Guitar photo - please comment

[gebo]

Hi this is my first post here.

Just took a photo of one of my guitars. I edited a bit in photoshop and thought the end result was nice.
I would like to see some comments. Keep in mind that I'm a noob...

Camera used: Canon SX20is

 

[tirediron]

It is a nice enough shot of the guitar. It's also a shot of an arm-chair, a radiator, and sundry other objects. Remember that the difference between a snapshot and a photograph is often the background treatment. Had you moved things around a little, and set the guitar up on a stand with just the other guitars in the background, it would have been a much stronger shot. You might also want to see if you can adjust the lighting to reduce the reflections on the lower portion of the body.

 

[jmtonkin]

The background is very distracting in this shot. With the chair and all the other guitars in the background, I find the subject REALLY struggling to be the main subject. Next time you try this, get it off the chair. There seems to be a very prominent shadow on the guitar; maybe angle it a little differently to avoid it. Finally, was this an HDR shot? There are halos all over.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

The first thing I notice about the photo, is that the background is distracting. I don't mind the other guitars being there, but it's probably better if we can't see that the photo was taken in your living room. It just makes it feel like a snap shot, rather than a well thought out photo.

Secondly, the reflection on the guitar. I don't hate the window reflection, but what is that 'shark fin' looking shadow/reflection. That kills the shot for me.

Lastly, the overall composition. I think it would better if you had the guitar at more of an angle. As it is now, it's mostly in the centre and it angles slightly away as it leaves the frame at the top...if the neck were at more of a diagonal direction...I think it would be a better shot. Also, it may be better if the top was in view...but it could probably still look good without it.

 

[gebo]

Thank you tirediron, jmtonkin and BIG Mike!

You are absolutely right. At the time I was only thinking about the guitar and didn't bother with the background. I also agree with the proeminent shadow on the guitar (shark fin). I will make a better one and repost. About the HDR, you are absolutely right, this was my first attempt at HDR, I merged 3 photos with different exposures... just to see how it would look!

 

[jmtonkin]

I don't think it's necessarily a bad HDR, especially for a first attempt. I don't have much experience with HDR, so I'm not sure how to get rid of the halos. Next time, before you click your shutter release, check and double check the background. This picture would have had much more to offer with a clean background. Also, next time, maybe use a smaller aperture if you can to get it better DOF. With a smaller aperture, you'll get a more blurred background which will at least help to take some focus off the clutter in the background.

 

[DiskoJoe]

more like this bro.....

kevin by DiskoJoe, on Flickr

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

more like this bro.....

kevin by DiskoJoe, on Flickr

It just dawned on me where the term "POSER" comes from

I'd never let my LP get that dusty.

to the OP: As stated, the background stinks as well as the reflection on the guitar and the chair it is sitting on. Its ok to have furniture and stuff if its carefully selected and ads to the shot ( like the guitar leaning against a warn stool next to a mic stand. ) Also the HDR has some issues ( halos around the guitars on the stand. )

 

[HomelessBoy]

You do know that your guitar can fall off the chair and damage it, right?

 

[gebo]

You do know that your guitar can fall off the chair and damage it, right?

Not I didn't know that!! Howw! Hooowwww is that possible?! OMG!!

 

[Magellan]

What others have said. Nice Artcore anyway Instruments are tricky to shoot, particularly full-body shots like the one you posted. IMO it's extremely difficult to take a shot like that with any artistic value to it...they always end up looking bland, even with good lighting. It's almost like a portrait, you've gotta have an interesting background. Anyway, I like the angle of the guitar, I'd try that same shot with a less busy background...maybe outdoors? Get it off the chair, have someone hold it in place for you if you can.

 

[dots]

I like the image and the edit is nice, too. What distracts me is the shape, reflected in the body of the guitar. What's that ?

 

[Compaq]

Just shooting vertical would remove the couch!! Imho, vertical orientation is much more appropriate.

 

[KmH]

Turn the camera 90° to the vertical mode to shoot your guitars. I got rid of some of the background distractions:

 

[gebo]

I like the image and the edit is nice, too. What distracts me is the shape, reflected in the body of the guitar. What's that ?

The reflection is another chair just like the one the guitar is sitting on. Didn't realise the reflection would be so proeminent.

Turn the camera 90° to the vertical mode to shoot your guitars. I got rid of some of the background distractions:

Thanks, that's much better. I''l have to shoot new photos with all this advice in mind.