Fair entry decision

[KenC]

I like the composition of the first. I might clone/heal a couple of the bright spots, especially the vertical line just above and right of center. The only thing that bothers me is the valve handle in the upper left being cut off. I don't know if the original capture had that or not. If not, I'd darken it so as not to draw one's eye to that edge.

 

[tirediron]

Thanks everyone! Appreciate the input and suggestions!

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

I didn't read all of the responses. While personally I like the first better, I think the second is more "Machine" like simply because of the gears and most people immediately identify gears as some sort of machine. It also has a bit more of a quote/unquote abstract-ish quality to the framing. While I know its not an actual abstract, I simply mean that its sort of cropped tight and doeesn't try to make complete sense of what the object actually is as a whole. I would try to tweak the highlights a little to bring out some more contrast. Also maybe try some other processes. I know that OnOne phototools has a pretty nice "Chrome" plugin that along with other tweaks, may add to the shot. The biggest problem with the second one ( to me anyway ) is that the eye is drawn to that center bar, as opposed to the gears. If you have the opportunity to do a re-shoot, I would definately revisit this object and maybe rework the composition and lighting. Just my opinion for what its worth.

 

[bennielou]

I like the second better as well, but would also suggest either an edge sharpener or a teensy contast boost. Do you know what lighting the judges will be viewing by?

 

[tirediron]

...The biggest problem with the second one ( to me anyway ) is that the eye is drawn to that center bar, as opposed to the gears. If you have the opportunity to do a re-shoot, I would definately revisit this object and maybe rework the composition and lighting. Just my opinion for what its worth.

That's something I noticed after Bitter suggested a different crop, and I'm going back to try a re-shoot with some different lighting (that was four speedlights, I think we'll be up to six when I'm done) and a much tighter composition on the gears themselves.

 

[tirediron]

I like the second better as well, but would also suggest either an edge sharpener or a teensy contast boost. Do you know what lighting the judges will be viewing by?

Thanks bennie; I think they're okay for sharpening (those are 90Kb web versions down from 2.5Mb originals), but you might be right on the contrast. I've got proofs coming back from the lab today. Lighting will be run of the mill event hall fluorescent.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Nice, be sure to post some more. Experiment with the lighting a lot. I don't necessarily think you have to flood the thing with light and minimize nearly all the shadows, I think some dark murky areas and high contrast will really add to the gritty mechanical feel and bring out all of the little dings and scratches and rust spots etc. Just for whatever reason my instinct is telling me that this wasn't quite right. I think if you got rid of the shadow being cast by the guard in the top right ( the one thats covering the smallest gear ) it would be better. Its casting shadow onto the biggest gear in the back as well as down onto the frame and small gear it appears. Might even be able to do some dodging to reduce this a bit. Good luck.

 

[bennielou]

Yes, good luck. I think you have a quality shot here. Just a bit of tweeking.

 

[Forkie]

I think the second suits the "Machines" category better, but I prefer the first one out of the two!! I much prefer the verticals and horizontals of the first. I think there is too much axle and not enough gears in the second! Sorry to "throw a spanner in the works"!:Joker:

 

[tirediron]

Nice, be sure to post some more. Experiment with the lighting a lot. I don't necessarily think you have to flood the thing with light and minimize nearly all the shadows, I think some dark murky areas and high contrast will really add to the gritty mechanical feel and bring out all of the little dings and scratches and rust spots etc. Just for whatever reason my instinct is telling me that this wasn't quite right. I think if you got rid of the shadow being cast by the guard in the top right ( the one thats covering the smallest gear ) it would be better. Its casting shadow onto the biggest gear in the back as well as down onto the frame and small gear it appears. Might even be able to do some dodging to reduce this a bit. Good luck.

I agree; I think I've got the shot in mind now, it's just a matter of getting back there this weekend and getting set up..

 

[tirediron]

Yes, good luck. I think you have a quality shot here. Just a bit of tweeking.

Thanks!!!

 

[tirediron]

Sorry to "throw a spanner in the works"!:Joker:

Ooooooooohhhh, awesome idea for the 'Humour' category!!!

 

[Forkie]

Sorry to "throw a spanner in the works"!:Joker:

Ooooooooohhhh, awesome idea for the 'Humour' category!!!

ROYALTIES PLEASE!

 

[Ron Evers]

much tighter composition on the gears themselves.

That is what I was going to suggest. Too much to look at in the current version.

 

[tirediron]

Sorry to "throw a spanner in the works"!:Joker:

Ooooooooohhhh, awesome idea for the 'Humour' category!!!

ROYALTIES PLEASE!

Lessee... first prize in that category is $10 - If I win, I'll stand you a half of Best next time I'm in town!