Garlic

[alfredo]

[Stevenmarc]

1. Nice, it's a bit Edward Weston'ish

[alfredo]

2. I wish I was that good with light.

[Stevenmarc]

3. There's something to be said for

Natural light and long exposure and a 10f stop ND filter

[alfredo]

5. I am a big natural light fan, I'm making myself learn learn

lighting on a restricted budget.

[flamin lib]

4. If I might suggest . . .

The lighting is a bit "flat" in that it seems to come from directly behind the camera. I would have moved the garlic such that the light came from one side to emphasize the contours of the cloves inside the paper.

That said, the exposure and contrast is perfect making the garlic look luminescent. White on black is difficult from a technical standpoint.

Weston used north light exclusively in his studio work. North light is from a large window facing north (in the northern hemisphere direct sunlight will never come from the north) so the light is directional but soft enough to "wrap around" the subject. You can change the lighting ratio with simple reflectors.

Side note: Weston was an internationally acclaimed portrait photographer with many awards for his work. He fell in love with a Mexican B actress and ran off with her leaving a wife and kids to fend for themselves. His north facing window was made by scraping the emulsion off his award winning glass negatives and using them as window panes.

The guy was a nut and except for his studio work he was, to me, mediocre at best.

[alfredo]

6. Blown out highlights made the shot difficult. If I got the

contrast right for most of the bulb, highlights would blow out. I think I will try your suggestion of light from the side. The setup I have has one light on top, and one on each side. There was no front or back lighting.

I just did some more. I will see what happens with turning off the left or right light.

Everyone has their specialty. I'm still seeking mine.

[alfredo]

7. Here's a change. I turned the light on the right off.

I also used a narrower DOF. The lighting is less flat, more dramatic.

[Callalily]

8. Interesting discussion about

lighting, as I am with you alfredo, because of budget (not sure if that's an issue with you) and frankly because of my own personal style, I do not use any outside/artificial lighting. Additionally, my equipment is on the bottom/low spectrum compared to others here in the photo group.

I do know that I push my camera beyond it's limits, (expecting far more than it's capabilities) and so many times am disappointed, when in reality, it's doing what it's meant to do, nothing more and nothing less.

That said . . . here are some of my garlic shots. (I LOVE to take food photos).

[alfredo]

9. SS doesn't leave much for fun. Nice shots. Like that you

used the bag as part of the composition.

I am using a bottom line micro 4/3 camera. It cost me $400. (Olympus EPL1)

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Interchangeable-Digital-14-42mm-Black/dp/B0035LBRJO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310148490&sr=8-1

[Callalily]

10. You are producing some

amazing work with your new toy and I (and I'm sure the rest of the photo group) am truly enjoying your photos.

[alfredo]

11. I've always liked your work too. I have learned so much here. The discussion

On lighting has helped.

[flamin lib]

12. EPL1 is a fine piece of equipment, same sensor as the E620 and has

updated image processing plus image stabilization to 4 stops. You can produce wall sized images with the kit lens. I know, I have one as a companion to the 620 and 500. Just need to build a stable of flashes, more $$$$.

If I were to make a suggestion it would be to use existing light, like a window, that you can see and make changes to. Shadows too deep? Add a reflector. Not deep enough? Subtract light with a dark blocker. Add a mirror at the back of the subject for highlights.

It's all about seeing light; it's quality, intensity, and (for color) temperature. I'm a very good technician, but there are many better image makers.

I like window light because it's a very large source--my bedroom window faces north and is 5' tall x 8' wide. I can make it smaller with the drapes, I can change the placement of my subject side-light, quarter-light or back-light. I use reflectors made from white matboard, foil covered board or mirrors.

My homage to Weston:


Pepper placed for side lighting, a white reflector next to the camera to open the shadows and a gold foil reflector to the left rear to "kick" the dark edge out of merging with the black background (my black wool winter coat draped over two chairs).

Hope I'm not being insulting . . .

[alfredo]

13. I only have east/west windows, so I am limited in good light.

I run on emotion, but not much of a technician.

Really like your image. I have a white background and a black. I will have a grey background as soon as I find appropriate matboard.

Insulting? No. Helpful? Yes.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

14. Fantastic!..with your Basil & this I'm off to the kitchen to make meatballs and gravey

:toast: