What do you think?

[Photosbychuck]

Trying to take a few pictures for the contest.
What do you think of this one?

[Flyinggina]

Hi Chuck,

Cute idea to have the poll!!:clap

First let me say that the cookie on the plate is an interesting idea and I like your picture. For this challenge, though, I think that you need to work the concept to make it more a minimalist photo or maybe try something different.

Of course, at this point, I haven't any idea what anyone means by minimalist. And I sure don't know how the judges are going to interpret it when they are faced with the final entries. So I think you have to satisfy yourself and then go for it.

The problem I see with your current effort is partly that the idea is minimalist (a lone cookie on a plate) but the photo seems too busy because of the border on the plate and a bit boring because the cookie is in the center. I wish that the cookie had sharper edges, that the raisins or whatever where either not there or more distinct (or maybe there was just one) and that the mat under the plate was just a solid color. Perhaps you could try a cookie with a clean bite out of it on the edge of a plain plate and see how that looks. Maybe you could put the cookie on a saucer with a plain matching cup and work with light to make it interesting. Maybe you should eat the cookie. (Sorry, getting punchy here.)

I guess my vote is to try again.

I don't know if any of this helps but don't get discouraged. Everyone is finding this challenge challenging and frustrating. Good luck!:thumb

[DoctorIt]

Chuck - cookie on a plate may be minimal, but cookie on a patterned plate with patterned counter top in the background is definitely not.

then there's basic technical points:
- seems all OOF
- composition is dead on center = boring
- exposure seems little dark

way to have guts with the poll :thumb
now go shoot some more, this is a hard challenge :D

[wxwax]

Chuck, I echo what the other guys said. Interesting idea.

But: when it comes right down to it, it's a cookie/pancake on a plate. No mystery, no aesthetic appeal. It's very plain. Also, the composition is centered. And finally, your camera took one look at all that white and averaged it out to a safe middle gray. So it looks dark. Your shooting situation is a perfect example of how +1 or more of Exposure Compensation, or shooting in Manual, would have returned an exposure that was whiter and brighter.

A good learning experience, I hope? Keep on shooting, and this will keep getting better.

[Photosbychuck]

Trying to take a few pictures for the contest.
What do you think of this one?
Thanks everyone for the comments & sugestions.
I am still learning and hope to get better with practice.

Take Care,
Chuck,
Marshall, NC

[Photosbychuck]

Trying to take a few pictures for the contest.
What do you think of this one?
Second try!
What about this one?