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09/21/2007 12:09:42 PM |
saw your thread...
I think the key here, as stated a few times, is composition. But I don't think the others have been specific enough.
Yes the background is cluttered, but the big problem is the clutter crossing the main subject. There's no room for it to stand out and draw attention to itself.
The composition doesn't necessarily need to be thirds, but you need to use something in the composition that solidifies things here. You could use symmetry, leading lines, negative space, theres so many options that can be used either exclusive or in combination with thirds or other techniques. The key is to shoot from different angles, even ones you don't think will work, when you are learning. After a while, you'll start to get the hang of different situations, and can take less shots and get more effective compositions easily.
The lighting is a problem here. Instead of a candle, you should have gotten a mag light or other high lumen, tight-beam flashlight to light the glass. Preferrrably the light would come from directly above or above/behind to make the liquid look more like it was glowing. Other angle can be useful, but the strong highlights detract from the main subject, the cognac.
Then you have to think, what else could be added, after you take away the distraction/detractions. Usually, a human touch to these shots can work well. It changes the concept if you put a hand in there, but a person walking away, paying the tab, something like that could increase the "night is over" feel, without having to rely on the title.
One thing to learn, the best pictures in these challenges, hardly ever rely on the title to get the message across. Take the title away here, and can you really say that this immediately screams "closing"? Probably not. Not DNMC by any means, but still not the strongest example. Think for a bit on what an ad agency would be looking to get if they said "I need an image that visually represents closing, that really gets that across to our clients". Does that change your idea of what you need this picture to be? |
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09/21/2007 12:00:15 PM |
Try reading the two sets of tips from DrAchoo:
5 tips to taking better photographs
5 More Advanced Tips to Taking Better Photos
I'd say the biggest three things with this shot were:
1) Get out of the middle. When you center the subject, you say "look nowhere else - this is the only thing you need to see." It's a picture of an object, as opposed to story. For example, a half-empty glass one side and a blurred bartender cleaning up on the other side tells a story. For centered compositions, I tend to prefer them cropped tightly around the subject, without all the background stuff.
And don't be afraid to crop. For example, I think the photo gains immediate interest simply by cropping out the stuff on the right, so the large front glass almost touches the right edge.
2) SHARP. Focus focus focus. Having said that, I'm an avid participant in the ongoing blur project here at DPC. But the point is to deliberately blur things to create a mood or, again, tell a story. Here, it's clear you meant for the subject to be sharp. It was probably very low lighting, so maybe use the timer to remove any shaking caused by pushing the shutter button. You did put the camera down, which is good!
3) Tell a story rather than shoot an object. Part of that is thinking about what's in the frame other than your main subject.
Good luck, have fun, and keep shooting! :) |
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09/20/2007 01:24:52 PM |
I didnt vote in the challenge, but I saw your thread and thought I'd comment.
First the composition (being central) isnt very pleasing to the eye, have a look at "the rule of thirds". I think it fits the challenge (but maybe i spend too much time in the pub!), but the background is a bit distracting, as is the glass on the left and the empty bottle - keep is simple. The image seems a bit "noisy" also - neatimage might help that.
Good luck in future challenges! Its all part of the learning curve!
Message edited by author 2007-09-20 13:25:22. |
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09/20/2007 01:19:44 PM |
I gave it a 5 during voting. Here are some thoughts
First, The image seems quite static - the centered glass does not provide any point of entry for the viewer. Placing the glass at one of the lower thirds would have provided more eye appeal.
Second, the background is washed out is cluttered, taking the viewers attention away from the glass.
Third, the image is not very sharp- many voters likely thought this was a quick snapshot taken in a bar, rather than a carefully laid out shot. Many voters give extra points for effort - real or perceived!
Forth, some voters were very literal in their interpretation of the challenge and this does not show any actual action.
Personally, I think it is a fine idea and a good concept, but showing the bartender cleaning up the bar with one sole drinker sitting at the end of the bar would likely have been a better story to be told.
Just some thoughts, since you asked...
Cheers. |
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Comments Made During the Challenge  |
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09/18/2007 10:28:30 PM |
| Why center the subject? The lighting is a little flat. |
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09/18/2007 12:00:57 PM |
| Wow, if you drink this much brandy at closing time, I hope you dont have to drive home!!!! |
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09/17/2007 10:31:29 AM |
| haha! I know who you are! |
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09/16/2007 11:56:38 PM |
| Nice idea to tie in with the challenge theme. Looks a bit too forensic, though, for a last call. Maybe it's in an aristocratic bar, though. Just a bit too much light everywhere. Very crisp, though. The "legs" on the brandy are cool. |
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09/16/2007 10:14:25 PM |
| bumping up..clasic & beautiful image! |
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09/16/2007 10:11:05 PM |
| Bad lighting, bad color tinting |
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09/15/2007 12:48:36 AM |
| Beautiful, warm lighting, tones and colors. Nice composition, too! |
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09/14/2007 08:42:45 PM |
| Don’t really get it – but that’s me. Good luck! |
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09/14/2007 06:59:09 AM |
| nice lighting, but shame its a bit noisy. perhaps a longer shutter speed? |
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09/14/2007 04:45:01 AM |
| Other than the half filled drink, I don't feel the challenge. |
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09/12/2007 09:35:03 PM |
| Nice idea with the candle. Having the glass not completely centered might make this photo a little more interesting. |
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09/12/2007 09:25:13 PM |
| creative idea, nice capture. focus seems a little soft though. |
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