Take 2 Cut glass head.

[JBW]

[Shadowman]

Nice effort, a bit of grit is visible beneath the glass.

[JBW]

Nice effort, a bit of grit is visible beneath the glass.

I intentionally left it in to help place the head in the shot if that makes sense.

[Manfred M]

Brian - neither of these shots do it for me. My main issue is that they seem to be floating in space. The speckled effect looks more like dirt or noise.

If you look at the work of others, there is almost always some sign that the object is resting on a base. This is done with lighting to show shadows.

[JBW]

Brian - neither of these shots do it for me. My main issue is that they seem to be floating in space. The speckled effect looks more like dirt or noise.

If you look at the work of others, there is almost always some sign that the object is resting on a base. This is done with lighting to show shadows.

The best part of both my shots is that they leave me so much room to improve. the learning curve could be quicker with my new found ability to tether my camera and see instantly what needs changing.

But what I really need is continued honest critiques.

[Manfred M]

Brian - in my experience the best way to learn is to look at other's work that you like and to try to emulate that. Look at camera angles, how the light falls and figure out what is happening. Then try to duplicate what you see and then ask for advice when you hit a wall.

This is certainly how I started off.

The other piece of advice is to follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid). Complexity is always easier to add, once you have mastered the simple. When it comes to lighting, do each light source separately (test photos work well) and combine the light sources when you have the individual ones set up.

Not all lights have to "active". I usually use white reflectors as secondary light sources (cheap foam core or even cardboard)..

[Rob Ekins]

When it comes to lighting, do each light source separately (test photos work well) and combine the light sources when you have the individual ones set up..

Great advice Manfred, unless you really know your gear setting up more than one light source at a time (This includes reflectors) will only result in frustration and a lot of chasing your tail.