Mikes Photography

creators

I felt more comfortable today about radically moving things around if I wasn't happy, and was pretty confident I could get somewhere. Very much appreciate comments.

_________________

hil26 · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:39 am Post subject:

Qucik thought

2nd image - which I do like - the junction of the background with the base is a little distracting - otherwise I feel its fine.

1st one - not too sure - something seems to be happening at the edges of the objects with the background but I cannot just place it - background too white maybe?
_________________
-----------------------------------------------------

Always in search of that magic moment

Blue · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:46 pm Post subject:

Agree with Hil about image 2. You've gotten a nice arrangement, but it is clearly set up on a studio table, so it just looks contrived. What about trying something like this more on location... like on the floor, with a bed just o.o.f. in the background? Or even some legs, if you've got a model (I don't recommend using your own, unless you're looking for a real niche market, LOL).

#1, I like the lighting, but the arrangement is just ok for me. It's not bad, it's just not especially thrilling. Weren't you going to try this with some panties (or was that me, LOL?)

It's

that you are still playing with this idea... I was surprised to see it again. Smile

One thing I was thinking was that maybe to really explode this idea, you need to get even more experimental... don't worry, I'm not going to say anything weird, LOL... I just mean that a lot of elements have been the same throughout this series... same shoe, bra, background, and high-key lighting. How about some low side-lighting with a strong shadow across the floor? How might the lighting be if this was a real scene? Maybe a beam of light from an open door in the background? Maybe candlelight? Car headlights? Heck, I don't know, I'm just throwing stuff out there, but that's just a single variable that you could alter. It's such a fun idea. I hope you do some more with it, and I plan on it, too, once I am out of this dratted hotel, LOL. Rolling Eyes

_________________
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought. - Albert Gyorgyi

creators · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks both got your comments, and I see what you mean about he light Dave, thanks.

I really, really appreciate what you've said Blue the idea of a light across a bedroom floor really appeals to me, which is what jumped into my mind when I read your C&C. So will definitely be exploring. I might try to borrow a pair of legs from Leah when she's not otherwise using them.

The other part is - the same pieces keep appearing because I have a limited amount of stuff to play with, that's just the way it goes at the moment, I am looking for a job lot on ebay, but there is another side to that. Using the same scenario over and over is really helpful for learning, and those black stilettoes are an absolute pig to light, therefore very good to practice with. There is no forgiveness in them at all. I may be boring the pants off you all, but where do you go for critique and how do you practice, if not on/with your mates/fellow photographers.

I have a life long fascination with glamour and lingerie (ex-trannie dahling), so it's always going to come into what I do, I've just never had the resources I do now to play with it all. Hopefully I can find ways to work with this theme that will not bore the pants off everyone and I appreciate your thoughtful comments the more for that reason.
_________________

derek · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:46 pm Post subject:

Still like this theme but as I said last time, i really think a red lace bra would look great. how about a wooden floor (if you have one) with the shadow that Blue suggested across it? Smile

derek
_________________
happy 50th birthday - motown records

creators · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:51 pm Post subject:

I think the lesson I just learned from Blue and now you Derek is get out of the studio, as well as or despite whatever I do in the studio. I've taken the red lace bra idea on and will get one in. Thanks very much.
_________________

flapjack · Strawbophile Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 700

I love what you are doing with shoes and bras - looks like a tiny corner or my daughters bedroom!! I agree with Blue about the lighting - some really good ideas there. And Dereks idea of the red bra would work really well. But to me I am used to seeing shoes bras knickers handbags etc thrown around all over my daughters floor and the objects in your pictures are 'arranged' - sorry I know I'm only an amatuer so who am I to criticise - I was thinking maybe you could throw a few things around and see how they fall and arrange themselves naturally - with the tiniest of alterations if necessary. And what about mixing the shoes and bras in with maybe other things like really classy lipsticks, lipglosses, perfumes etc (they dont have to cost the earth as long as the stuff 'looks' expensive) or maybe some trendy brightly packaged beauty products?
_________________
forget all the photography rules! experiment Smile

creators · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:52 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that flapjack, really helpful. It's a funny old thing, I was reading a book about Banksy (graffiti artist for those who don't know) and I have always wanted that kind of creative genius and know I don't have it. I know I am creative, but that spark of brilliance has never been there. I know it isn't there in my photography and it bothers me. I know I can take perfectly ok pictures and some of them are even good, but I am always looking for that edge and I know I haven't found it yet. Amateur or otherwise does not preclude critical appraisal, and that's why I value this site, if there is a way to think outside the box, it's in the process somewhere. So don't ever hold back critiques on my account. Thanks again.
_________________

flapjack · Strawbophile Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 700

Or how about one or two of the following - feather boas, wine glasses and or bottles, cocktails, streamers, jewellry with the shoes? Or maybe put something in totally unconnected with sexy high heel shoes which will make people stop and have a second look at the photos - random things I am thinking about now - fruit, little yellow rubber duck, remote controlled car, dalek, teddy bear, mobile phone, desk lamp, muscial instrument, camera - Ive gone into overdrive now! I think your photos are really inspiring and they have set me off thinking about still life combinatoins. best wsihes, Smile

_________________
forget all the photography rules! experiment Smile