Think i should start a new thread to receive critique

Hi, i started a thread about tomatoes, it did get some critique, but because i started from the beginning with test shots i think most people didnt look any further.....the test shots werent that good at all after all......

so here are the finals for critique......please, as i only learn from it!

Cheers

Marco
1

I like your control over the backgrounds on each of the shots.

My major complaint about several of the shots is the shallow depth of field. I find myself complaining about that more than anyone else, so I guess I'm out of step with current trends. However, it has been my experience throughout many years of club competition that a shallow or insufficient depth of field is not much appreciated either by judges or critics. Specifically, #'s 1, 5, and 8 need more depth of field.

In #2, 3 and 4 those portions of the scene that are out of focus are not of concern, because they do not detract from the main subject. In #6 and 7 the depth of field is plenty adequate.

I don't know to what extent you are familiar with the concept of the "hyperfocal distance". If you are not thoroughly familiar with it and how to use it to advantage, I would certainly recommend studying the following web site:

http://www.dofmaster.c​om/dofjs.html

I should also mention that your lighting and color balance on all of the shots was excellent.

In my opinion #5,6 and 7 are absolute winners. Very cool. #2 looks a little soft and I'd like to see #1 with a bigger DOF. I don't like #4 at all, it looks like the plate it floating in mid air and just doesn't work.

i just hate the super black background..


I think number 2 with some work would be great.

great shots! would you mind sharing your lighting setup for #5?

except for number 2 all were shot on a black velvet background, or plateau. then a white bed sheet was hung above my area, suspended from the ceiling to bounce around my flash.

flash mostly at manual, 1/4 or 1/2 power.

i think the metering was helped by the black background, but am not sure about this.

Thank you all for your comments, i take all at heart!

Hmm, i think you feel whats coming?

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They are fabulous images, Marco. But I have to agree with Bob, if these are product shots for a menu or something, diners would like to see all of the image in focus. Although if purely for artistic purposes they are just lovely

not for menu purposes , just for fun and learning, some will definitely end on my kitchen wall or in a calendar something like that.

what were the last set shot on? looks like an opaque plexiglass or something?

the last one looks slightly underexposed. Also, watch where the shadows are being cast.

white acrylic sheet, and yes i agree with the shadows, ive learned now that i can compensate for that by using light, but then i need a few flashes or proper flashlights with softboxes i think.

i only used my 430EX on the camera, and some light from the window to light the last ones (except the crumble, tht was only flash.

i think the lighting is very creative seeing as it's only a single 430. You would fall in love with a single studio strobe paired up with that.

ive been thinking of the very cheap sets, costing something like 4000 HK$ for 3 lights....but am afraid i can only use them with small tabletop stuff, and not for peoples portraits etc........ other stuff is me just too big i cant stre it at home.

but yes i'd be very happy with some extra lights.

my lighting is partly good on most pics due to i suspend a white bedsheet from the ceiling above most my shots so i get good bounce and i use flash mostly on manual