Cup in candle light

[subrataofkris]

Tried a series of experiments in candle light and tripod after getting encouragement from members to try manual exposure, again my stress was on the light, colours and shadow in tabe top photography.

EXIF
F/14, 3 sec, ISO 200, Manual Exposure, 105 mm
Light source 2 candles in one line to keep the shadow in one direction
Kept the wall corner intentionally, as I liked the lines of perspective
Made the broder, as I felt it will improve the presentation

Please let me know how to improve

[matthewchj]

Whoa. Nice! I love the colour and the warm tone.

[Palachandra]

Subrata,

I like this shot. Love the composition and the corner which made me feel a 3d appearence.

I am not sure about the shadow which you kept intentionally. I like to experiment with DOF, to show the contrast between the rough floor/wall and smooth cup and saucer surface. A slight tilt to the cup, so that the cup holder is diagonal and facing the viewer (Just MO) and placing it in left third intersection point.

[aakash_vakil]

I love the textured design on the cups...!! I would like to see just a little less yellow cast on the cups. Beautifully done - it makes you fall in love with tea drinking again ;-)

[wulf]

If it were my shot, here are the first three questions I would ask myself:

1. Are the lines (the intersections of wall and surface) in the best places? The point they join could sit on the top left "thirds" intersection, and the one going up could be positioned vertically rather than just off vertical.

2. What options are there for the shadow of the cup? You have truncated it but, by moving the candles, you could shorten it enough to capture the whole thing or have it crossing the frame elsewhere.

3. Would it be improved with a bit more illumination round the back (far enough away to not destroy all the shadow but near enough to add a bit more "modelling" to the shape)?

Wulf


2.

[subrataofkris]

Wulf, I have noted all the 3 points that you made.
The corner of surface and wall should definitely been at the right place. But after a careful thought it seems that I should place it behind the cup, exactly at the bottom left, my reasoning is that the three lines should drive my eyes to the cup. But, I will experiment with the top left as you suggested.
The next two points, about the shadow and illumination are very good suggestions.
Thanks a lot Wulf, I really appreciate it. I will re-post with these changes.

Pala, a different viewpoint, but worthy suggestions for experimentation, thanks.

matthewchj, Akash, its a pleasure to hear that you liked the shot, thanks.

[wulf]

At the moment, I would say that the (hidden) intersection of the three lines is about halfway up and about 2/5ths of the way in from the left.

What you could do is take the picture and separate into two layers - cup and background. Extend the background further in each direction so you have a large canvas to play on. Now create a third layer, which represents your frame. Experiment dragging the different elements around - when you get a juxtaposition you like, save that for reference.

Alternatively, you could also do this "old-school" - just draw some rectangles on a sheet of scrap paper and start sketching in different options. Old school or hi-tech, the aim is generate some ideas so that, when you set up the scene again, you don't have to wait for inspiration to strike you (get to work and she normally comes along sooner rather than later; wait for her and she can take all day!).

Wulf