Replica Tiffany and a book, C&C

[crimbfighter]

I have a replica Tiffany lamp and an early 19th century printed book, and am trying to combine them in a photo. Here were my best ideas of how to use them. Does anyone have any suggestions how I could compose this differently? I just feel like my compositional choice isn't conveying the image the way I want it to.

1. Looking back, this one probably could benefit from a larger DOF.

2. I also tried a B&W conversion. Not sure if I like it, though.

3.

4. This one is my new desktop background, and possibly my personal favorite.

 

[DisasterDan]

In 1-2 the lamp is kind of cut out a bit
3 seems to have all the emphasis on the book and the lamp is sorta a side-note, not to mention you cant really tell what the lamp really is.

Amateurs words, take em or leave em.

 

[crimbfighter]

Amateur or not, you make a valid point. I'm thinking I need to scrap my current idea and start fresh... Just can't seem to put the composition I have in my head, down on paper, so to speak.

 

[tirediron]

Sorry, this doesn't work for me at all. First, if you're trying for an 'old-world' look, then don't have a modern light-bulb in the shot! I would consider a composition which shows the whole (or almost the whole lamp, on a table or in some other appropriate setting with the book open and laying flat, or perhaps closed, laying flat, sitting on a couple of other books. Dim the bulb in the lamp 'til it just lights the glass, and go for a very low-key lighting for the overall scene, and perhaps desaturate somewhat in post.

 

[crimbfighter]

Sorry, this doesn't work for me at all. First, if you're trying for an 'old-world' look, then don't have a modern light-bulb in the shot! I would consider a composition which shows the whole (or almost the whole lamp, on a table or in some other appropriate setting with the book open and laying flat, or perhaps closed, laying flat, sitting on a couple of other books. Dim the bulb in the lamp 'til it just lights the glass, and go for a very low-key lighting for the overall scene, and perhaps desaturate somewhat in post.

That's a really good idea! Thanks for the suggestion. Perhaps I'll try a reshoot with this weekend.

 

[thebutler4]

I agree .. I would have the book laying open on the table .. or closed would work as well .. what ever shows more of the age of the book .. Maybe even some old style glasses laying on the book somewhere .. I would also shoot a little higher so you cant see the light bulbs .. but again I am a noob as well .. just my ideas ..

I like #2 better .. just don't like seeing the light bulbs ...

 

[behanana]

Along with the above ideas, for me it seemed strage that the book pages were shown, I would flip the book around to see the spine, if there is nothing interesting on the spine I would open the book up.