Epiphone

This is my first 'studio' (ahem ) shot of the year. Its a macro of my guitar. I did some minor photoshopping. I'd appreciate any critiques.

its also my avatar! :P

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I like foreground focus vs background non-focus, however, the second set of string tensioners look blurred instead of just a little out of focus. Makes my eyes cross a little, but otherwise I like the shot. The gold and black colors go well together with nothing distracting in the shot. Good job!

Very nice! The diagonal lines of the shot make for a very dynamic composition. Well done.

I would probably like the shot much better were it not for the depth of focus games. Just my personal preference, I guess - but shouldn't such a very shallow depth of field have a purpose?

Thanks. I noticed that my use of dof came up alot. I'll try another shot without as much dof.

Here's another shot without a shallow dof. this was the closest i could get without going into macro mode. what do you think?

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I like the play of DOF in the first pic, but i feel the crop is too tight. The peg is somewhat there, but its not

The 2nd pic you posted, the upper right corner is weird. Maybe u went over that corner too much, its really dark compared to the other corners.

Keep it up, i love instrument close ups

Your new shot has different lighting and a different vantage point or perspective, so it's not possible to compare one against the other. However, from the standpoint of DOF, there is certainly no problem in getting the broader DOF - the questions are -
1) would the original picture look significantly better with that DOF - in my opinion, it would.
2) would everyone agree? Unlikely!

Bottom line - you have to decide whether there is merit here or there. My original comment was that the use of such shallow DOF should have a purpose.

Rob, my issue with changing my dof from that close distance was strictly based on my technical (or lack of) skills with my g6. However, with some fiddling of the dials, I was able to get it. As for deciding merit, this is a critique thread and so I am open to any and every opinion. I have no problem at least trying various suggestion because I could to learn from every opportunity. And I do appreciate yours. So I was finally able to get a similar shot. And I have to agree. in comparison, increasing the dof on this photo does show that the use of dof on the original was rather misplaced.

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Good!

Now, the next trick is to see if a polarizer filter will help kill the reflections. I've been playing with them here and my problem is that I have at least 3 polarizer filters, but no way to attach one to the front of my G5. I'm not familiar with what can be purchased, if anything, as a screw in adapter for that camera.

Cool perspective. I'm not a big Epiphone fan, but I like it. Honestly, the first shot is my favorite...

Steve