Candle light

[Clockdoc I]

My wife wanted me to post this for everyone to critique, she loves it I was just messing around trying to get used to this camera. But I am interested in what everyone thinks. Camera Nikon D80, Mode Aperture priority, f/8 20 sec., Lense 18- 55 f/3.5-5.6G, F/L 20mm, Optimize image set to vivid, White balance auto +1, ISO 100. Cropped and noise reduction in paint shop was the only post done

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2227039675/" title="Candle by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2227039675_7246495251_o.jpg" width="508" height="600" alt="Candle" /></a>

[jdepould]

This looks really low-res and the magenta border is extremely distracting.

[Sandie]

I find the boarder really distracting too. I like the set up, but I think I would try a few more bracketed shots. With f/8 and ISO 100 I would have expected much less noise or fuzz in the picture. Your candle is too hot, it needs to balance with the rest of the shot. If you try another small light source it would help give the mood I think you were going for here.

I think this is a step up and an idea that is worth continuing to work with and learn from. It has lots of good textures, shapes, depth, and angles. It also has a timeless romantic feel to it, that could really be played with.

[Clockdoc I]

I do not know how the shoot lost all the resolution because it is clear on the cameras monitor. I am new to digital and having a tough time with getting the pictures image to maintain the integrity once I upload them to the computer. Guess I need to get a book or two on the subject. I am going to try to shoot this again with a little more light on the subject so the candle is not as hot.

[peeperita]

i think you're headed in the right direction as far as allowing more light around your lit subject.....the flame burns a bit bright for your exposure.....

i'd love to see your reshoot...

peeper

[netbymatt]

I wasn't sure what I was looking at when I first saw this photo, but I think you've got a good idea for a shot there. I little more light in the foreground would make this great and a lot more recognizable. You may want to try a different metering mode to help with the over exposure, I'm not sure what your Nikon offers, but something center weighted or spot would adjust the exposure more for the candle that's near the center of the frame, keeping it from being so hot.

[Clockdoc I]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23352410@N06/2235138557/" title="DSC_0675 by clockdoc_i, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2235138557_7340a9efda.jpg" width="414" height="500" alt="DSC_0675" /></a>

How is this, settings are all about the same just added some candles in front of the image. Also changed optimize image to soft and white balance to auto + 1

[netbymatt]

Great work, the foreground lighting really helped make objects more recognizable. It also helped the auto exposure, notice how the candle isn't blown out any more.

[Sandie]

I really like this new shot! I am glad you reshot it and posted the results. Nice work.

I like the textures and the tones. Since the color palette is limited, the interest is really created by the shapes and textures.

If you reshoot again, lower your camera a bit. I think I would like to be looking slightly up instead of slightly down. It would be more like I was sitting at a romantic dinner table.

[Clockdoc I]

I really like this new shot! I am glad you reshot it and posted the results. Nice work.

I like the textures and the tones. Since the color palette is limited, the interest is really created by the shapes and textures.

If you reshoot again, lower your camera a bit. I think I would like to be looking slightly up instead of slightly down. It would be more like I was sitting at a romantic dinner table.

I like your idea for a reshoot, but don't know where I could place the candles. I have two in front of this shoot that I am able to crop out because of the angle. I'll work on it.

[peeperita]

your reshoot shows that you took critique to heart.....that's probably the most rewarding aspect of critique for me.....to see myself or others improve their work through new eyes....

you're definitely heading in the right direction.....but, your candle is still devoid of detail....bring in even more lighting.....your candle's flame is a lot "hotter" than you realise.....

thanks

peeper