Not a Crema entry

[Mr Darcy]

I rarely go to coffee shops, but I was in the city a few weeks ago with a friend, and we went for breakfast. She had a coffee & I was playing with my camera. This is one result

OOC. Only resized.


It does not fit the criteria for Crema in that it was taken before the comp was announced, but I am interested in

How well it fits the Crema criteria (other than time frame)
Suggestions for improving the next photo (I am not big on PP, though I can manage basic cropping now)
Bear in mind that it is a candid, as are all my people shots.

Thanks for looking

[surenj]

Not sure about this one for the challenge Mr Darcy. I can't be sure that this is a coffee shop. This could be home couldn't it? I always imagined that the photo should show some emotion for it to qualify.. what do the others think?

[andy]

I think the aluminium table makes it more obvious that it is in a commercial setting. Although at first glance you don't really notice it.

[Justin]

It's a nice shot, in terms of colour, DoF, exposure. But it does lack context.

For a 'crema' shot in terms of the competition, it is a picture of a used coffee cup and a dirty saucer, with very little atmosphere. The toast looks cold, and burnt.

The hand and the cup, which are (should be) the focus, are also very soft. I think the camera focus is actually slightly below / behind the hand (look at the bench under the hand)

All my humble opinion as a very amateur photographer.

[surenj]

I think the aluminium table makes it more obvious that it is in a commercial setting. Although at first glance you don't really notice it.

Hmm not sure about that.

[Mr Darcy]

Thanks all.
It WAS a commercial setting, though as there is no branding visible, I guess it's not obvious. :sigh: To my mind metal table screams out "commercial" setting Why would you use anything but wood in a domestic environment?

I seem to have lots of trouble with "soft" images. My eyes are not as good as they once were, so I rely on the autofocus more than perhaps I ought.

I can't comment on the coffee, I don't drink the evil stuff, but the toast was cold and burnt. Well spotted. This to my mind adds to the atmosphere. Remember, I am not comfortable in these houses of drug abuse. Also remember, this is NOT an entry to Crema, so I don't need to put a positive spin on the experience.

That said the comments have opened my eyes to alternate viewpoints. It will inform my future work. Thank you again.

[zafra52]

Whether or not it is a “crema” entry, I still find the image refreshingly interesting because it is unusual. The hand and cup is on focus and the foreground and background blurred, which is how it should be because they add context. I also like the contrast of colours. The remains of the coffee’s crema is still visible in the inside of the cup, while the position of the hand and cup on the saucer indicate that the event is a social occasion and the drinker may be engaged in some conversation and it is not an artificial set up. It is a candid picture taken on the spur of the moment.

Now in all honesty, parts of the images could have been little sharper, but this is only a matter of opinion and taste for not all images need to be razor sharp. In fact, I have seen very ordinary images made by famous photographers but because the photographer was well known none one dared to be critical.

[Mr Darcy]

Thanks for that.
I agree that photos do not need to be sharp to be good. Some of my favourite images have nothing in focus.
However, I do think the focus point should be slightly different on this one. Sadly, because I shoot candids, I can't go back and reshoot. It will inform my future work though.

Interestingly my "model" likes this photo. She normally hates photos that have any part of her in them.

[zafra52]

Greg, just keep taking pictures and enjoy doing it. I personally believe that the best photographs are those in which the subject grabs your attention and makes you forget the technicalities involved. Just enjoy!