DGMD E-9 Section 1 (16307)

Set 3_back_2604 [f8 (0.4s ISO 200)] seems to have a glow to it the others don't match; yet it's not boisterous, rather subtle. Perhaps it's the yellow lighting from the can and ceiling along with the bright green on the coaster? The central prop is the can, yellow, appropriately connected to the sunny day of Boston shown on the coaster and what one can imagine a nice day in Hawaii might be, perhaps a day when the wooden Hawaii hotel gift box was made, the focus of this background shoot. Coupled with the park and vacation mentality is the tabletop, serving like a reflection pool, dark like brooding which contrasts with the colorful uplift. Also in contrast to the sunny spirit and energy, there's a reminder of not so uplifting activity, humdrum daily living: a broom, a sink, a ladder, a fuse box. Another reminder of reality: the technical execution, while enough to deliver, doesn't quite live up to the glow--it's like the image asks for refinement, better productive quality which is often based on planning, and planning is thematically underscored in the suggestive flight from Boston to Hawaii (likely requiring a travel itinerary), as our eyes hopscotch from object 1 to 3. As for object 1, somewhat peculiar, it appears like the coaster has a handle. A coffee mug is supporting it. The mug serves as a prop's prop, important yet hidden by the landscape. What's on the mug? It's a curiosity. Boston, energy drink, souvenir, an apartment setting all clear--yet the hidden mug? Perhaps it's innocent, the Boston scene hiding a white surface. Or maybe there's more: a Kennebunkport, Maine, lobster image which, if shown, would compete as a souvenir with the Hawaii box which is, as said, the focus. As for composition, the edge of the counter splits the frame and there are two dark parallel vertical lines--the right side of the refrigerator and the broom. It's likely debatable whether those help the composition or distract. Much said, for an exercise technical, there is need for improvement. I'm glad to identify the camera numbers provided, and I'm working on adjusting them without relying so much on online search and manual material. 

I prefer IMG_2609 because it's the most recent photograph I can use as a learning tool. I'm not sure if I did this assignment correctly. I used objects, which I understand is ok in lieu of a person, but I'm not sure how that carries over to adjusting shutter speed. I did set the items 6 feet from the door, which is taller than the items, but without motion I wasn't sure what shutter speed adjustment would do. They all look about the same to me. I did make sure aperture was different in each shot. Even with that though the images look very similar. It's a learning experience, and to learn is why I'm taking the course.