usage of light tent, critique this snake!

[katia]

Camera Nikon D90
Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture f/9.0
Focal Length 20 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias +5 EV
Flash On, Return not detected

This was my first time (ever!) using a speedlight. I used the Nikon SB-600. I can't remember the exact settings, because I didn't even know what I was doing in the first place :P

I would like to know how I did. I've seen lots of "white background" shots and that is obviously what I was trying to achieve. I did a bit of editing to erase a tad bit of shadow at the corners.

How is the contrast, focus, and does the photo POP to you? How can I improve on this style of photography?

[sk66]

Honestly?
Nice Job! Only critique is the eye should be clearer...I think a shadow line is across it. Could probably be touched up in PS.

[Cola]

Just out of curiosity why did you shoot at 1/40?

I would imagine with a live subject you would want to better freeze the action for the sharpest photo possible at atleast 1/80 or faster. Using a speedlight you shouldn't need your ambient light so a quicker shutter speed would make for a sharper image.Nice composition though I do like the shot, just sharing my .02

[katia]

honestly? no idea why i shot at 1/40. i was using my wide angle though, which zooms to a max of 20mm so i most likely wasn't paying much attention to the shutterspeed.

i looked at another image from the same shoot, and it looks like the weird thing in his eye is actually a reflection of the light tent setup. if you zoom right in you can see where the background in the lighttent meets the carpet in my bedroom.

unfortunately i'm not skilled enough in photoshop to do anything about it :P

thanks for the critiques though!

[zona5101]

nice work. i think it turned out great...

[royey123]

I think it looks marvelous - freaky - but marvelous. Hate snakes ! lol Unless of course I saw a snake eating a cat I'd like it - allergic to kitties!

[Laurenbiz]

This is gooooood work.

Is this a real lightbox, or have you made your own makeshift lightbox? I've found DIY instructions for a lightbox, and I'd like to try it :-)

[katia]

thanks!

it's DIY

i used some PVC pipe + connectors, as well as white posterboard along with a Nikon SB600. that was my only light source (aside from ambient)

[bookah4311]

Beautiful subject...from a distance, which is the way I prefer it.