This is a simple shot of my watch reflecting on the piano black lacker.
This challenge was very instructive to me. I learned that it is very hard to take a good photograph of something like this watch without proper equipment. I had no dedicated ligthing equipement; no soft box, no flash, no reflector.
I use a construction lamp bounced on the ceiling to get diffuse ligth. But it was not very strong. Also, the glass on this watch is gently curved, so it picked up reflexion of everything in the room. I had to use a white cardboard to block those reflexion and to direct more light on the watche face, which was the hardest to light without blowing out the rest.
I worked for hours to find the good angle to limit the quantity of reflections on the glass, to have good lighting and not to see the camera reflecting in the glass.
That's the best shot I manage to get with my limited skills and equipment.
I would have like the shot best if were able have the black on the watch dial uniform. Since I don't have a grand piano at home, what is happening is the edge of the piano showing on the lower half portion of the watch, and the white cardborad showing on the upper half.
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Wow, what a pleasure to critique this photo. Very well done. I have done many critiques so far and this one is a breath of fresh air. As soon as I saw it, I can tell that a lot of work went into this submission.
Yes one of the hardest photos to do is the jewelry display photography. The glare, lights, often take away valuable details from the jewelry that is being marketed and sold in the print media.
First of all looking at your notes I can see that you thought this well through. You knew your objective, even if it was intimating. You did not have all of the "pro light gear" but you forge through. Your determination paid off.
Technically its a beautiful image of a Omega wristwatch. Photographing a black and silver watch with a black face is a challenge. The reflection came out very well. The back light is well placed. The focus is spot on. I can see that this was an arduous attempt. Looks like f/11 at three seconds was the key setting. Also if you were not so honest about your shot, most people would not even notice the gray area's.
Some tips anyway. Most clocks when advertised show or read the time; 10:10, or 8:30. This shows area's of the watch better. This is especially true when you have a second hand, and a date calendar feature. Although your time displayed comes close. The other factor is the unfortunate angle of the image. Its almost leaning to the right too hard. It feels slightly precarious on the edge of the piano. It also forces the viewer to lean and refocus to enjoy the photo. Another suggestion that many members did, was to use type to promote their photo. Sometimes this helps or hinders the image, depending on the typeface that you use.
The yellow streak on the right hand side and some of the back white light is distracting but not enough to detract from a super job.
Great success, and good luck in your next DPChallenge.
Nice Lighting. I'M not very keen on the white board reflection we see on half the face of the watch tho. Sharpness is good, composition seems off a bit tho, i get a feeling of waste space on the left. The yellow line on the far right is buggy as well. Some text couldl've helped this. 7
The angle is confusing to me - not that that is a bad thing for this challenge - Very crisp - seems a little cut off at the top - the yellow to the right of the watch is distracting... 9
Beautiful, flawless shot. Nice use of the glossy base and reflection. I notice you made sure the hands were in the 2:00/10:00 beauty positions :D I'm not sure how intentional the light/dark background reflection was in the face of the watch, but I think it does help give a nice clean look to the finish of the crystal. Great work. (9)
lovely reflection. I tried going for the flat surface reflections in my entry and got slammed because I didn't pull it off like you have managed. Great job.
Wish that there was a bit more space on the top of this picture. Really good use of the reflection. The background could have been a little bit lighter in color to help bring out the dark watch band.
Great shot...the reflections are very well done. The only thing I can complain about is the very tight crop at the top of the shot..seems just a bit too close for comfort, but, hey, that's just me.
again another nice shot. Now this is one where the low key works. I love the clarity on the watch. ISO 100? I just learned about low key shots. This one really works. 10
So beautiful and classy, clean. I would move the watch over to the right a little so the band isnt so close to the edge up top. Like that touch of orange in the back... Otherwise, PERFECT!
I'm not overly fond of the placement of the watch in this shot. Being a Libra, I like balance and this just seems off kilter to me. Tilting a bit more to the right and aligning the watch better with the corner may make this better. Otherwise, it is a good, clean, crisp image and a nice entry. Good Luck!
I dont know what the light blue/grey thing in the reflection behind the ring is but i dont like it. Nice shot of the watch though. Good lighting, composition, and message.
Nice timepiece. Band detail is sort of obscured by the background (black on black). There's a bit of reflection cutting across the lower half of the face, but otherwise nicely lit.
Nice watch. I like the way you used the reflection in this image. What are the parallel lines? Table edge? This makes it obvious of the image rotation. Otherwise the lighting is good, nice DOF. Good luck.
Very well done shot. Love the details and color. The only thing that slightly bothers me is the reflection on the face of the watch. Reflection of the actual watch is looks great.
An image with great impact because of the lighting along with the reflection. Focus is a bit wanting as the 12 o'clock bars are almost blending and the Omega is not razor sharp. Outside of this minor detail the image remains the most impressive yet. Bumping up.
Love the reflection and angle of this shot. Nice lighting and detail! Very well executed. Like the fact that there is no distracting fonts and words. One of the best.
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