Just Jacking Around

[mknittle]

This is my first attempt at any type of still life. I picked up a small bag of these large metallic plastic jacks at a second hand store. I guess I should have picked something a little less shinny for a first attempt

[mknittle]

[IzzieK]

Interesting Mark...the light on the right made that shot. Some people do not like shiny reflections, but there are some instances that they are nice. And this is one them...#2 is a cutie too...love the colour and the light makes it look marbleized?

[Stagecoach]

I can see the possibility of hours of fun here playing with lighting

[mknittle]

Thanks Izzie,
The ball has swirls of white and clear. I was pleasantly surprised at how the reflections blended in with the swirls of white. The jack the ball is sitting on is blue but picked up the dark reflection from the construction paper.

[flashback]

#2 isn't working for me, a bit blurry and....dunno, just not working. On the other hand I think #1 is pretty cool, maybe fool around with it and see how it looks in B&W? Actually it's kind of an iconic image in many respects. Great idea and great rendition.

[mknittle]

I can see the possibility of hours of fun here playing with lighting

I had fun working on it so far. It only took up a 15X20" table. Some black construction paper and a couple cheapie lights. It is a good rainy day pass time

[mknittle]

like this?

[Shadowman]

Nice concept.

[mknittle]

Nice concept.

Thanks John,

[flashback]

Exactly what I was thinking. By converting it becomes about shapes and shades. I can see this in a gallery somewhere, it speaks of times past. Iconic (with *maybe* a skosh more room on the LHS, but not necessary).

[mknittle]

Exactly what I was thinking. By converting it becomes about shapes and shades. I can see this in a gallery somewhere, it speaks of times past. Iconic (with *maybe* a skosh more room on the LHS, but not necessary).

Thanks Jack, It works much better in black and white.

[deetheturk]

Great idea for the winter nights Mark!

[Rebel]

The black and white is a really nice image, well done. My only criticism would be that the crop is a bit too tight on the left

[Mike Buckley]

Mark,

Notice how the shadows nicely define the shape of the jack. The lack of shadows on the ball renders its shape less defined.

[ashcroft]

Haven't seen one of those jack things for years. Makes an interesting shape for a subject

It's just a suggestion, but you said you have lights - you could try shooting on white paper backing and put an undiffused light to one side slightly to the rear to really bring out some strong shadows on one side.

[mknittle]

The black and white is a really nice image, well done. My only criticism would be that the crop is a bit too tight on the left

Thanks Matt, I too was thinking about that this morning. Jack had also mentioned it.

[mknittle]

Mark,

Notice how the shadows nicely define the shape of the jack. The lack of shadows on the ball renders its shape less defined.

Thanks Mike, I am really happy with how the Jack came out.
I will play with shadows on the ball a little when I set up again. I also have an idea for marbles of different sizes and the same color.
Thanks for the advice Mike, your work with glass inspired me to try something different.

[mknittle]

Haven't seen one of those jack things for years. Makes an interesting shape for a subject

It's just a suggestion, but you said you have lights - you could try shooting on white paper backing and put an undiffused light to one side slightly to the rear to really bring out some strong shadows on one side.

I will try that Rob, Thanks for the suggestion. My lights are just simple clamp on "work lights" from the hardware store. the diffusers are sheets of copy paper. I also am going to try Parchment paper for some stronger light but still defused.