Low Key

For my course next weekend I have to produce a low key b/w photo.

This is the one I am happiest with.

All comments welcome!

Gorgeous, very nice crop, BTW which course are you doing Gwyn?

I do like it. However, I think there are a number of distracting elements, notably the marks on the fingerboard (especially between the lowest two strings), the curve of the pick-guard where the edge is just under the high E string, and the attachment points at each end of the pickup.

I love the idea, and I think the curve of light at the left edge of the body is just sublime, but it needs just a touch more work, I think. If you had access to a guitar without the pick-guard and pickup, those elements might be easier to remove.

Thanks for the comments.

Lilly- The course is just a local one for advanced techniques. It is proving tough for me - some of those taking part are already earning a living with their photos, and are just doing it for the fun of it it seems.

ChrisA- sadly my OH wouldn't ley me take the pickup off, would murder me if I did any damage to his precious Martin, and it is his only dark coloured guitar He has 5 others - all of which are light ). I cleaned the fret board before taking the photos, and again later, but the marks are there to stay

Oh but I have a dark red bass. Mm maybe I'll try that, while he's watching the footie.

you know what? I love it. dirt fingerprints, scratches and wear marks would add to it (after all it isn't an ad shot). Charactor and human presence matter!
I'm sure a good print will show alittle more detial on the top right edge of the guitar where there is little seperation from the background....

The only thing I'd try to add to the image (not change it) would be a little painting with a flashlight or small flash unit to bring the right edge up a little and add a catchligh to the strings...only a little bit of light...

hope you left your set up intact when asking for advice, makes it easier to try out any ideas you get...
when shooting film, in the pro studio, you wouldn't change a thing until you got your films developed in case of a reshoot!