Karen Botvin
January 2025 - January Tomato
About the Image(s)
Happy New Year to All! This past year, I spent significant time in my home studio experimenting with lighting and different techniques as they relate to Stills. I am quite fond of this image as it was technically, a bit of a challenge. In Florida, it’s really tough to find a good tomato. I thought this fit the bill in looks as it wasn’t spotted and the green stem was still intact and looked rather interesting. The lighting of the tomato is the real winner in this photo. The shadow of the tomato is just the right shade, thanks to diffusors and the right amount of lumens from my flash. There are no “hot spots” on the tomato, just a soft glow. And the pure white, high-key background against the bright red tomato is a true eye-catcher. My camera settings were ISO 50, 48mm, f/11 @ 1/200 sec. My camera was mounted on a tripod and tethered into CaptureOne so very little editing had to be done. I hope you find this image as appealing as I do, but your comments are always welcome.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted
I must admit ... the image has seemingly cast a spell over me!
I want to keep looking at it ... the juxtaposition of the subject (and luscious color) and amazing high-key (or bright white) space it sits upon, is very attractive ... or should I suggest, very addictive.
However, allow me to suggest, here, we are enjoying this "single" image, but a more powerful approach to this type of work is through presenting a series of like-compositions: in this case, I imagine a single line of (20"x20") Square Formatted photographs placed 2-feet apart in a gallery setting and illuminated by soft spotlights.
Such a presentation of different fruit and vegetables sitting upon (or floating, via no shadow, as an alternative design) would surely make visual-addicts of many spectators contemplating the work.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director Posted: 01/02/2025 18:21:57
I like Lance's idea about creating a 'gallery' of veggies - if you do that, I would be in market to buy it!!!
Just sensational - planning and attnention to all the details really paid off for you!
-Meliss Posted: 01/04/2025 18:49:43
I'm challenged in my club this month with coming up with a staging for a still set up. You have giving me a good idea. Thanks, Lori Posted: 01/10/2025 00:24:10
Thanks for sharing this lovely image. I, too, hope you will make a series of these types of images. The simplicity, clean lines, hint of shadow and lighting all work together for me to create an image with impact. Posted: 01/25/2025 23:40:53