Chess wars

[MJS]

The harsh white, reflective surfaces and new Tokina macro seemed like a challenge while waiting for my son to finish jazz band practice.

[Chunk]

I like the sharp reflections, especially amongst the oof foreground pieces. An end game setup might be more interesting.

[MJS]

I was thinking along that line. Figured some kind of series.

[readingr]

Michael,

I like the tension this photo provides, reminds me of the first move in a game.

The sharp reflections make this photo for me especially as they reach into the OOF areas between the white's pieces.

My only very minor critique is that I would have added a little bit of blur to the top of the king to make it more realistic where it meets the edge of the board. I would also level the board.

Roger

[MJS]

Thanks Roger. I am just starting to test the Macro capabilities of the Tokina and experiment iwth the DOF. That was done under tungsten lightingm cieling mounted in the studio above and behind the camera. Rreglection was provided by the bounce off the white background. I originally got the lens for Portrait work and am just beginning to try the whole macro thing for fun. Exposure was f/16, I can't remember the shutter speed.

[gahspidy]

I am thinking that it may have worked best if the focus were more on the foreground pieces. The blurry, opaque pieces in the front came off almost like distracting reflections until I gathered what it was I was looking at. Also, focus being closer to the fg would have softened that bg texture cloth, which I find not working for the best interest of the image.Just my initial thoughts here.

[MJS]

Thanks Gary, I'll give that a try on the next time around. I'm using the chess wars series as an tool to teach perspective and depth of field to my intermedia and advanced Media Studies students. (Broadcast and film class) I've never really done any kind of still life, just portraits, journalism, sport, events and PR work, so this is always helpful and interesting.

I appreciate the input.