I came across all these keys this morning and instantly had this idea of one showcasing one key amongst the rest in an attempt to demonstrate how although we have lots of choices, they aren't all going to be the right choice.
I know, I'm a bit philosophical today. I blame late night conversations on existentialism and lost loves on that.
I've always had the belief that photos could be used to portray emotions, and not just pretty scenes, or moments in time. I am now trying to figure out how to put that belief into my photos.
Anyways, onto the fun stuff, the editing. First I used Picnik's winterize effect, then I added Cross Process at 64%, then I added sepia on top of that at 74%. I still wasn't happy with the background wall color, as for some reason a green color turned into a really blown out looking white. I went to Photoscape and added a vignette effect in order to minimize the white. I'm not sure if that was too much or not.
Oh, and the hanging key. There is actually no editing tricks there. I placed some fishing line in the key hole and just let it suspend in the air while someone else held the wire, and I luckily, was able to not photograph the person's hands.
ooh, cool concept and I love the flying key! White background is great because it makes that key pop. But otherwise I like your choice to use vignette. I 100% agree with your belief of photos being able to portray emotions. I'm actually a bit scared to go there with my photography, and choose to just do happycrazycoolfunky shots and edits....
This is a fav. I like the slightly surreal mood and love the pattern of the keys. The picture seems to hide an interesting story. What kind of story it is - that is open to interpretation and I like that too.
@janmaki
I know that the white background would be ideal for all photos, but unfortunately A) there is not a white wall in my house and B) in this shot, even though the wall ended up looking white, it was too over exposed and I couldn't figure out how to dial it down. I then thought about trying to paint over the background, but couldn't get it clean enough. I almost messaged you on FB, to ask for suggestions, but I didn't want to bother you. I do have a question though, how would you feel about doing a collaboration photo, like you did with Paula? I have items that I think you could do something awesome with.
@equinoxe
Thanks so much Chris! That is exactly what I was trying to portray with this photo. We all have choices, we all have stories, some good, some not so good, but they make us who we are.
@janmaki
We've all done that I'm sure. We want to put our best out there when we're dealing with other people. We want people to see us at our best. Unfortunately, our best isn't always possible, everyone has bad days. Sometimes we can feel better about the situation when we share it, and realize we aren't alone in our feelings.
Great thanks! I'll try and send my idea to you tonight to see what you think. Well, tonight my time anyways.
@bobfoto
Jason,
Lowered the POV? Wouldn't it have been raised to get the key in the white? The key was actually entirely in the white section before I cropped the heck out of it and added the vignette. As I said, the white section was incredibly overexposed, and I didn't know how to fix it.
I mean I would have dropped the angle so that horizon was lower then the key. Cropping would not have changed the angle so that key would always have had a touch of its end in the black area...
@janmaki
If I shoot something flat, do you have the knowledge/expertise to make it 3d looking, or would it be better if I just shoot with some dimension?
I did not know that there was a key to my destiny. Had I known, I might have been more careful in choosing, but I think it came out alright:) Pretty good in fact. Re, your posting of photos that you connect to in an emotional manner, I really admire the people on this site that are able to bring that aspect to their project. It's not something I've managed thus far, and probably won't any time soon. So good for you that you're able to. Now, this shot, really like the idea behind it and the composition you've gone with. Lowering the POV I think would make that key pop a bit more, but I still like what you've done here.
@pwallis
I think if A) I was another two feet taller, and could have gotten a better "looking down upon" angle, it would have been better. And B) I didn't have funky colored walls or scratched up tables.
@mej2011 No, I mean, if you shot from level with the table, so that the keys in the front were eye level and the other key kind of suspended about it all. If that makes sense.
@mej2011 It's definitely better to make the shot 3D. For a simple object (like a key) there is some possibilities to make it 3D looking, but it will be a lot of work to get it realistic looking.
OK...I briefly read through all the comments and some of what I have to say is a repeat. Have you ever read the Rule of Thirds? It is a general guideline and not to be taken literally every time, but would have worked here.
I would have made sure the white background was the top 1/3 of the photo. right now I think it's only the top 1/4 or 1/5. With more white background, I would have hung the key high enough to be completely surrounded by white. I also would have moved the key to hover over the center of the keys. I think your focus is sharp on the pile of keys but out of focus on the single key. If anything, it should be the other way around.
So...this photo was well done. As it is, you have great exposure, good camera settings, and you have a well thought out idea.
@jasonbarnette
Yes I know the focus is screwed up. I shot this using manual focus, because yeah I thought that was what you were trying to teach me.
Yes, I've heard of rule of thirds, and it's also a work in progress for me to understand it.
I hated the white background, it was very over exposed and I didn't know how to fix that, so that is why I cut off a lot of it and used the vignette. I had not considered that it would mess up the composition.
I know that the white background would be ideal for all photos, but unfortunately A) there is not a white wall in my house and B) in this shot, even though the wall ended up looking white, it was too over exposed and I couldn't figure out how to dial it down. I then thought about trying to paint over the background, but couldn't get it clean enough. I almost messaged you on FB, to ask for suggestions, but I didn't want to bother you. I do have a question though, how would you feel about doing a collaboration photo, like you did with Paula? I have items that I think you could do something awesome with.
Also, if you're too afraid to go emotional with your photos. Maybe it means that you really should explore that side?
Thanks so much Chris! That is exactly what I was trying to portray with this photo. We all have choices, we all have stories, some good, some not so good, but they make us who we are.
Don't be silly about bothering me, just ask and I'll answer when I have time. Collaboration shot sounds cool, just let me know what you had in mind!
We've all done that I'm sure. We want to put our best out there when we're dealing with other people. We want people to see us at our best. Unfortunately, our best isn't always possible, everyone has bad days. Sometimes we can feel better about the situation when we share it, and realize we aren't alone in our feelings.
Great thanks! I'll try and send my idea to you tonight to see what you think. Well, tonight my time anyways.
Jason,
Lowered the POV? Wouldn't it have been raised to get the key in the white? The key was actually entirely in the white section before I cropped the heck out of it and added the vignette. As I said, the white section was incredibly overexposed, and I didn't know how to fix it.
If I shoot something flat, do you have the knowledge/expertise to make it 3d looking, or would it be better if I just shoot with some dimension?
I think if A) I was another two feet taller, and could have gotten a better "looking down upon" angle, it would have been better. And B) I didn't have funky colored walls or scratched up tables.
Oh. I understand what you're saying but, I can't picture that in my head. Knowing my luck, I'd get blurry keys and a wall.
That's me! Ms. Optimistic!
I would have made sure the white background was the top 1/3 of the photo. right now I think it's only the top 1/4 or 1/5. With more white background, I would have hung the key high enough to be completely surrounded by white. I also would have moved the key to hover over the center of the keys. I think your focus is sharp on the pile of keys but out of focus on the single key. If anything, it should be the other way around.
So...this photo was well done. As it is, you have great exposure, good camera settings, and you have a well thought out idea.
Yes I know the focus is screwed up. I shot this using manual focus, because yeah I thought that was what you were trying to teach me.
Yes, I've heard of rule of thirds, and it's also a work in progress for me to understand it.
I hated the white background, it was very over exposed and I didn't know how to fix that, so that is why I cut off a lot of it and used the vignette. I had not considered that it would mess up the composition.
Thanks!
Thank you!