the color version   Posted: 10/07/2025 19:43:05

Sylvia, This photo is completely different from the September photo.
Are you more into the Gothic theme?

For me, it contains important symbols of a Baroque still life.

Dried flowers symbolize decay, an overturned bucket that stands for the end of life, the pearl necklace as a symbol of wealth, and finally, of course, the skull.

I'm curious where you got that.

Burnt-out candles in the candlesticks would have also fit the theme.
But that's just a suggestion.

I like the composition. The foreground and background add depth to the image.
The somber/darker tone emphasizes the overall effect of the image.

How much editing did your original image need? Did you use a filter?

I'm looking at the color image right now. I really like both images.   Posted: 10/08/2025 20:06:21

Sabine, thank you for your thoughtful comments.
I was just capturing different topics - last months topic was summer, this month I am going for Halloween type vibes.

The skull is cheap plastic purchased at the dollar tree. However, I scored a nicer fake skull at a thrift shop today and will soon try again with the newer skull.
I agree with burnt out candle sticks but I didn't have any on hand and wanted to get started.

I definitively used a black and white filter on the b&w image.
For the color image I only added a vignette. I was playing a lot with lighting, having it come in harshly on one side.

  Posted: 10/11/2025 18:58:24

Sylvia, I like this image. There is just enough light touching all items and the arrangement is perfect for these items to set the mood, especially the skull, which I hope isn't a relative of yours. The face and eyes pull me into the scene, leaving me with an eerie sense and curiosity. The same could be said about the color version, except that the skull doesn't have the same effect on me as your B&W. I agree with Sabine that used candle sticks would add a little more mystic to this image. Regardless, I enjoy this image each time I see it and I think you are very successful with this still life creation.   Posted: 10/12/2025 13:00:47

I really like the idea of the burnt down, dripping candles in the sticks. I'd go a step further and attempt to capture wisps of smoke from the wicks.

  Posted: 10/12/2025 21:41:56

Sylvia, Great still life! I agree with the comments to add drippy candles with smoke. I believe the B&W gives the scene more depth showing the spider webs and deeper shadows. Just in time for Halloween!   Posted: 10/13/2025 13:14:16

Sylvia, I like the composition of this image. You did a good job raising the shadows from the original color photo that gives it a good balance. The color image looks a bit dark to me. I agree with the others with including a burnt out candle with the smoke lingering in the image. Good job with this.   Posted: 10/18/2025 04:23:59

Sylvia, this is a wonderfully atmospheric piece! You've created a moody, evocative scene that really captures that Gothic aesthetic. The lighting is particularly effective-the way it catches the skull, the dried flowers, and those metallic elements creates wonderful drama and depth. Your composition draws the eye through the frame nicely with the pearls leading us through the scene. Keep refining your still life work-you have a great eye for arrangement and mood!   Posted: 10/20/2025 17:43:21

Thank you all for your kind words, comments and most of all suggestions! I have already given the candle sticks back after not being able to find taper candles for them (admittedly I only went to a couple of stores).
I am not going to retake this photo, but I am on a still life kick so you will probably see another still life next month.   Posted: 10/21/2025 16:33:08