Lightbox elegance - champagne and pearls

[Jill H]

I have a series of these photos - you can see 3 other samples in my Picasa lightbox album if you want to have a look - it took me a while to decide which one to offer for critique - in the end of chose this one over a more simple shot which just included the rose and the cork on a mirror.

I took these in my lightbox which I have only had a couple of months - I am still learning and experimenting. So I am interested to hear your comments - is the photo too cluttered? what do you think of the arrangement? Is the lighting and the focus ok? It was hard to keep get all the elements in focus so I focused on the wine glass - the rose at the front is probably a bit out of focus - perhaps I could have increased the aperture.

Thankyou for looking - and offering your comments.

From Light Box

Canon 450D
18-55mm lens
Aperture priority - F/5.6
1/15 secs
ISO 200
33mm
Auto white balance

[windrider86]

I like the concept quite a bit. I'm wondering why you have such a strong glare on your glass? If you are using light outside your box perhaps diffuse it, or not at all.
The cork I think may be too much. Simpler is usually better and you do have a lot going on with this image.
I might use a smaller aperture to make sure everything is in focus as well.
Very nice use of color!!

[Jill H]

Thankyou for looking and commenting windrider. I really appreciate it.

I did have a light coming from outside the box directly into the box at the front. The lightbox I have has only 2 side lights which I feel is not enough to really light up the objects. I am thinking I need more lights - but I am only new to the lightbox game and still learning. I am thinking I need a light coming from above through the cloth on the top of the box, and two more from the front - one either side - if I have extra coming from the front I should diffuse it?

Any help that can be given I would really appreciate. Thanks!