Thread Machine

[4XTaco]

I found this machine interesting for some reason and I probably spent a good 15 minutes taking exposures at different shutter speeds. I'll spare everyone and only post one for comment. I thought this particular shot was a decent balance on color and movement- you can see there definitely is movement. The lighting was difficult since this machine was actually under a tent. This is a unedited jpg off the camera, I have this image in a RAW format also but I have not photoshopped it yet.
Please feel free to comment and critique.

[Ronnoco]

The problem with complex machines is that you require a portable studio with multiple lights and/or soft boxes to light them properly. Failing that, a strong fill flash would at least have helped.

Ronnoco

[MB1]

I like the strong colors of the threads and the way they lead to a single point.

I would try cropping a tiny bit off the right, everything off the top above the brass fitting that the threads are leading to and everything to the left starting at and including the 2 vertical pipes/supports.

That would leave the colorful bobbins, some well lit gears and a few darker areas to balance the image.

[4XTaco]

Great suggestion... I definitely will try cropping it down. I have many other exposures of this machine also, I may post some of those in comparison.

[jbaldocchi]

Your image seems too busy to me. I think if you cropped it down to a segment of the image it might hold my interest more. The metal poles on the left are distracting.

Jim B.

[4XTaco]

OK try this one out... cropped down and made some subtle changes. I have another shot of this I may post to this thread that is slightly less blurred, I set the shutter speed a bit higher... you can still see movement but the bobbins aren't as blurred as this shot.

[jbaldocchi]

I like it and the motion is more obvious. What do you think?

Jim B.

[Coastal Flyer]

4XTaco:

I much prefer the cropped version. As others have said, this image eliminates much of the distraction and focuses on the real subject. I like this shot because the subject is so unique and envy your time with a fun element such as this. I find the background, upper right now to be distracting but that can be taken out; the hard shadow across the right side of the image now seems to be too much. I realize the conditions are limiting so maybe Ronoco's comment about fill flash is well placed. Regardless, I like the movement of the gears at the bottom, the thread, bobbins, etc. Shows action.

Thanks for sharing.

CF

[gahspidy]

The cropped version is better. It brings us the colors of the thread and the gears. Eliminates the distractions.

[4XTaco]

I agree... Fill flash would have helped greatly. The cropped version I do like much better than the original. I may try to lighten the dark areas and see what happens. Overall I think it is a huge improvement.

Thanks Everyone!

[readingr]

I agree with the cropped version being better. I would also like to see the whole machine and bustle of the operator.

Roger

[4XTaco]

I actually do have an exposure of the entire machine... operator was no where near the machine. They pretty much set them up and let them run without interference until a bobbin runs out.