As many of you may remember, during quarantine last spring I did a book series. Well I have started playing around with a new one, but monochrome. My first attempt is below. Any thoughts welcome! Thank you!!
As many of you may remember, during quarantine last spring I did a book series. Well I have started playing around with a new one, but monochrome. My first attempt is below. Any thoughts welcome! Thank you!!
I like the simplicity, the vignetted effect here, and the monochrome, Chloe. You're on to something here!
One comment I'd make about the composition is that there is space under the book, which to me symbolises a table, or bookrest or someone's lap, etc. - not of enough significance to give it that much space. It would "read" (no pun intended!) differently if you could see someone's knees in the shadow, suggesting a whole person looking down, reading the book.
The space above the book to me symbolises the viewer's gaze, reading the text, understanding its message - what really matters, especially if this is "The Book" e.g. of one's faith or beliefs. FWIW the heart in your earlier images sat in this space, suggesting that maybe the reader loves the book, or that it offers love. So if all the image contains is the book and shadow,(which is fine) I'd put it towards the bottom of the frame. Your thoughts?
I'm impressed that you have ventured into such symbolic imagery so quickly. It suggests your ambition, despite your modesty. Aim high.
Thanks Chris! I hadn’t realized how ill proportioned the negative space was in editing because I edit with my device in dark mode. My screen isn’t grey or white it is black. Unfortunately, in cases like this that causes accidents. Here is the fixing of the crop. Thought? Also this is a bible in Haitian Creole. I thought adventuring into a common object in a different language might be kind of a cool object.
THAT's more like it, Chloe. Exactly.
For me, composition is critical, the first step, the foundation. Without an adequate one, the image can't succeed - simple as that, for me. My software has a black background when I use it, but the edges of the image are always visible. Unless you know where they are, you can't compose accurately.
Or you can if you frame up the desired composition in the first place, which I suspect produces a result with more integrity, because you as the creator see it from the beginning. I only crop to get panos, or rescue a problem image. Cropping out an image after taking a larger one (incl. by stitching) seems to be a common practice but rather pointless, at least for the way I see things.
I was working around my bright white curtains in the background. Hence the very large foreground and shallow background. And I agree. Framing before definitely is the easier editing process. Thank you!
Agree all-round with Chris other than the original appears to be floating. Perhaps if there were rosary beads or chain & cross hanging from the center that could provide a more symbolic and 'higher' meaning.
I agree the edits work better.
Good point, Alan!
Hi Chloe! I could comment here but instead will just say that I agree with Chris's suggestions. Also with his comment abiut you growth. Good grief you making strides! The second image here is sophisticated and elegant. fabolulous work!
"...sophisticated and elegant" - well put.
Even fabolulous