Candlelight reflections - composition help please

[Vernian]

I'm doing a project 52 this year and my first two photos had reflections in so I thought it would be nice to keep that as a theme for the rest of the month. The idea behind this photo was to play with the reflection both of the candle but also of the shadow, thinking that the repeating pattern would be nice.

However this photo just really doesn't do it for me and I have no idea why. The candle is on the third into the photo, putting the shadow in the centre, but if I put the candle right in the centre it doesn't really seem to help. I'd really like to hear some thoughts on this.

Now I have done some pp on it to try and get something better (eg I've changed the reflecting surface to be marble and lightened the back wall) so shout if you want to see the original.



Exposure 0.2 sec (1/5)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 5.1 mm
ISO Speed 80

Thanks for looking!

[miketxgm]

I think what is lacking most is mood. Unless you are burning a scented candle to make a room smell nice, candles are more associated with creating a mood. Lighted candles will create moods such as fear like in a scary movie, they create a sense of romance, or a sense of warm calmness to relax or meditate by. The trick is to eliminate or greatly decrease ambient light during photography. Your photo does not envoke any mood for me. I don't have a problem with the composition, and I like the angle created where the wall and table top meet. You may want to experiment with a darkened background and reflective surfaces. I might try adding something near the base of the candle holder such as a single cut flower for a sense of romance, a few polished stones or seashells for a sense of calmness or relaxation, or a toppled wine glass shattered to create drama. Just use your imagination and play with it. You can create many different looks and moods. Have fun.

[Vernian]

Thanks so much! That's exactly what I was looking for and couldn't find. I didn't want to cut down the light because I liked the shadow and its reflection too, but you're spot on that its the mood factor I unconsciously expected and didn't get that was missing. I'll go play with this again.