Working on better Jewelry Shots

[brecklundin]

canceled...

[aroundlsu]

It looks like you added a lot of noise reduction. You definitely need a macro lens, or even just some cheap closeup filters for this shot. The quality would be one million times better.

[brecklundin]

cancelled..

[aroundlsu]

I'm sorry, I just don't see any detail at all in the ring, which typically happens when people try to add too much noise reduction. If you could get closer, why the heck didn't you? The other jewelery shots you posted look great!

[brecklundin]

cancelled

[tonydee]

Biggest problem for me (other than it being a horrible piece of jewelry) is the dullness of the stone. Guess you just have to move some lights around until it gets some life in it.

I can see why the NR accusation was leveled - there's hardly any local contrast or detail - very smooth. That's particularly obvious in the larger image posted. I thought it might be a low-quality JPEG conversion, but the file's 221kb - plenty given the dimensions. Unlikely, but might as well ask... you didn't select "smoothing" when saving the JPEG?

Shooting at f/13 you'll be starting to get diffraction issues - would keep to f/11, or even f/8 if DOF suffices.

Finally, isn't the EF-S 60 is a 1:1 macro like the EF-180? They have different angles of view, but your subject matter is shallow enough that that won't be too relevant, so your suggesting that you could fit the item at close to using 1:1 with the EF-S 60 while the EF-180 would somehow be excessive seems a fundamental misunderstanding about magnification. The 180 simply lets you get the magnification from further away, with a narrower angle.

Cheers, Tony

[brecklundin]

Biggest problem for me (other than it being a horrible piece of jewelry) is the dullness of the stone. Guess you just have to move some lights around until it gets some life in it.

Well, do you even have freaking clue what that ring represents? Your comment is way out of line...and uncalled for.

http://brecklundin.smugmug.com/photos/555038810_Wjbxf-M.jpg (http://brecklundin.smugmug.com/gallery/8384535_HiVHf/3/555038810_Wjbxf#555038810_Wjbxf-O-LB)

I am not happy with the lighting either and as I already explained the shot was not intended to even turn out as it did. I was happy it came close as it did to an OK shot, which it actually is when sized down. But that is not the idea so I completely agree. At least you somewhat tried to use your words to describe what you see as lacking. But your editorial comment just tells me to stop this thread here and now...so never mind you flitboy snob!

[RMXSeven]

Well, do you even have freaking clue what that ring represents? ......

I believe it is a ring from the United States Bowling Congress (previously known as American Bowling Congress). With almost 3 million members, its a pretty big organisation. (www.bowl.com)

The ring is a awarded as a sign of recognition for performance in the 800 series.
If I'm not mistaken, the colour of the gems represents something also?

(You can buy a similar one on ebay for about $US600)
Looks to be pretty well made.

~Ronen

[Sisyphus]

Well, do you even have freaking clue what that ring represents?

I think the aesthetics of the trophy-ring has little if anything to do with the award it represents. I did not see the photo that started the thread but this one (is it the same photo?) doesn't look too bad at 100%. Just need to get a bit closer to capture more detail.

[tonydee]

Well, do you even have freaking clue what that ring represents? Your comment is way out of line...and uncalled for.

As Sisyphus guessed, I was commenting on the appearance rather than the significance. I have some ugly things from different organisations I've belonged to too... doesn't mean I don't value them. It is a photography forum, inherently concerned with appearance, and subject selection can be part of the skill being honed, though perhaps you were expected to shoot this particular subject, or just considered it good to develop technical skill with. Regardless, I am genuinely sorry if I've offended you.

I am not happy with the lighting either and as I already explained the shot was not intended to even turn out as it did. I was happy it came close as it did to an OK shot, which it actually is when sized down. But that is not the idea so I completely agree. At least you somewhat tried to use your words to describe what you see as lacking. But your editorial comment just tells me to stop this thread here and now...so never mind you flitboy snob!

