit, to create a white, or near white high point outside of the center lines at the top of the bottle. I also think this might look great in black and white, but the color of the bourbon is an important story element, too.
Andy
Nice still life! I'd boost the highlights a bit, to create a white, or near white high point outside of the center lines at the top of the bottle. I also think this might look great in black and white, but the color of the bourbon is an important story element, too.
Andy
I added a small amount of Highlight and added a glow over the candle. Thanks for the suggestions.
Aug 20, 2019 19:05:10 #
Aug 20, 2019 21:05:54 #
Jim-Pops wrote:
I added a small amount of Highlight and added a glow over the candle. Thanks for the suggestions.
Great job!
Andy
Aug 21, 2019 08:24:32 #
Aug 21, 2019 09:17:35 #
Aug 21, 2019 13:34:53 #
jimbuckley
Loc: Arizona
I converted it to a smart object in PS, used Camera Raw, then adjusted exposure, perspective and added a little vignette. What do you think?
Aug 21, 2019 13:54:21 #
jimbuckley wrote:
I converted it to a smart object in PS, used Camera Raw, then adjusted exposure, perspective and added a little vignette. What do you think?
Like most image processing, it's hard to know when to stop! Each version you've posted has shown some little improvements that lead to an incrementally improved image. I like to imagine that if I had infinite time and patience, I could come up with the "perfect" version of every shot I ever took. Of course, that standard is always subject to change, so it's never going to happen.
Andy
Aug 21, 2019 14:38:28 #
AndyH wrote:
Like most image processing, it's hard to know when to stop! Each version you've posted has shown some little improvements that lead to an incrementally improved image. I like to imagine that if I had infinite time and patience, I could come up with the "perfect" version of every shot I ever took. Of course, that standard is always subject to change, so it's never going to happen.
Andy
Andy
👍👍
Aug 21, 2019 14:40:01 #
AndyH wrote:
Like most image processing, it's hard to know when to stop! Each version you've posted has shown some little improvements that lead to an incrementally improved image. I like to imagine that if I had infinite time and patience, I could come up with the "perfect" version of every shot I ever took. Of course, that standard is always subject to change, so it's never going to happen.
Andy
Andy
Its always up to ones own personal likes or dislikes.
Aug 21, 2019 17:12:40 #
So...it's gonna be CHALLENGE DAY at the commercial section!
The shot is well exposed and clean but I still (as the consumer) am not rushing out to buy that booze (YET)- the picture does not put me in the mood and I can't "sniff" the bourbon!
I'm gonna play "art director""
What is that candle doing there? Candlelight should set the mood not just be there. Even if the actual light source is your strobes or continuous lights, the direction of the light should seem as if it is coming to form the candle- warm and directional.
The technique comes from production cinematography where the set lighting is made to appear as if it is coming form a PRACTICAL LIGHT SOURCE.
What are we SELLING? A sipping bourbon- so places the glass upfront and shoot from an angle that a person would be ready to pick it up and sip it.
The bottle is very stylish so it needs to be there as well where it would be after pouring a glass. The candle needs to be placed as if it were a back/side light transilluminating the beverage. A reflector has to be strategically positioned so it illuminates the LABEL. The main light should rim light one side of the bottle, and transilluminate the contents and the glass.
The wooden background and table are great- it suggests aging in wooden casks, however, the strong horizontal line is distracting. The background can be under-lighted and suggested rather than shown in detail- just a hint will do!
In this case, the directly overhead light caused distracting highlights in the bottle.
If you are shooting with electronic flash, you can switch off the modeling lamps before exposing and darken the room and the drag the shutter to pick up the candle flame.
So again...you have all the props, the product, and the candle so go to it.
Get all your lights set up and add the ice cubes at the last moment. I use fake cubes. Place them carefully. Refrigerate the booze so it will not melt the rocks immediately.
Put the cork back in the bottle.
You ain't allowed to drink that stuff till you create a great shot!
Are we having fun yet? or what!
The shot is well exposed and clean but I still (as the consumer) am not rushing out to buy that booze (YET)- the picture does not put me in the mood and I can't "sniff" the bourbon!
I'm gonna play "art director""
What is that candle doing there? Candlelight should set the mood not just be there. Even if the actual light source is your strobes or continuous lights, the direction of the light should seem as if it is coming to form the candle- warm and directional.
The technique comes from production cinematography where the set lighting is made to appear as if it is coming form a PRACTICAL LIGHT SOURCE.
What are we SELLING? A sipping bourbon- so places the glass upfront and shoot from an angle that a person would be ready to pick it up and sip it.
The bottle is very stylish so it needs to be there as well where it would be after pouring a glass. The candle needs to be placed as if it were a back/side light transilluminating the beverage. A reflector has to be strategically positioned so it illuminates the LABEL. The main light should rim light one side of the bottle, and transilluminate the contents and the glass.
The wooden background and table are great- it suggests aging in wooden casks, however, the strong horizontal line is distracting. The background can be under-lighted and suggested rather than shown in detail- just a hint will do!
In this case, the directly overhead light caused distracting highlights in the bottle.
If you are shooting with electronic flash, you can switch off the modeling lamps before exposing and darken the room and the drag the shutter to pick up the candle flame.
So again...you have all the props, the product, and the candle so go to it.
Get all your lights set up and add the ice cubes at the last moment. I use fake cubes. Place them carefully. Refrigerate the booze so it will not melt the rocks immediately.
Put the cork back in the bottle.
You ain't allowed to drink that stuff till you create a great shot!
Are we having fun yet? or what!
Aug 21, 2019 18:05:39 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
So...it's gonna be CHALLENGE DAY at the commercial... (show quote)
Thanks E.L.
I will start over and try your suggestions. I knew it was not working but didn't know what to do. I do have the fake cubes but all one size.
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