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Paperweight & Pen

© Michael R. McKenney

Paperweight & Pen

Uploaded: October 29, 2004

Description

The day my "new" (from eBay) Nikon CoolPix 5000 arrived, I took this shot of 2 items on my desk. I deliberately turned off the flash, set the focus for macro/closeup, and handheld for this. No doubt many will ask me what the focus of the shot is. I started out just taking the paperweight (which I love), but then threw in my pen. I like the picture for all the colors, plus the grain in my desk, and the lighting. Wasn't quite sure whether to place this in Elements of Design or Deta

Comments

Michael R. McKenney level-classic October 29, 2004

I gingerly submit this in the Constructive Critique category. As my description of the photo says, this was one of the first taken with my new CoolPix 5000, and I am relatively new to digital photography. This was more or less just checking out my new camera, but I ended up really liking this shot. I regreat 3 things in it: 1)I cut the tip of the shadow from the pen point off; 2)I have the tiny edge of the base of my lamp in the upper right hand corner; and 3) the glare on the desktop from my lamp. I would LOVE any comments/suggestions. Thanks! #183273

Protacio Serna October 29, 2004

Hey Michael....that's your paperweight, that's your pen, your desk, and you used your coolpix, to take your picture.....and now you are doing the critique?

There's no food left for the sharks in this place..... ;)

To me the main problem is the glare in the desk. But...look at your picture again...see the paperweight? try something different now...see those little stars in that constelation? go for a real macro this time and try an abstract image of the paperweight.

Sorry...I didn't mean to tell you what to do...it is just a suggestion...since you left nothing to critique.

REgards
PSerna

P.S. I liked your picture anyway. #877617

Michael R. McKenney level-classic October 29, 2004

Again, thank you for the suggestion. Guess I did get carried away with the "whole production" of this project, but you thought about zooming in further on the paperweight is right on. The paperweight is from "Glass Eye Studio" and part of a "Celestial Series," this one being "Andromeda Galaxy." Not sure if I'm up to the challenge though. Anyway, thanks so much for the words and for taking time to post and comment on my picture! #877732

Protacio Serna October 29, 2004

:) is that the name of the paperweight?

Cool...is a beautiful piece. About zooming in...forget about it...you took a good picture...and you know how to improve it.

Enjoy #878081

Michael R. McKenney level-classic October 29, 2004

Here is the URL for the paperweight. Their picture is quite a bit different than the actual piece I own. Also, they are a bit "pricey" but my wife got this for me as a gift.

http://www.glasseye.com/product/celestial/andromeda/andromeda.html #878085

Protacio Serna October 29, 2004

jejeje...I'm sure you know what I'm thinking....your picture is way better!

Yours looks like a gallaxy....and their picture is...well...just a paperweight.

See you around. #878098

Bob Fehringer October 29, 2004

Between you two, there is not much left to say except you might want to try using a small reflector off to the left. A piece of white paper or cardboard will do for such a small setting. It would knock out that harsh shadow and give a little detail there.

Just get rid of that hot spot and you got it. #878118

Michael R. McKenney level-classic October 30, 2004

Thanks Bob! The hot spot definitely has to go. The shawdow ..... well, I sort of like it, but I think you're right. It is a little harsh. Maybe a compromis there.

Now, my problem is, I am not real sure how to accomplish even something as rudimentary as this. I only have a small little "freeware" called Ifran View to manipulate photos with. Have never used any of the heavy-duty software programs like photoshop etc. Maybe it's time to get my feet wet, or even dive right in, and learn how to clean up some of my pictures. #878739

Protacio Serna October 30, 2004

Hey Michael...I was thinking about your picture early this morning and about that hotspot, wich is the only thing that worries me at this time.

Now...you have the paperweight, there's your pen...why don't you write something in a few sheets of paper and complete the scene. Be careful with the exposure beacuse of the white. But I think that not only will cover the hotspot, but also will complete the theme of your picture.

About the shadow, Bob is right, perhaps if instead of directing the light to the subjects, turn it the other way and bounce it in a white cardboard. Your exposure will need a longer time. Get a tripod but I think it is worth it.

See you....Pserna #879165

Bob Fehringer October 30, 2004

Don't get me started on the anti-manipulation crusade again. Just learn the craft of photography before you go changing everything you liked when you first saw it.

Photoshop and all the others are great to do whatever you can do in a darktoom, but when you start adding and taking stuff away, it is no longer a photo, but a photo illustration. Totally fowned on in the journalism world and there are too many photo artists out there now who rely on their computer, not their eye and talent at the moment of exposure.

Whoops, I almost did it again, huh Protacio.

Have fun.
BF

#879444

Protacio Serna October 30, 2004

Very close Bob...Pserna #879448

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