Studio still life

Just loved how bold this image is, plus with an interesting concept behind it. It's definitely got something that could be expanded into a wider project. The attention to detail in the setup is fantastic. Whilst it definitely conveys the message I feel there are a few small changes that would improve it further, I find the amount of text you see on the pepsi side a little distracting (the ingredients and addresses, not the actual pepsi logo) but is only a minor thing. In still life, as with most photography, I find it best to try and do as much as possible in camera. There are ways to create a completely black background (such as using black velvet and/or suspending the setup) without having to cut out using photoshop; also if you're going to do this use feathering. I'd have also experimented using physical red and blue circles instead of filling in in post production. I really had to analyse the image to see how you'd done this though so again a small point but something to make your image even more special. Overall a lovely shot, well done!

What first strikes me about this image is how striking, simple and quirky it is. The bent cutlery really makes it for me, such a simple change but it breaks away from the norm to really strike out at you. It also has allowed you to play with the light and reflections on the metal more. I did find the use of mixed temperature light sources interesting but feel it could have been pushed further, it would be nice to have some of that warm light on the spoon too for example. My only small issue with the lighting is the garlic bulb I find a little flat, but the rest is lovely. Just a couple of technical pointers would be there are still a few artefacts in the background, a very easy fix. Also I noticed you using a very high ISO and I'm assuming you're on a tripod with a shutter of 1/13 you should reduce this to improve image quality (if you're worried about camera shake put your camera on self-timer). But all in all a wonderful image, well done!

I find this image quite interesting and surreal. I've seen lost of imagery using miniature models but not gummy bears! The lighting adds to the strange feeling in the shot really being helped by the fact the bears are translucent. The choice of colours and placement of the subjects in the composition feels very considered, which is great. I like the green bears not seeing/facing away but I think they could be lit a little better, with more shape on the backs. The surface is interesting but does feel a little dark in places. But overall this is a really quirky little image, well executed and original.

The concept in this image is really what grabbed me to begin with. The composition itself is lovely too, so graphic. All elements feel considered, there's a simplicity that really strengthens the image, all elements are easy to read, helping the overall meaning. I was impressed to see this was shot on a phone camera, you've really used the tools you have at your disposal. The lighting is nice, I think the hardness works with the concept well. But I think the angle could be improved, just shifted up slightly to shed more light on the right most segment and to help shadow position. I also find the crop a tiny bit too tight, I'd like to see the end of the shadow on the left, a small but significant difference. Overall a great shot, it really stands out, well done.

I was drawn to this image because of the excellent choice of background to create the illusion. A fantastic image considering the limitations of using only a phone camera too! In still life attention to detail is key and there are a few simple things you could have done before getting into big expensive cameras and lighting setups. I find the surface a little distracting with the etching in the wood, although the colour of the wood does really compliment the rest of the shot. But perhaps something plain and square (so the horizon line was straight) would have been better. Also glass is very hard to shoot well, reflections always being an issue. Consider using white and black paper or fabric to block unwanted reflections and create nice ones. You can even use a piece with a hole cut in it for your camera lens to shoot through. Overall a really interesting photo, great work and keep shooting!

A fantastically executed image here. I love the way it took me a minute to realise it was a model. Not only that the composition is simple and beautiful. You've really nailed the propping; it tells a real story. The shallow depth of field actually adds to the reality, the soft elements looking more real because you can't see the detail. It also adds to this suspense you have generated in the image. It reminds me of Gregory Crewdson's early work. The only thing I'd like to see is the light from the headlights be a little less blown out. Great work, well done!

This is such a lovely image. I especially like the low angle and dramatic lighting. That there's a story and concept behind it too enriches it. This also gives it great potential for a series. Whilst I do enjoy the shallow depth of field I feel like the apples are a little too soft, perhaps they could have been a bit closer. It would also be nice if there was a little more separation between the apples and the pears. These are only small things though and overall it's a great shot.

Watches can be one of the hardest things to photograph and you've done a nice job here. Getting the face with no reflection is challenging and often involves composites of several photos. To really take it to the next level with this kind of photography you need to shoot each kind of surface/part of the object separately according to its reflective nature. So here would be the face, the metal body and the strap. Allowing you to get the best out of each and if shot properly is a relatively easy process in post production. However you really have done an incredible job of what I think is a single shot? it creates a real mood. my only minor points are the strap is a little too dark and gets lost and the second hand is just starting to cover the emblem. In almost all watch photography the hands are set to 10:10 (it's said to make it smile), not saying you should conform to this but just a point of note. Overall a nice shot though, good work.

I wanted to write a review for this image as I've seen an awful lot of this optical effect in this competition and this is the best. All elements feel nicely considered and executed well. But if you're going to create an image like this it needs to be as perfect as possible. Your front glass is slightly off to the right and the horizon line isn't quite straight. these are very minor things but important to an image like this. The props and lighting is fantastic though, the shape of the glasses works so well with the effect of looking through them and rear lighting glass is always nice. I would love to see this optical effect really pushed though, as it's something a lot of people do you need something extra to really stand out. Which you have done in this case so well done but I still think it could be pushed further. A great image overall though, so well done!

I just love the concept here. It really does look like an object from outer space. You've used used lighting and focus to an exceptional level to create something genuinely planet like. The peach works so well too, it avoids being cheesy and you really have to look twice to tell what it is. I'd like to see a series of these. You could experiment with a tilt-shift lens to further play with the focus. Technically I can't fault it at all, well done!