
Wheatgrass growing in a stainless steel paint can while color-matched green paint drips down the side, isolated on a blue vignette background
One of the photo concepts on my personal project list this year is to illustrate some type of connection between man and nature. A subject that relates the quirky, maybe dysfunctional, and even an unrealistic relationship between the two. Something organic and genuine, mixed with a man-made recognizable object. Hmmm.
I was having great success growing wheatgrass and my local hardware store was able to color match the paint with the grass, no problem – I’m off to a good start.
The challenge came in creating a proper studio environment where the reflective qualities of a round stainless steel container are properly lit. It had to show the depth and style that we expect of this three dimensional round surface, without any distracting highlights, color shifts, or hot spots.
Using soft boxes, large sheets of white foam core, and a variety of metal rulers made for the basic reflective structure. Some gaffers tape and white and grey electrical cords rounded out the defined color range.
The blue vignette background was added later in post-production using PhotoShop.
Beautiful image, I think you made the connection at least for me. I didn’t notice the blue vignette until I read the details. I guess I should pay attention to the background.
Really nice. Thanks Lou for sharing it.
I tried different color backgrounds and a soft blue in a vignette provided a little contrast yet remained unobtrusive. Thanks for the comment Lou!
Very impressive! A lesson in concept photography. Hope a lot more from you in coming days.
Thanks
Thanks for the kind words. A new post is coming soon in the form of a photo montage