RFC: Which one is better?

[Griffin]

Option 1:
http://www.pbase.com/image/3668309.jpg

Option 2:
http://www.pbase.com/image/3668314.jpg

Option 3:
http://www.pbase.com/image/3668317.jpg

Option 4:
http://www.pbase.com/image/3668322.jpg

Thanks for your kind attention.

Regards.

[cgesteland]

I say option #3. Whatever you did to the background is beautiful. The hint of color adds interest to the whole shot, even a little depth. Good stuff.

THe only odd thing is that the coke seems to have separated at the bottom of the glass. Any reason for that or is just ice?

[slejhamer]

#1 is the one I'd most like to drink, but #3 is the most interesting photograph.

I agree w/ Clio's observation on the nice background, and I've got the same question as to why it's separating. Nice effect though - looks like it is on fire all the way down. But even the flames from 151-proof rum will not burn down through ice-cold coke, so I'm curious as to how you achieved that effect.

Cheers,

[Pekka]

I somehow like 4 best. Maybe because it is not so clearly "a Coke ad" and the ice looks ice, not canned fruits like it the other shots. What disturbs in 2 is the it's not level. No 3 is good but somehow not "balanced" and the lens flare steps out a bit.

PS. this would be a good assignment of the week: glass of soft drink :)

[Griffin]

Thanks for the comments and please keep them coming!

Pekka, I am not sure about the problem with #2 about "level". Actually, I have have checked the leveling of the camera and I have not moved the subject for the first 3.

This is my first try for "still life" kinda photograph. I am still learning so please help me.

Okay, I am now going to kill the cat. :D



The background of options 1 and 2 is actually the back of the binocular case. Options 3 or 4 do not have any background!

As of Option #3, I dunno why this happens. I actually placed a flash lying horizontally behind the glass. The "gap" shows in all of them taken within 3 minutes. I once thought it is water but it is not likely. The flare you witness is actually the AFA light of the flash.

My "studio" is actually a table, a glass and a table lamp shining from the left of the frame. I tried various positions of the remote flash in the first 3 and the last one does not use any flash.

All are taken by Canon EOS D30 with EF70-200mm f/2.8 L USM mounted on a tripod. ST-E2 and Sigma EF500S are used where applicable.

Thank you again.

P.S. This is not "soft drink". This is "Griffin's Whisky". To prepare, you need some cola with a lot of ice inside a small, chilled glass. Make sure all the "gas" are expelled by the chill before taking. ;) I don't drink so the thick liquid is closest to alcohol for me. :D

P.P.S. Lemon-favoured Diet Coke is used here. The subject is consumed afterwards.