Wine Bottle Displayed in a Sexy High-heel Shoe

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks to the most recent newcomers to the thread!

George,

I think I discovered the "black line" you mentioned. Regardless, I discovered an issue in the exact area that you mentioned. It was a post-processing problem that became apparent when viewing at 100% that I missed on my final review of the image. I also discovered another post-processing issue very nearby and fixed both issues in my file. Both issues had to do with Photoshop's inaccurate registration mentioned in my previous post. So, thank you!

[Mike Buckley]

The discussion of the comparison between the objects and the reflections of the objects is interesting. I could have added simulation of a bright light at the bottom of the heel and its reflection. Doing so would have made the distinction between the heel and its reflection obvious regardless of the viewing size.

Perception is everything in life, especially when viewing images. There are lots of tests in printed and online publications showing very clearly that what we think we see is often not at all what is actually in the scene. In the case of this image, we think we see the distinction between the base of the toe of the shoe more easily than the difference at the heel of the shoe. In actuality, if we examine the detail very closely, the very bottom of the toe of the shoe is black and we can't see any distinction between it and its reflection. However, because there are other distinguishing characteristics of the base of the shoe (not so in the heel), we think we are are more easily seeing the distinction between the toe and its reflection. In the end, it really only matters what we think we're seeing.

I probably spent more time making this photo than any other photo. I took the time because I have the time and because I enjoy the process from beginning to end. However, when we compare our photos with pro photos (or at least when I compare mine with them), it's easy to appreciate that the pros don't have the luxury of time that we amateurs have even when taking into account that the pros probably work at least ten times as fast and as effectively as I do for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes, though, their lack of time becomes apparent. As an example, I am currently reviewing the full-page photo on page 51 of the September 2015 issue of Food and Wine magazine. If you have that issue and examine the right side of the reflection of the pan, the reflection bears no resemblance to the pan itself. There are also other obvious details in that area of the tabletop that are very puzzling when critically reviewed that would be noticed only by someone looking for issues.

[Brownbear]

Gorgeous image, perfection in every little detail. Thank you as always for the educational narrative.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Christina!

[Stagecoach]

Beautifully executed Mike.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Grahame!