Resized & Saved for Web. This photo was taken with an improvised lighting set-up since my first studio kit was just purchased Saturday. This was intended to test lighting as Plan B as well as quick set-up for last-minute entries, like this one.
Statistics
Place: 163 out of 184 Avg (all users): 4.3527 Avg (commenters): 5.3000 Avg (participants): 4.2963 Avg (non-participants): 4.3706 Views since voting: 748 Views during voting: 301 Votes: 224 Comments: 12 Favorites: 0
Intial response -- I agree totally. Very interesting take on the challenge, and a great example.
Compositionally, while this arrangement works for a lot of "product" type shots, here it kinda feels static. The Bible is obviously the focal point, yet it is centered and the eyes go to the Bible and really have no where else to look. Also, by shooting it straight on, it gives it a really flat appearance. To make it more interesting, perhaps a different angle (the book OR the camera, either one) for shooting, or even have it open to a passage. It looks like there is some nice textures in the cover, so emphasizing them would work well, too.
Technically, the focus seems a touch soft, but not terribly so. I think what probably hurt the most is the muted color tones. I don't know what software you were using, but look to see if it can adjust for white balance. The cloth looks like it is supposed to be white, but looks kinda like a muted pink to me. I also think it needs a bit more contrast as it is all rather flat looking. I do like how the cloth drapes over the corner, but because it is out of focus, it is more distracting than helpful, I think.
Into the minds of the dpc voters -- Books are often considered "static" subjects. As a result, something dramatic has to be occurring to push it over the top. This can be done with composition, technique, lighting, or all three. Because the picture is a bit "flat," there isn't really anythign to reach out and "grab" the viewer and compel him/her to stay with your picture long enough to give it a higher vote.
Overall, I think you have a good idea here. If you ever decided to reshoot this particular shot, I would be interested to see what it would look like if you tried some of the following ideas. (Mind you, they may not help, I'm just trying to give you some ideas for "next time.")
*Use a white silky type of background cloth. This would contrast with the Bibles old cover and add some interest. It would also be easier (I think) to make a pure white out of it.
*Set the book on the angle, so that at least some of the pages are showing. This would help to give the book a better feeling of "dimension," and perhaps the overall shot would not feel so flat.
*Use dramatic lighting. Light from above to be like a spot light. Or from one side or the other to cast some interesting shadows.
*Put the Bible in a contextual setting. Someone reading it, on an alter, a table, etc. This would also help with the storytelling aspect and would make it more interesting so the viewers would look at it longer.
My premise that the Bible is a success in Itself could easily have been based solely on the fact that I believe it, and that it has been the single greatest influence in my life for any possible personal sucess that could be cited. (This particular copy was printed by A. J. Holman & Co., Philadelphia, 1892. Family heirloom.)
However, I chose to take a different approach for the purpose of this challenge. Any historian will remember that The Bible was the first book created by the "modern" printing press of Gutenberg. It remains the success that it is because it remains the "most purchased & most unread" book of all time. (Of course, the "most unread" part lends credibility to a label of Failure from a purely human vantage point.)
I understand the success only through the title as I don't think the photo itslef shows success. overall I think it is a good photo. I think maybe a darker fabric would help as the pink is not doing much for me. the bible itself is very very interesting. it has a great pattern and some nice wear on it. While i don't think it was the best choice for this challenge I think it ahs some good potiential and the bible could be the subject of some great photos.-5
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
