first picture in critique "dice 2"

[redeveloped]

this is my first post in the critique section, let me know what you think of it

[Nicole]

Why the ? We're not that mean

I think that you have a potentially interesting photo. The rear dice are really well lit and in sharp focus. They almost seem to glow. I also kind of like the reflection under the dice as well. Now, there is that one die in the front though that is out of focus. My opinion is that I would want the focus to essentially be reversed and have that front die in focus and the back ones slightly out of focus. Either that or in a future shoot you could remove the single die altogether. You could also move it so that die is not directly in front of the pyramid, which would make it clearer to see. The only other thing I would change is to look for a reflective black surface to put the dice on. I think that the reflection is really cool, but a solid colour might bring more attention to the dice and reflection. If you decide to re-shoot, good luck I think that this has a lot of potential.

[RexK_Cozumel]

Yeah what nic said Oh and maybe experiment with turning the dice at more of an angle so that you can see two faces of the dice or with non see thru dice.

[redeveloped]

i have a photo with one of the die at an angle, i didn't realize the focus issues until i got back to my computer. i have some other photos from the setup here. i enjoyed this one better for some reason almost the odd man out that didn't get in the pyramid, the dice are reflecting off glass with a piece of paper underneath, and the lighting is coming from underneath it all. there is no backdrop, everything behind is just out of focus and extremely underexposed.
i really enjoy both of your advice it gets the gears turning in my head with some new ideas, thanks for the positive imput

[Nathan deGargoyle]

:Looking at the set, that clear transparent die seems to be the problem. The front and back just get mixed up and look weird.

If you just used coloured translucent dice the problem would go away.

[redeveloped]

thank you Nathan i believe you are right.

[Nicole]

Actually, what if you switched the positions of the darker grey die (middle row, left) and the clear die in the front? The grey die is somewhat darker so it might make it harder to see what's behind it and remove some of the distraction that you get from the clear die. I just really like the transparent dice because of the neat sort of glowing look you get from them.

[GaryMoffat]

I like the image.

I might have tried capturing the image above and to the right given it a more 3D rendered look.

Put your lighter dice on top of the stack, (try to place the primary colours opposite each other -red opposite green- -blue opposite orange\yellow- etc.. Giving dynamic contrasting colours) this will allow the light to work with the background and the darker dice on the bottom allowing the reflective base to do its work.

Moving the key light also would allow the dice to cast some shadow to add drama while keeping the nice reflections.

I like the concept very much and is a still life shot I would like try myself as it reminds me of the 3D work I used to do many years ago.

Example:

Regards,

Gary.