Butch Mazzuca, BPSA
August 2026 - The Final Gambit
About the Image(s)
Canon R5,Canon 24-70 at 50mm,ISO 100,f8,1/200/flash
I used an off-camera flash and directed the light through window blinds I bought at Home Depot. I set blinds at a 45* angle to create Venetian blind effect ??“ I don’t shoot still-life very often, so it was trial and error with the lighting. I chose to use only a few chess pieces so as to not clutter the composition and to tell a story of the endgame. I left a tungsten lamp on for ambient color warmth and to have some light while I was working. I’ve never entered this into competition so I’m open to your thoughts.
5 comments posted
Masterpiece! You succeeded on the color, interest and lighting as well as composition and depth of field! A real visual treat! Maybe too much background. Consider cropping from the top and making a slim Jim. Posted: 08/06/2026 00:31:55
Thank you Barbara for the generous comments-I really appreciate them.
I gave the panoramic crop some thought, but I decided against it because, to me, the diagonal shafts of light are as much the subject as are the chess pieces. The light and shadow above isn't just background; it creates much of the mood and sense of depth I was trying to create, i.e. the Venetian Blind effect.
I think reducing the light/shadow streaks diminishes some of the drama I was trying to create in the first place. Nonetheless, thank you again for taking the time to offer your thoughts. Posted: 08/06/2026 00:50:42
I gave the panoramic crop some thought, but I decided against it because, to me, the diagonal shafts of light are as much the subject as are the chess pieces. The light and shadow above isn't just background; it creates much of the mood and sense of depth I was trying to create, i.e. the Venetian Blind effect.
I think reducing the light/shadow streaks diminishes some of the drama I was trying to create in the first place. Nonetheless, thank you again for taking the time to offer your thoughts. Posted: 08/06/2026 00:50:42
I like the colours, the colour temperature well chosen. The depth of field is fine: sharp from front to back. But I find that there are too much streaks in the background: I see them first and then the chess board. Posted: 08/06/2026 16:10:09
I like the warm glow, and you seem to have just the right amount of chess pieces on the board. The light hitting the white knight in the middle draws the eye straight to it, creating a strong point of interest. I agree with your comments to Barbara that the area behind the board is perfect as presented. To me this image is all about light and the light streaks in the back contrast the dark shadows on the chess pieces. The shadow from the king is opposite the light in the back and makes a great contrast and again draws the eye to the white knight. Well done. Posted: 08/17/2026 20:23:30
Thanks Thomas Posted: 08/17/2026 23:46:31