Fancy a cup of tea?

Rob MacKillop

Rob MacKillop

Edinburgh Correspondent

teapot2ash by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


teapot1ash by RobMacKillop, on Flickr​

The first: ISO 200, 0.5" exposure, at f.3.2

The second: ISO 3200, 0.5" exposure, at f.3.2

I increased clarity in Lightroom, then into Elements for darkening, Nik colour for Tonal Contrast. Black card behind, blue card underneath, and two soft glowing room lamps. 2" self timer (don't want camera shake!)

Positive criticism welcomed...

- - - Updated - - -

BTW, the little glass bobble on the top of the lid is broken - seems to have moved around between shots! But it will be glued into place soon, SWMBO tells me.
 
I was puzzled by the red in the first one as I assumed it was a reflection and then, when I saw the second, I realised that the pot was transparent (Lobster claw tea - an acquired taste I assume! ;) ).

I like the tones and glow of the mug in the first but I find the composition a bit linear and the difference in tones between the mug and pot is a bit too great I think. I'd like to see a bit more space around the whole setup too. Sorry, not very positive. :( But the second I like a lot. You can see more of the blue tone of the card and the mottled brown of the background, just out of focus - nice. I like the position and the play of light adds great dimensionality to the pot and the condensation adds to the realism of the scene. Good choice of focal point too. A very nice still life I think.
 
I prefer the 2nd Rob just think the added light in that ones makes it pop a bit more

Pete Askew said:
I was puzzled by the red in the first one as I assumed it was a reflection and then, when I saw the second, I realised that the pot was transparent
Click to expand...

Funny Pete. I was thinking jeez what to hell is that reflection then i saw steam on the inside of the lid [doh]
 
That is a great teapot isn't it? I like the mug in the first but the second is really really nice. I have been working on still life compositions today and haven't ended up with anything as good as this. Part of my problem is that I don't own any objects that are particularly interesting. Did I mention that teapot is great?
 
Thanks a lot, Pete. Very much appreciated. It's Hibiscus and Ginger - from Camelia's Tea House, off Carnaby Street. We stocked up on our last visit.

I agree that the contrast between cup and pot is too much, and that the pose is boring. I'm pleased you like the second, which I did first, and should have stopped there, but I got to wondering what if I brought in something with a very different colour and texture. naturally it was hard to control the whites and the overall light, without digital manipulation of each object differently. I learned from it, though, so "never fear to experiment" is my code!

In the second, I like how the handle moves from in to out of focus - something I set out to achieve. It was done completely in manual mode, and I'm pleased I got the odd detail in the spout.

Now that that's all done...I need a drink...

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Thanks, Allan and Paul. Yes, it is definitely an interesting teapot! Susan was very upset when she dropped the lid. But I'm sure it will mend well enough.
 
I really enjoy the first one, Rob. It has more mystery regarding the pot, and the cup is amazing with its contrast and colour, and its beauty in design and patterns. Second shot is remarkable @ ISO 3200, and more details are revealed with more dynamic angle of the subject. :)
 
I really like both of these images, Rob, but I think the teacup in the first carries the day for me. Twa bonnie foties!
 
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