Cindy Lynch
July 2025 - Coffee Grinder and Cup
About the Image(s)
I love still life photography and use some of my “heritage” objects whenever possible since I don’t have room to display them all. The coffee cup was my grandfather’s and he used it every morning. The vase was a wedding gift of my parents and the coffee grinder was one they bought while antiquing, which they loved to do. I set it up by a window and set a black foam board behind it, draping a table runner with texture over it. Settings: f/5.6, 1/2, 35 mm, ISO 100 using a tripod.
4 comments posted
Cindy, good afternoon. Great image! I also love still life photography, though my composition skills need work.
I confess two weaknesses when I look at still life images: I always look for a detailed reflection of the light source (in this case I think I see the window reflected inside the cup; not a criticism just a quirk of mine), and I would be tempted to add hot coffee and try to capture the vapor rising from the cup (another quirk, and not true still life).
Posted: 07/13/2025 20:14:34
I confess two weaknesses when I look at still life images: I always look for a detailed reflection of the light source (in this case I think I see the window reflected inside the cup; not a criticism just a quirk of mine), and I would be tempted to add hot coffee and try to capture the vapor rising from the cup (another quirk, and not true still life).
Posted: 07/13/2025 20:14:34
Cindy, interesting artifacts, making for a lovely still life. Good sharpness and lighting showcase the varied textures on the coffee grinder, the soft patterns of the cloth and the detailed art on the cup. I confess to not noticing the reflection of the window inside the cup but find I am a bit distracted by the reflection on the outside of the vase. I also find the straight-on positioning of the grinder a bit imposing - I might try turning it so that the box is on a slight diagonal. (too picky?) Posted: 07/15/2025 03:43:18
I really like the subjects and lighting. I too agree a slight angle or possibly push the cup and saucer back a little. I also see the reflection in the cup. You may also lighten up the shadow's in the left corner as it look like the vase is in mid air. Maybe a bag or container of coffee beans instead of vase. Just an idea. Posted: 07/15/2025 17:07:01
I really like this image .... like Charles I find it difficult to achieve myself. This image gives me a sense of warmth and antiquity. For me, the fabric in the background really adds to the warmth.
Forgive me for being ridiculously picky in suggesting that, judging by the print on the cup, it looks like a tea cup rather than a coffee cup ??????? Posted: 07/23/2025 12:06:14
Forgive me for being ridiculously picky in suggesting that, judging by the print on the cup, it looks like a tea cup rather than a coffee cup ??????? Posted: 07/23/2025 12:06:14