One of my favorite things is a big bowl of ice cream with a whipped cream topping and cookies on the side. Hence, cookies and cream. Another simple setup -- colored piece of cloth, bowl of ice cream, cookies, and a lamp. I turned it into a black and white, then sharpened it just a bit. Photo done!
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Go figure, I just commented on your image earlier this AM and now it comes up at random as my Critique Club assignment. Since I've already posted my critique, feel free to PM me for a free critique on any image in the future.
You received several comments during the challenge on what could be improved with this entry. I agree with those that think this subject would have been better presented in color. But, reading your forum post, I realize that you didn't like the colors and decided to do a B&W conversion. First, you had two of the best help you improve your image as a B&W so I won't rehash that information. However, there is an excellent tutorial by fotomann here that should help you do it yourself next time.
First, lets address why you didn't like the color version, red tablecloth, white ice cream, brown cookie. I'm going to assume the bowl was white as well. If you could have found a bowl with a complementary color (light blue, green, red) for the cookies, it would have acted as a natural frame for the main subjects. Then you could have used a black or white background to highlight the bowl. Another option would be to shoot this image more from the side. This would have given the ice cream some depth by providing height to the main subject. This would have allowed you to shoot the bowl in profile and bring more color into the image.
One other suggestion, whenever I shoot a still life, I throw away my flash unit. Generally, still lifes look better if the lighting comes somewhat from the side. I bought a couple of halogen work lamps and reflect them off walls or poster board to help soften their light. These can be purchased at any home improvement store for $10 to $15 a piece. Please note, if you plan to do this you will probably need a tripod as well.
Let me know if you have any questions regarding my comments.
I like the quasi-obscene shape of the whipped cream. I think this would have been better with a tighter crop so we're not immediately sure what we're looking at. Involve the viewer with your photograph.
Not enough contrast. While I like the front shadows, they are a bit to dull. Adjusting the Levels more would probably help to bring out those features.
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