Vegetables in a light box experiments

[Jill H]

Light box work is a new area for me, so I thought I would post this photo here for critique.

I am thinking of doing a series of photos for a friend of mine who owns a kitchen wares shop -- with the aim of perhaps selling some photos through her shop. So the photos I am doing are based around food, like the one below.

I basically would like your opinion - what do you think of the lighting, the arrangement, do the various elements work together, is the selective focus ok, etc. I would appreciate any comments you have as I want to learn as much as I can and improve and refine my technique. So I look forward to hearing from you with your thoughts.

From Light Box

Canon EOS450D - with 18-55 lens
Lightbox (2 fluorescent lights at the side, one tungsten light in front), tripod
F/4
1/100 sec
ISO 200
No flash

[junglebear]

I like the composition and placement of the different elements, and the focus looks fine, but the light seems to fall to the right of the spoon. I think the light should fall on the end of the spoon, or on the whole scene.

[freezeframe03]

I like the composition, the focus and all elements of your subject matter, as well as their placement on the plate. I know the photo is straight, but it feels off kilter with more of the right lower corner chopped off than the left. Also, the lighting appears awkward to me. Half the plate appears blue, the other half appears pink and the spoon looks whitel (but this could just be my screen if it all looks white to you). I do think you have a good eye for kitchen art.

[Jill H]

thankyou for your comments and your observations. You have brought out some points for me to think about for next time. I know I need to sort out my lighting set up before I do any more. I haven't pp this shot at all, it is straight from camera. I might try putting it through the part of the program where you can whiten the white parts, and see what the result looks like.

Thanks for taking the time to comment - it this a very new area to me so I really appreciate you taking the time to look and comment. Thanks.

Here is the shot after a 1 minute to remove the colour cast, and then replace colour on the white parts - what do you think of the new version - has it improved.

From Light Box

[freezeframe03]

The new color on the back of the plate is now drawing more attention than your original and the elements have become a secondary glance before my eye moves back to the back of the plate again. At this point, your original photo is the better one.

[Jill H]

Originally Posted by freezeframe03

The new color on the back of the plate is now drawing more attention than your original and the elements have become a secondary glance before my eye moves back to the back of the plate again. At this point, your original photo is the better one.

Thanks for the feedback - I myself like the warmer glow better, though every time I look at it I wish there was light also coming from the left hand side.