The curving guard was reflecting all kinds of stuff throughout a 180 degree arc so I had to get creative with a bunch of different reflectors to obtain that smooth gradient. Same problem with the sheath's silver throat and the very broad convex edge bevel on the knife. Could have fixed some of it in Photoshop but it's easier (and better) to just get it right from the start.
I'll post a pic of the set-up below. I was afraid to breathe for fear the whole thing would collapse. I've seen pictures of stands with all these arms and clips that allow flexible placement of reflectors and/or gobos (light blockers) in odd positions where they're needed. Could've used a couple of those.
Here's the photo - a two shot composit. The polarizing filter was helpful for enhancing the nice deep sculpting Chuck did on the sheath.
A recent discussion on another forum about different areas of high contrast competing for the viewer's attention was very much on my mind here. I knew it would be an issue, especially with a dark background. My solution (you tell me if it worked or not) was to compose from upper left to bottom right with the close-up inset attracting the eye first (area of greatest contrast), and from there the eye moves 1,2,3 down to the bottom right (area of least contrast).
Ever since the concept was explained to me I've been obsessed with it. I think it makes a difference in how easy an image is to look at - sometimes it makes a huge difference. The casual viewer will make a split-second decision (often unconscious) to spend (or not spend) time looking at an image, usually (IMHO) based on how easy it is to look at. 'Easy' may have to do with a lot of things like color, shapes, subject etc. But if the eye can be quickly attracted to one important area and then allowed to move around the image in a fluid, non-herky-jerky and disjointed way - then the viewer will spend time with the image and (if asked) will often say it's 'good' and he/she 'likes' it, without really knowing why. What do you think? Is this just BS, or does it make sense?
Linear Mode
