Wine anyone?

[Bambi]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5304700395_9003cab2d9_b.jpg

[Mad Aussie]

That's a very nice effort! I like the lighting greatly and also the arrangement of the elements themselves.

The blown out candle flame could be something to pick on but I think it works as is also.

The composition might be stronger without the negative space to the left of the wine bottle I think. There's noise in that space and really I think the tall bottle (in relation to the other elements) might look better closer to the left side of the photo frame.

Apart from that, this HDR or Topaz looking image is very nice to my eye.

[JAS_Photo]

It is probably the result of the processing but it bothers me a bit that the glass does not look clean. If it was a neglected glass in a musty old cellar, ok, but otherwise no. I have been in the hospitality business too long I guess. :)

[Mad Aussie]

Good pick JAS ... I missed that one.

[Iguanasan]

Very nice setup, Bambi. Well composed. MA and JAS have picked up on pretty much all the details. I can certainly see how hard "product shots" are as the low light has underexposed the background which has introduced lots of noise. It would be pretty hard to light the background up enough to reduce the noise yet still give it that wonderful mood you've captured.

[Bambi]

Thanks for the feedback guys.


It is probably the result of the processing but it bothers me a bit that the glass does not look clean. If it was a neglected glass in a musty old cellar, ok, but otherwise no. I have been in the hospitality business too long I guess. :)

ha! Jas- the glass was fresh out of the dishwasher. it must be my fingerprints from moving it around. I will see what I can do to remove them. Not sure how to remove the noise from the background but will give it a go.

I am just trying to stretch myself a bit. And since I am still under the weather- playing in the dining room seemed like fun. :)

[Marko]

Nice play bambi and I like the final product.
Just wanted to add that these types of shots are indeed VERY VERY difficult to get just right. When they are done professionally, you can expect 4-6 hours (before PP) of work with a couple of people helping.

Personally, what niggles at me the most is the blown flame (it's just too blown imo, though it SHOULD have some blown aspect. The top part of the candle itself is also blown out due to this overexposure) and the green leaf between wine and candle stick. the green leaf is stealing a bit too much of the scene to my eye due to its sharpness and location. Personally I think the scene would have been stronger without it.

That said, as others have pointed out this is still a wonderful effort and strong image.

[Bambi]

thanks Marko. It all goes into the mix for learning. :)
this one is a bit different and no leaf:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5305365504_782c5a4f1a_z.jpg

[Michaelaw]

I like the first one with exception of the blown out flame and dirty glass. I thought the negative space was deliberate as in college we were taught to leave space for the text in product shots. I think a little creative fill flash or carefully placed reflectors should help get the flame under control and the glass...A little "Sunlight" Overall I like the comp and presentation Bambi.

[Bambi]

thank you Michael. I will try this again and see how it turns out. :)

[Michaelaw]

Maybe also try cutting the wick on the candle to a snub so the flame is way smaller as that's what appears to be blowing that area out. It's a tricky scene because whatever you do to bring up the darker areas if you stop down for the flame, the bottle will squeal on you. If you could put a big splay of light on the wall and ceiling behind the camera so it would bounce gently back on the scene filling out the shaded areas with what may appear to be an ambient light. I forget what camera your using and how much lighting you have. As Marko said a few hours with assistants and lots of (as Jas calls them" fiddly bits.) Not an easy shot to get right but great for practice.