The pea that fell out of the pod

[Mike Buckley]

This is my latest photo of food that is displayed in a context that we don't normally experience or at least don't notice. The unusual context is to view the sugar snap peas with one half of the pod removed to reveal the peas hanging inside. One of the peas was accidentally cut from the pod. So, I took advantage of that loan pea to make a stronger composition than I originally envisioned, which was to display all peas still hanging in the pod.

Setup
The tabletop and background are a single sheet of green, textured art paper. A small continuous-light lamp at the level of the tabletop on the right and behind the scene shines through the translucent pod and casts the long, soft shadows. A white reflector on the left side brightens that side of the peas to help define their shape. A polarizer eliminated glare on the peas.

[Shadowman]

If you've ever tried preparing edamame you'd be familiar with this look. Nicely composed.

[ragman]

I'm becoming your biggest fan! How you come up with these ideas is perplexing. Great caption IMHO.

[Digital]

Mike, I really like the lighting in this photograph.


Bruce

[skitterbug]

Peas are one of my favorite veggies and you are making me hungry for them! Bring on spring so we can grow our own.
I really like this pic! Well done!

[Wavelength]

What a shot....simply mind blowing

[Rita]

Wow.

[John 2]

Super lighting Mike and I like the way the texture in the BG compliments the composition.

[JBW]

I like it

[bje07]

Super lighting Mike and I like the way the texture in the BG compliments the composition.

+1
Jean

[ccphoto]

+1
Jean

+2

[Werner]

Very well composed. The texture of the paper perfectly contrasts with the softness of the subject.

[DanK]

very nicely composed, and superb lighting. thanks for posting the details.

[Rainforest]

Looks like it was just split open - the fibers on the edge are still moist. There is a very appealing creamy iridescence to those peas. I'm hungry too.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, everyone!

Looks like it was just split open - the fibers on the edge are still moist.

My guess is that the time from splitting the pod to capturing the final image took no more than 45 minutes and possibly less. The cool temperature in the room at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) probably kept the veggie fresher longer than if the room had been normal room temperature or even hotter.

[Kaye Leggett]

Where did you get fresh peas this time of year ? Anther great image bordering to your abstract theme as well as food

[Mike Buckley]

Where did you get fresh peas this time of year ?

They're available in stores in my area throughout the year but the labeling didn't indicate where this package came from. A lot of fresh vegetables are sent to my area this time of the year from South America and California.

[bnnrcn]

Super image Mike, great colors and lighting

[marlunn]

Really good Mike, great texture and colour tonality - as expected brilliant lighting to bring out the best of the subject.

[Dave A]

Poor little pea.
Love this image. Wish I had thought of it

Dave