I used a different background this time - a black goat skin rug from Turkey. I set up the shot in the shade and set the camera on "black and white" mode, and set it to bracket the exposures. I used different apertures from 2.8 to 5.6. I still got a "pure black" and a "pure white" (tested with the dropper tool in Photoshop). I also got blacker blacks and less grays in the midtone areas. Each item is still easily recognizable - NOT mud. However, I did recall my professor saying something about "better to use a telephoto lens"... why, I can't remember and it's not in my old notes. Some how, this seems a bit too dark. However, I'm more satisfied with this one than the first (See 11/12 photo).
I'm not familiar with this technique- but I do admire your persistence! I do think this one has less mid tones than the later....I think that's good...so GREAT job :) lol
@heidievans73 LOL! It was very popular in advertising back in the 70s and I have seen it on occasion recently in some of the fashion magazines - black and white seems to be making a come back. It was one of my biggest challenges to master back in college. Thank you for your lovely comments! Very much appreciated!
I really do love this technique! Your items all POP more here. Don't understand all the "settings" but I do appreciate the end result. I may try zoning during the winter months when it's too cold to go outside!! This is beautiful stuff!! (Wonder how a telephoto lens would make it better?!)
@twinsplusone LOL! Sharon, I was lost way back when. I'm just now beginning to "get" the technical stuff and not all that well. No experts on here to help me, so I'm using trial and error. Thank you for your comments!
@karenann It's coming back to me! LOL! Using a telephoto can make some of your subject sort of "melt" into your background making a really COOL shot! The hard part is "focus"... it may look like a sharp focus on the LCD but, when you bring it onto your puter, you may see fuzzy. I like a good challenge though. =) Give it a try when you can. I'm anxious to see what you will do with it! Thank you for your very nice comments, Karen. It is good to know somebody appreciates what you're trying to learn.
