Bible

[armando_m]

I leaned down this morning near the stand where my wife has a bible, I though it was interesting looking from this angle

[icicle]

Well I like it, but just doesn't pop at me.
and the red thing on the left hand side is a little distracting

[Frog]

I like still-lifes that are as found.
I would like it better in this case if there were a bit of separation of the little cross on right and corner of bible and same on left with whatever the wood is. Easy if its a box, hard if its wall trim.
The crucifix in back being partially covered does not bother me.

[armando_m]

Thanks for the comments!

I can move the table slightly to the right to avoid the end of the coach on the left
also I would like to move everything forward a bit away from the wall so it looks a bit blurry

[Grandpaw]

A couple observations I would like to make. First I would like to see the stand and the bible centered on the cloth. Second you might set the cross directly behind the bible on something to make it a little higher and show more of the face. This will not show due to the bible blocking whatever is used to make the cross higher. Third move the table to the right and eliminate the red on the left showing. Also move the second cross so that it is not partially hidden. If you move the table away from the wall you will probably have shadows to contend with. I think you have a lot of potential here and well worth a re shoot, Jeff

[Shebang]

...and turn the pages so the Bible is open to those most worn. I like Jesus' face 'looking' into the Bible. Good potential here, I think.

[icicle]

I had to restudy this one tonight,
Here are my thoughts on a re-shoot:
Center the table cloth on table, then center the bible stand, then center the bible on stand.
I would completely remove the smaller cross candle, and replace with two 8"-12" white candles with nice brass candle holders. I would place them about 2" in from the sides and 1" from the back of the corners of the table.
then raise the bigger cross up about 3" taller and center it with the center line of the bible.
and maybe shoot it portrait style.

[armando_m]

ok ... here is reshoot

thanks for all the ideas

[gahspidy]

The reshoot is much better. You have achieved separation of the elements by placing them thoughtfully but also by raising the point of view up a bit higher so as to see more of the cross behind the Bible and more of the table and texture. The biggest and most important difference for me in the reshoot is the lighting. There are interesting lights and shadows (from window treatments?) dancing over the setting. the exposure is right and colors very deep and eye pleasing.
Very nice improvement by careful planning and patience.

[canadianicon25]

shoot another one looking straight on the end of the bible at a slightly elevated angle. extend the DoF to approx. 3/4 of the page allowing text to focus and crucifix to begin blurring but not completely blurred. if near a window wait for evening light to come across the objects projection shadows onto the table. lose the candle in this one.

[GB1]

I really like the reshot image. Enticing subject, appealing angle, excellent sharpness.

gb

[Grandpaw]

I like this version much better. I like the slight angled view instead of straight on and also the light and shadows. I think if you had the same amount of table top showing on the left side and the bottom as you do the right side.it would frame the Bible much better instead of looking like the left side and bottom of the frame are missing.The blue cloth would act as a mat inside the picture frame and make the Bible stand out more. Remember to eliminate the red cloth on the left side of the table, Jeff

[armando_m]

Thanks again for the comments.

I was surprised how much better the second version came out

I have to remember that always tend to shoot to close to my subjects leaving out the surroundings, which I'm learning many times can make or break a photo.

[Shebang]

Second one is much improved -- good job!

[readingr]

ok ... here is reshoot

thanks for all the ideas

The second is much better and there are a few minor nitpics which you should watch for:

The bible is to close to the chin, needs a bit more separation; the right and left edge of the photo could do with a touch more space to make the photo more balanced; the cross has a slight tilt to the left so needs rotating on the wall not in the photo.

Nice re-shoot.

Roger R.

[twolfe9586]

I prefer the second one, but I still don't like the comp. it seems squished now, nothing seems centered, at least to me. And your post processing looks like your trying to draw too much detail out of it, almost like an HDR or you've boosted your clarity way too high.

I kind of want to see the shots straight from camera.

Great idea though. I like it.