*shrug*

[RMXSeven]

What is a flitboy anyway?
Not used in Australia, and google not a massive help :(

~Ronen

[brecklundin]

guys, I want to apologize too. I had a very, and I mean very crappy day...having billing/insurance cluster you know what!! Anyway, that particular ring is something which represents a very important time of life for me. I had thought it lost in a move back home when my mom became ill...I found it the other day. I once earned a very tidy living in the game but my own health put an end to that...so this was a very personal thing.

I did take the comment as derogatory. Rather than being a twit I should have asked why you wrote what ya did!! Just my fuse was very near the stick...hehehehee...so, while I cannot undo my behavior I can just say thanks for being great and reaching out to explain it all. That does help, believe it or not...

Now, as for "flitboy"....well, it is a nasty thing to call a guy when you cast aspersions on his manliness...childish, huh?

But I will post the original shot and then the new shots I take tomorrow. I was also just actually pleased more with getting the light bar/box thing done and works really well, than the shot.

Ironically shortly before it was misplaced I was rarely able to wear the ring because my RA had and has progressed so far...

And know it's silly to place so much on something so trivial in the grand scheme of things, but for all my degrees and good things in life, that was the one thing I genuinely enjoyed doing. Nothing is more fun than a bit of action at $1000/shot when you have $8 in your pocket...the competition at the top levels are something beyond description when you know it all comes down to a single shot for $20k or $5k or even nothing.

So, I am glad I peeked back and thank you a lot for the kindness of understanding. :D

[RMXSeven]

Don't worry about it :)
We all have our bad days.

I wouldn't mind 20k for a single shot... assuming I can make it! :)

Can you share that lighting setup shot you had up?

~Ronen

[tonydee]

Yeah... no worries... misjudgements both sides. I'm pretty thick skinned, and my manhood can withstand an aspersion or two :-). Posting on Critique Corner can be a bit of a shock: many people don't really expect to be told there's much wrong with their images, so especially posting an image which was more a show and tell rather than a deliberate work of photography can lead to a clash of expectations. And I try to - hopefully it's fair to term it contribute - as many detailed critiques as I've time and energy for, but sometimes I do get a bit worn down and less patient and careful with my phrasing, less constructive and more critical. I do generally explain why I don't like something, and do my best to suggest some alternatives though. Sorry to hear you've had to give up something you were so passionate about. Grim. Cheers, Tony

[In2Photos]

I know everyone has hashed out their differences, but I just want to mention something that can help everyone.

Tony, I am not trying to specifically call you out, but I am using this piece of your post for reference.

...(other than it being a horrible piece of jewelry) ...



As this is a photography forum and we are in the Critique Corner I have to ask what this has to do with the picture? How is it constructive in any way to helping the OP take better photographs? Critique here is about making the photographer better. Recently the mod team has been made aware of an absolutely wonderful critique. I don't know how many of you may have seen it, but you can view it here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7903095#post7903095

As you can see it is very detailed, very honest, but also very tactful. While we realize that not all critiques will be this thorough, we would like everyone to make sure to remain tactful.

[Flo]

Mike, LM does give the best in depth and always helpful crits.I have read all of them. I love his point by point analysis.

[tonydee]

I know everyone has hashed out their differences, but I just want to mention something that can help everyone.

Tony, I am not trying to specifically call you out, but I am using this piece of your post for reference.

...(other than it being a horrible piece of jewelry)...As this is a photography forum and we are in the Critique Corner I have to ask what this has to do with the picture? How is it constructive in any way to helping the OP take better photographs? Critique here is about making the photographer better.

Quite so. I touched on the import of awareness of subject ascetics above - I could elaborate at length but don't think anyone would benefit. I understand where you're coming from and agree with the thrust of this.

Recently the mod team has been made aware of an absolutely wonderful critique. I don't know how many of you may have seen it, but you can view it here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7903095#post7903095

As you can see it is very detailed, very honest, but also very tactful. While we realize that not all critiques will be this thorough, we would like everyone to make sure to remain tactful.

