Angela Bonner, PPSA
April 2026 - Strawberries on a plate
Original
About the Image(s)
Taken with my Canon R5, 24-70mm lens. f/16, 1/10sec, ISO 160
My camera club has an interclub competition coming up with the theme of minimalism and I am hoping this shot fits the brief.
The first one I tried I just used one strawberry but it didn't seem to work for me. Whilst thinking I had a bite of another and then used the rest of that one for the shot! I cropped in a bit and played with the highlights as I was after a high pass image. Also played with the shadows till I was happy. I used H&S to bring out the colour of the strawberries a bit. I then finished with a keyline taking the colour from the image. I wanted the strawberries to take center stage with just a hint of the plate they were on.
5 comments posted
Kurt Reinhard
I think the image fits the definition of minimalism, and having the bite out of one berry helps the viewer take notice of the photo by adding a story. The image is also very sharp. But what I think needs improvement is contrast. Maybe increase the saturation on the strawberries, and increase the contrast between the plate and background. Having just the edge of the plate works well, as does the way you cropped, but there is little contrast between the plate and the background. After that adjust the key line to match the strawberries. I hope this makes sense. Posted: 04/01/2026 13:47:58
Thanks Kurt. I was after just having a hint of the plate there but will try and get a bit more contrast. Posted: 04/01/2026 14:39:05
It definitely fits the minimalist category. Adding the second strawberry works well. You said you used H&S to bring out the colour. Perhaps adding a bit more red would really make the strawberry pop. Our strawberries in season are usually quite red when ripe. Adding the key line finishes the image and should also reflect the darker red of the strawberry if you change it. Kurt has given you some good feedback. Posted: 04/15/2026 15:14:16
Angela, this perfectly captures the minimalism brief! The "bitten" strawberry adds a clever, human touch to the narrative. Your high-key approach is elegant. A bit more saturation in the reds would really make those berries sing against the white. Well done! Posted: 04/17/2026 23:43:11
This appears to be a well-crafted, intentional image that demonstrates an understanding of a high-key minimalist technique. In minimalist photography, generous negative space is intentional and sophisticated - it gives the subject "room to breathe" and is a hallmark of the style. The plate's subtle curved edge emerging from the white is a lovely minimalist touch - it grounds the subject without competing with it. The soft border framing the image reinforces the delicate, intentional aesthetic beautifully.
The "bitten" strawberry appears a little pale/underripe on the inside - choosing a fully ripe berry with a deep red interior or increasing the saturation may make the shot even more dramatic.
Well done. Posted: 04/19/2026 03:59:53
The "bitten" strawberry appears a little pale/underripe on the inside - choosing a fully ripe berry with a deep red interior or increasing the saturation may make the shot even more dramatic.
Well done. Posted: 04/19/2026 03:59:53