hmmm... i think i need to work on the lighting for this - not sure the horses come thru clear enough... critique and suggestions welcome...
(sorry to be showing you another chess shot... this is a idea i've been kicking around since i got the set, and between a full day meeting at work and crap weather, a street shot was just not going to happen today)...
I do love your tags...I agree that the horses need a bit more separation from the background, have you tried a reflector? just a white piece of paper might do it.
@sunshinephoto5 tx for the suggestion... Any thoughts on where to put it? I have the light coming from above to give the gloat effect on the queen - so not sure how best to bounce it?
@northy if the light is over head try a bit of reflection from the left side, it will be very subtle, might be enough for separation. you don't want to put it in front that would ruin the wonderful light on the Queen
I have no idea how to improve the lighting, if it is even necessary, but I do need to say the concept is great! (And that which does not kill you, usually just leaves you alive...)
I like the concept, I like the lighting. The horses should have a bit more light on them though. How about blurring the bases of the front pieces a bit, you know to make them look a bit more dreamy/ghost-like ?
Same here, love the light on the white bit it looks really cool. I'm not sure how to improve the light on the others though. I wish I knew how to play chess.
I love your chess series - and this concept is awesome - I would love to see it with the side light reflection too - please don't stop doing these - they're great!
Love the lighting on the queen. You have some wonderful ideas. If you want to lift the lighting on the horses a little I would agree with @humphreyhippo and use two separate shots and layer them together.
I love the queen's lighting! Sorry about getting back to you late, but my get-pushed challenge to you this week is to do a lively shot with lots of color.
Your photos always inspire me and I have really started to change the way I see light as a result. I love this shot. I think it's smashing just as it is.
I'm not sure what you were aiming for, but I happen to like the ghostly appearance of the black chess pieces with a black background. It causes the viewer to pause a moment (in my opinion) and really look at the image in pieces (focus and unfocus) and as a whole composition. To me it shapes an idea and statement that could be very personal to the individual. That said... it also reminded me of Dr Who and the tardis fading in and out. But I'm a dork so leave the last part out and stick with the more serious critique.
You could always light this twice, i.e. remove the queen when you're shooting the knights.