Understood. Still, time precludes being so extremely sensitive continuously if contributing many critiques. LM's made 205 posts over three and a half years. I've made almost 1500 in less than two, predominantly critiques. I try to put everything I have to say into one post, and not post unless I've got something new to say, what might be a better way of explaining something that seems needed, or the weight of opinion on some subject is relevant and I want to chip in on one side or other.

If you want - feel free to pick any 20 posts of mine at random and tell me if you think they're so insensitive and/or uninformative that on balance it'd be better if I changed that balance or simply didn't post. No worries here.

I'm not meaning that in a combative way... just saying basically that these things happen sometimes to most of the regular reviewers, and it doesn't mean we don't understand the compromises, aren't continually reevaluating our successes and failures, and doing our best by the POTN community....

I've recently been thinking it may be useful to have a sticky thread discussing some of the expectations on both sides - posters and critics - to help keep things working smoothly. The recent "Post here for a harsh critique" thread was another example of things breaking down.

Will let you know if I find time to draft anything as a starting point, or perhaps someone else would like to have a crack at it. If it might help, I'm all for it.

Cheers, Tony

[Flo]

Tony, I learn from most all of your posts.I thank you for that;) You take more time than many to explain.

[In2Photos]

Quite so. I touched on the import of awareness of subject ascetics above - I could elaborate at length but don't think anyone would benefit. I understand where you're coming from and agree with the thrust of this.


Is beauty not in the eye of the beholder? While you may not like the aesthetics of the subject, there are those that do. In the context of this discussion, the aesthetics have little to do with the technical aspects of which the OP was trying to achieve. If this were a jewelry forum and someone asked "Does this ring look good?" then it is pertinent to state your reasons for or against its beauty.


Understood. Still, time precludes being so extremely sensitive continuously if contributing many critiques. LM's made 205 posts over three and a half years. I've made almost 1500 in less than two, predominantly critiques. I try to put everything I have to say into one post, and not post unless I've got something new to say, what might be a better way of explaining something that seems needed, or the weight of opinion on some subject is relevant and I want to chip in on one side or other.


Some post more than others, that is for certain. But a number does not equate to how much impact one may have. Take me for instance. With over 15,000 posts you think I would have wrote something important somewhere on this Forum. ;) I agree that your method of not beating a dead horse (my words not yours) is a good one. Although, if someone has pointed out some flaws in an image adding a post on the lines of "I agree" might not seem like it accomplishes anything. On one hand it doesn't, but it might help convince someone that more than one person sees the flaw. I personally would rather see a more elaborate response to one of my photos, than "I agree". But if the post that is being agreed upon is already elaborate then it just amplifies that post a little more. I am not saying run around and post "I agree" by the way. ;)

If you want - feel free to pick any 20 posts of mine at random and tell me if you think they're so insensitive and/or uninformative that on balance it'd be better if I changed that balance or simply didn't post. No worries here.

Like I said before I wasn't trying to single you out. I know the critique section is full of several members that call this "home" here on the Forum. So my post was aimed at that "general population". I don't think I need to check your posts, as we would have been made fully aware if you were typically commenting in the incorrect manner. ;)


I'm not meaning that in a combative way... just saying basically that these things happen sometimes to most of the regular reviewers, and it doesn't mean we don't understand the compromises, aren't continually reevaluating our successes and failures, and doing our best by the POTN community....

That is what we like to hear and see!



I've recently been thinking it may be useful to have a sticky thread discussing some of the expectations on both sides - posters and critics - to help keep things working smoothly. The recent "Post here for a harsh critique" thread was another example of things breaking down.

Will let you know if I find time to draft anything as a starting point, or perhaps someone else would like to have a crack at it. If it might help, I'm all for it.

Cheers, Tony
I think we have a volunteer for a possibly great sticky! ;) Let me know if you get the chance to do it. I am sure the mod team would love to see what you can come up with.