Brightly colored straws -- Take 2

[Mike Buckley]

My first set of colored straws was shot from above. These two photos were shot down low -- one of a side view and two of an end view.

EDIT: The third photo was added two days after the first two photos were posted.

The three photos don't show well together, so please click to view them one at a time in the Lytebox.

Photo #1





Photo #2





Photo #3

[bnnrcn]

Hi Mike, I especially like the second image. I like the shooting angle , composition and colors very much. The first image doesn't seem as powerful to me as the second one. I think the blurred part makes the composition a bit complicated. Those pipes might look better on a plain background.

[Brownbear]

Very nice! I'm also especially fond of the 2nd image and I think it is my favourite of the straw set so far... The perspective and depth of field makes it extra special, along with the gorgeous colours. It almost looks like a reflection at the very bottom of the image.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Binnur!

It may be just a matter of semantics, but your comment that the second photo is more "powerful" than the first one is especially interesting. That's because I intended the second photo to be powerful and I intended the first photo not to be powerful. I wanted it to be subdued. In fact, I had to desaturate parts of the first one a bit because the colors were too powerful as they came out of the camera.

Thank you also to Christina! You are correct that parts of the second image are reflections in the tabletop.

[bnnrcn]

You have eagle eyes Christina. I wouldn't notice the reflections without your comment.

Very nice! I'm also especially fond of the 2nd image and I think it is my favourite of the straw set so far... The perspective and depth of field makes it extra special, along with the gorgeous colours. It almost looks like a reflection at the very bottom of the image.

[Rebel]

I have to agree with the majority here, much prefer the 2nd image! I wouldn't of noticed the reflections unless Christina had pointed them out either Good shot !

[Chri5]

Its a great idea illuminating the straws like that and both shots are fantastic. I too prefer the second shot. Its a great series and I look forward to seeing more.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, all!

Considering the appeal of the second photo, it might be interesting to realize that I'm reasonably confident that when given the choice of lining up the ends of the straws or positioning them randomly as in the photo, I would have lined them up. That was absolutely impossible using the situation in this setup. Now that I've made the photo, I'm certain the random positioning of the ends of the straws is a dynamic strength of the photo and that the alternative choice would not have been as effective. Sometimes ya just get lucky!

[Brownbear]

Hi Mike,

Please don't shoot me but an idea popped into my head which only you could photograph to perfection...

Colourful straws make me think of children's birthday parties which makes me think of balloons (the ones you can twist into the shapes of animals and people) which brings to mind art created especially for children... ie, A couple of balloon characters sharing one of those old fashioned drinks made with soda pop and ice cream (bubbles on top) in your style with reflections. Or even eclectic adult art, a couple (made out of those balloons) with a story centered around wine/glass...

Perhaps a little silly but it came to mind and who else could I tell?

[Smaug]

Hi Mike

I'll go with the majority here I think, it's the second image for me. It has a dynamic quality to it.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Steve!

Great idea, Christina, though beyond my capabilities to make the balloons.

[NorthernFocus]

Awesome, Mike. Well conceived and executed.

[Wavelength]

What a creative interpretation!!! Great!!!

[Manfred M]

I like them both, Mike. Nice, fun shots that are very effective.

We've just learned something new about you. You drink more than just wine!

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, guys!

We've just learned something new about you. You drink more than just wine!

Nah. I use the straws to drink the wine.

[Manfred M]

Nah. I use the straws to drink the wine.

Strange; very strange.

So these are special wine straws that allow the nose of the wine to project?

[Mike Buckley]

I added a third photo to the first post of the thread. The primary goal of making the new photo was to use a format that the ratio of width to height is not so extreme. To make that happen, I increased the height of the straws by adding 300 of them. That brought the total used to 500 -- no kidding! -- except for about ten or so that had fallen to the floor. The increased number of straws reduced the amount of light penetrating the sides of the straws (reduced the apparent translucency). So, I added interest by firing a flash from the rear at a 45 degree angle to the straws. That firing created direct reflections mostly on the inside of the straws in the center. Those direct reflections make the photo much more interesting than without them.

Now that I've got 500 brightly colored straws, anyone wanna throw a party? I'll bring the straws!

[bnnrcn]

#3 is the best for me Mike, it is very nice . It looks much better in lightbox.

[Brownbear]

#3 is wonderful but I think #2 is still my favourite, likely for the softer pastel colours.

[mknittle]

I like All three Mike,