I think sometimes the best way to improve is to re-visit a shot and somehow do it differently.. To me the light is a bit harsh, the inside of the cup is very burned out and the reflections on the rim are very bright.. I would also try it with a spoon, it may act as a quick visual clue as to what we're looking at.. Good work..
I like it the way it is. But then, I like cups Is that a clear mug or a black mug? now that I think its black, it is a bit reflective. Sure it could be a bit crisper (as with mine), but its a great arrangement. I don't know about a spoon... I like it because of the simplicity- but it never hurts to try... digital shots are free!
wait, I really like it. Its excellent. I can't believe people did not score it higher
Thanks - You are kind :) What do you mean by crisper, looking at you cup I presume you mean sharper better defined edges. In that case I can blame my 1.3MP camera ;-)
wait, I really like it. Its excellent. I can't believe people did not score it higher
Thanks - You are kind :) What do you mean by crisper, looking at you cup I presume you mean sharper better defined edges. In that case I can blame my 1.3MP camera ;-)
Alpin99 - Thanks I will try with softer lights
Tarique. the 8000SX is not a bad camera. I get sharper pics with that than I do with the S602 (need to use tripod :). for being 1.3MP is pretty good with its capabilities
Tarique. the 8000SX is not a bad camera. I get sharper pics with that than I do with the S602 (need to use tripod :). for being 1.3MP is pretty good with its capabilities
I have had my 8000SX for almost three years now and I absolutely love it, specially the 8x optical zoom
BUT lately since I am pushing it I find the image compression algo used a bit lacking
Even on fine setting the edges are not well antialiased and appear jagged if you take objects against uniform coloured backgrounds.
I remember this capture acutely well from the challenge. I was one of my favourites, and > ergo, I rated it highly.
What sets this shot apart from many is the unsusual dead-on perspective (although, appropiately offset within the frame) with, really, no other emphasis. It struck me, because no apparent effort has been made to either sharpen or enhance the image to satisfy an eye accustomed to the combined stimuli usually supplied by a picture most would perceive as aesthetically rich and pleasing. The resulting single-minded simplicity, although remarkable and powerful, nevertheless leaves me a little hungry for more.
The more I look at it, the more I feel that the image itself lacks nothing (!) but a context. The context, to me, is suggested by the very way the image impacts on the viewer. Which context would suitably accomodate such a chosen, investigative perspective, if not one as part of a series? I'd consider revisiting the 'sense' of the original shoot and look for variations on the same theme.
I would not change either the camera nor 'technique'. If the (orinigal) shot alone had trouble standing on its own legs, it would, IMO, do grandly as part of several investigations like this, where the aspect of 'study' is not only apparent but emphasized.
A bit of texture in the milk surface might add interest. Perhaps gently dropping something into the center just before the exposure would do the trick--not necessarily to capture the splash, just to make some concentric rings in the surface. You got the exposure just right; the milk is white, but not quite as bright as the specular highlights on the rim of the cup and saucer.
You were wondering how to make more decisive use of the gray space in the bottom, and I think that is good intuition. My suggestion is to lop it off. A perfectly square frame would better complement the perfectly circular subject.
I also like zeuszen's suggestion to make this part of a series.
