What category ?

[Lovin]

Hi guys,

I'm back, but only with one photo.
I took this picture today in a restaurant, the bottle was right next to us, on my right.

What is wrong, what category is this kind of picture and what sugestions do you have for me ?

Thank you,

So first is the original, and the second one is a litle bit smaller, I cut some from it.

[Marko]

This is a HARD shot to do well - but your instinct is in the right direction.

I would have not have kept the window in this shot as it's a distraction.

You worked with what you had and this looks like a product shot. For such a shot more lighting control would be needed from additional light sources and/or reflectors.

Your eye is good however and lighting the bottle from behind is a great way to do this. The edge light is also nice. You can't read all the letters and see all of the bottle's details which is essential for a product shot and that's where the additional lights were needed.

This was a good try though especially since it was in such a non controlled (not a studio) environment.

Hope that helps,

Marko

[Travis]

Hey Lovin

another thing that makes this shot difficult is the subject
in the foreground is the same colour as the background. It would be easier to drive home your point if there is clear attention to the subject by having a difference between the two.

good to see you again

[Lovin]

Thank you guys,

What I saw there is the light coming through the bottle, and the light that make the contour of the side that was in shadow, and also as you notice, that you can read the letters.
I couldn't go around the table to take the picture, I guess because I was shy.
Next time I'll try not to be.

I have one more question for you. What kind of tripod should I buy. I saw that some are $60, others $220 or more. I know that some are more flexible than others, like angles etc etc.

[cdanddvdpublisher]

the lighting is tough - it adds some noise and the window is a bit of a distraction... seems to me an angle change might be the best choice if your were to try it again

[Marko]

I have one more question for you. What kind of tripod should I buy. I saw that some are $60, others $220 or more. I know that some are more flexible than others, like angles etc etc.

Tripods are a personal thing....and I have 2 of them. One is a solid heavier one a Manfrotto 055 I believe. The other is light and plasticky but is great when you have carry it for a while.

I would suggest 1 sturdy one and 1 lighter one that could cost as little as 30-60. The sturdy one could be made of a new lighter material but then you are talking 220. maybe even more.

[AcadieLibre]

I have a Manfrotto also with a ball head, besides the tripod you need a good head and those can be as costly as a tripod. I also have a second lighter weight one, a Velbon Sherpa 750 which I got for next to nothing and is light enough for me to carry around all day. I saw two Velbon Sherpa 750's at the Henry's outlet store and they sell for about $180 usually but it appears one of the workers was not paying attention and had a price of $19.99 and the other exact same one had a sticker on it for $119.99 on it so I of course took the $19.99 one. Both had minor scratches and were missing the quick release plate but I picked one of those up for $15.00.

You want one that will support the weight of your camera and largest lens. You can get the weight info from the camera maker and the lens manufacturer. And then pick one that will support a few pounds more then their combined weight. I agree with Marko if you can get a very good solid one (if you want to spend the money you can get a Carbon Fibre one and then you can get away with one) and one that is light weight that you can lug around with you. For a decent head and tripod look to spend around $300.00. I always shop around and look for sales, you never know what you will find.