Trying to kick it up a notch

[Benjimcc]

Good evening,

At my local store were doing a painting comp its a set model so everyone is on a level playing field, the base and conversions dont count (dont ask me why....)

So ive tried to kick my painting up a notch tried to blend via the jucing technique. If you look at the only two pics in my gallery i think ive improved.

So what im after is some adive or where i need to work, i know for a fact my metallics are crap and im trying to slowly pick up nmm, but let me know what you think:

shot with Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL at 2009-06-02

I rang my bro for advice on the pic so picking up a tripod and printing a better background if anyone else shoots with a 400D with standard lens can you leave advice on settings

All feedback is much welcomed

Thanks
Ben

 

[Niall]

First off, nice model and good base!

As they are not taking conversions and basing into consideration you really need to bring out the contrast of the turquoise even more. Try glazing some orangey/reds in the deep recesses of the cloth to make the shadows look even deeper. I would even suggest going brighter with the highlighting because as we see a lot on this site, going all the way up to a very white cloth highlight looks pretty good.
I think the weapon needs to be another area of concentration for you. If you use techniques from NMM with the metallics via dark almost black shading up to very light metal colours then it should make that sword really pop.

Good luck in the competition!

 

[cleen X]

I use a 450 D Guess they are rather similar. Try this article http://www.coolminiornot.com/article/aid/101
It helped me improve my pics a lot! If your in doubt as to how to change say the ISO, just read the manual, that article makes the manual that much more understandable

Another thing you should try is take the pics in a room with a lot of windows so there is good daylight and take them during the day! Also helps to have a good lamp or two, that way there will be no shadows. Daylight bulbs are the best.

Also, this article http://www.coolminiornot.com/article/aid/724
is about photo manipulation, pretty easy stuff and it makes your photos that much better

Hope that helps

And the mini is looking good! The colors is not your traditional colors but I like it! The face I just love! How did you do the stubble on his chin ?

 

[Benjimcc]

Thanks for the replys upto now. I might try and bring up the highlights a lot more like suggested but its going to be the morning of the comp before i get a chance

 

[Benjimcc]

Final pic, placed third.