chains of glory

[windrider86]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alockintime/2368900142/" title="zine by windrider86, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2177/2368900142_3ea1b6e01b.jpg" width="500" height="449" alt="zine" /></a>
f4.9, 49mm, ex -1, iso 100
I just got a new light box and was playing around with it. This is actaully a very very tiny chain but you cant tell that by this photo. Any ideas on how to make this appear more natural as in size ratio? I was thining of putting in a coin or something but thought that might look corny.
Also, I'm not overly happy with how the metal looks. How would I be able to catch the sheen of the metal better? Post processing or different settings on my camera?

[jiminyClickit]

windrider86,

Shiny metal takes on its surrounding colors, light level, and position of lighting. With some experimenting using large sheets of white (or any color) board in various positions, you can shape the image in new ways and probably find some you like.

For size relativity, how about a penny coming up from behind like a sunrise (newer, the better)? Or a padlock keyhole? Or the vertical edge of a door key? Or a typed "DNA" using old typewriter font? Or the perforated edge of a stamp? Doesn't have to relate to "chain" but it's fun trying.

[windrider86]

i like the penny in the back idea! I have it in a white box now with a black background, so if I put in a red background the metal would take on a red sheen, is that what you are saying?

[jiminyClickit]

Yes, almost anywhere a reflection can be seen, whatever the metal reflects will be the color on the links. Moreso from the side and forward, since larger areas will be in the reflections. If your camera lens was stuck through a hole in a sheet of green posterboard, and the posterboard received some of your lighting, the chain links would be mostly green. With your red background, the rims of each link at the top would be red, not much, but on some edges.

As with any image shot, the brightest-lit area will stand out. Same with reflections, whatever is brightest will be stronger in the links.

[windrider86]

I havent done much with this sort of thing, but as usual am having a blast figuring it out! Thank you as always for your help. I'd be lost without you!

[jiminyClickit]

windrider86,

You'll even learn a little more by having fun with it. I'm incurably curious, so mostly I'm describing things I've tried, or read about someone else doing it. Glad to share anything that opens the possibilities, really a pleasure to see you enjoy the process!

Lost? Never! There are too many explorers here for you to lose your way. But thanks for thinking good thoughts. And for being the pathfinder in WWYD.