Project Shot (work in progress/ NEED YOUR CC )

[Austin Greene]

Hey everyone!

So as some of you know, I'm currently working on a project for a photography course I'm taking here on campus. The theme you ask? Merging art and science, not quite the easiest task in the world to do effectively.

Yesterday I came up with the idea of using balance as my focus, both visual balance, and physical balance. For the physical side, I'm thinking I might give the pictured experiment a go, maybe shoot it similar to a product shot. The goal is to produce clean, bright, highlight lines around the edges of the forks to provide some contrast against the background. Also to demonstrate the physical side of the experiment, obviously being the balancing act.

The shot below is not a final shot, not anywhere close. Its more a shot to demonstrate the kind of basic look I'm going for. Simply put, its a starting point to demonstrate the physical experiment itself and nothing more.

What I'm running into problems is how to make the image visually appealing. Physically, there is plenty going on, but thats only half the job. I plan on recomposing it to be less centered, and I may swap the pepper shaker for a wine glass to utilize some of those nice clean lines. I've got one strobe and an umbrella to work with.

Throw all the CC/suggestions you can at me, I'm open to everything and I need it!

Best,

Toga

 

[kamelean]

Is that one toothpick balancing on another toothpick? That's what I see there, but it took awhile for me to see it.

My eye was drawn to the intersection of the forks, rather than the balance point that you were showing off.

 

[Austin Greene]

It is! Or more specifically two forks balancing on one end of a toothpick, which is then balancing on the tip of another toothpick.

Roger that! I'm thinking ill maybe use some creative lighting to draw more attention to the balancing point.

Any other suggestions?

 

[KenC]

Agree with the above, and also you should increase DOF so the closer ends of the forks are not so blurry.

 

[spacefuzz]

Its a great idea, but I think your toothpick on toothpick balancing point is in the wrong place. It blends into the forks and doesnt jump out at the viewer. To my, that is almost cooler than the forks and perhaps a slight angle shift would help it pop. Or perhaps a little front / side lighting on the top toothpick since its in shadow.