Fruits of Civlilization

[daq7]

Some past criticism still applies. Stuff off frame you might want on. Some barrel distortion.

Still specifically: Some odd reflection or lens flare on the wood table top. Do I reshoot, clone stamp, or just accept it for what it is. If it is lens flare it is too funny to take out of a studio shot.



Also, I would have leaned toward a tighter crop on the top, but forgot to do it. I am rather stupid...

[jetrim]

Still specifically: Some odd reflection or lens flare on the wood table top. Do I reshoot, clone stamp, or just accept it for what it is.

Umm, you move the light source?! It is flare, and it's due to the way the light is hitting the lens elements at such a harsh angle. re-shoot and adjust the light until it stops happening. Alternatively, find a compendium lens shade which would also knock most of it out.

To be honest, I'm getting more of a "flea market treasures" feel from this than a "Fruits of Civlilization" vibe (no literature, music, or medicine?) and compositionally I think either this stuff needs to be closer together, or more stuff needs to be brought into the shot. If I were to represent all of civilization, I'd want the table overflowing with examples - like there wasn't quite enough room to tell the whole story.

[daq7]

Thanks Jet, I will probably work on a reshoot soon. Can't ditch the title unfortunately since I probably cannot deliver the promise...

[daq7]

Ok, completely re-shot it. This time I took off the wide angle, used a lens hood, lit it with a whiter foreground light and did a bit more post process work. I think the result is better, but whether enough to justify throwing good effort after bad I don't know.

I always liked the light pattern on the wall, but pack rats are easily distracted too. You have to know when it just isn't working. For me it is hard to tell with this. I like the drama a lot, but the tableau is undeniably forced.

[caleb]

I agree this ones better. I can't personally identify or "feel" what you're going for with the shot, so I shouldn't say much more than that. Your PP work is superb though. I'm quite jealous of how good you are at doing hdr's

[daq7]

Caleb, really just trying to put together the best still lives with what I have at hand.

I think, actually that it might make sense just to shoot some fruit and vegetables for awhile. Seriously, what do they make you do in photography school to learn the basics?