[Billy Webb]

1/200th @ f-11. i shot this is my el cheapo studio. I made this image while snowed in this past winter. It was way to cold to consider trying to shoot outdoors.

comments and critiques most welcome

[Rob Barron]

Nice effort here at trying something a little different. This is an entirely set up picture and therefore you are in total control of what is included. For that reason I would like to see the pieces either fully included (Knight on left) or cropped judiciously, usually including at least half of the figure or more. On the right I think a 'less is more' approach would give it more interest, particularly with the Blue King which could do without the piece (knight?) on the other side of it.

I think there was a lot more to be had in this picture as we get the hint that there are clear reflections of the pieces but are not given much sight of them and the board disappears a little too abruptly into the white ether beyond. The curve doesn't really do anything for me as it doesn't complement the scene in any meaningful way.

I am guessing you took a lot more than this one shot so let's see some others, maybe a set of them in the Sharing thread so we can pick our favourites? Would like to see what else you came up with.

Cheers,
Rob

[dogdots]

I like this shot but would like to see it curve the other way. I think in doing that we would get more of a reflection of the pieces. Do you have a shot like that? Also...how do you get that curve? Excuse me for asking as I'm new to photography.

[stepheno]

I like it too. If any crit and this is purely subjective I find the expanse of white a bit overpowering.

[JMitchell]

I completely agree with what Rob said, in fact, I would have said it myself, had he not already. Those were among the first things that struck me, but even before that, my complete first reaction was 'cool', so I'd like to see another attempt to get it perfect, as it would be a great image