Karen Botvin  


January Tomato by 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.


9 comments posted




Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
(Groups 83 & 87)
Happy New Year, Karen!

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
Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Happy New Year, to you Lance and thanks so much for your critique of my image. Your kind words mean a lot to me and I love your idea of a series of like kind photos. That gives me a project to work on for the start of 2025!   Posted: 01/02/2025 22:42:45
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
(Groups 83 & 87)
.... we all look forward to seeing the work! : )   Posted: 01/03/2025 00:18:51



Melissa Cramer Sonnen   Melissa Cramer Sonnen
Karen - you are correct went you say that you got this one right! It made me clean my computr screen to view it. There is not a spot on it that sticks out - perfect light.
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
Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Melissa, thank you so much for your kind words!   Posted: 01/12/2025 19:27:56



Ruth Mayer   Ruth Mayer
I agree with all the above comments. The white is excellent, just enough shadow and not too white. I love it.   Posted: 01/08/2025 20:29:32
Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Thanks so much, Ruth!   Posted: 01/12/2025 19:26:44



Lori Azevedo   Lori Azevedo
I love the simplicity of this image. Your negative space is perfect along with excellent lighting.
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
Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Thank you Lori, glad I could help with your challenge.   Posted: 01/12/2025 19:26:20



 

Please log in to post a comment