Thirds revisited

[Mr Darcy]

I posted an image in the Bimonthly competition "Thirds"
here but I wasn't entirely happy with it.
I had another go, changing the levels, exposure compensation, adjusted the crop and being more assiduous at removing dust & other blemishes.

Photo is of three measuring cups on a green enamelled table (c.a. 1930).

I wiped down both the cups and table (though I wonder if I missed the Red cup )
Lighting was surprisingly tricky as it was difficult to avoid reflections from the enamelled table top. Final was a snooted flash (TTL BL -1.0EV) providing a raking light from image bottom to bring out the lettering, and another SB800 (M1/8), Image top, through an umbrella to provide general illumination. This was a bit over a meter away to avoid reflections.
Lens was the Sigma 10-20mm @14mm f8. As usual, I forgot WB & left it at cloudy. Changed in Post to Flash

I would appreciate comments and further suggestions at improving it.

[Bindii]

Okay its a good idea.. and the image is technically perfect.. but it just doesn't 'grab' - if you know what I mean.. I'm not sure what exactly you could do to improve it but I think I would have been more inclined to shoot them on a mirror a a white surface instead of the green.. and perhaps play with the pp'ing a little more..

but thats just me..

[Mr Darcy]

Thanks for the reply Sue.
This was done quickly in response to the Thirds competition so I doubt I will revisit it. but I will keep your suggestions in mind.
The white background is a good idea. They were kitchen cups, so I used the kitchen table as a backdrop. I rarely think far outside the square. I tend to solve 'problems' rather than come up with new ideas. "Technically perfect but doesn't grab" is a good summary of much that I do. It's nice to have a creative person around to spark me with the ideas. I can usually then make them happen which the creative one can have trouble doing.

I can't see how to make the mirror work. I had the camera directly overhead on a boom (I like my Gitzo!), It WOULD be in shot with a mirror backdrop. Maybe if I tilted the mirror one way and the cups the other... Hmm. Maybe I will play with it.