Woe be to him that reads but one bookby
MrOlafssonComment by Harz_Joerg: Greetings from the Critique Club
Initial thoughts/My opinion
Great resolution, nice looking books, too sad that a flash was used.
Content/Composition
The books themselves look nice due to their colour and nice texture. Taking just one out of the row is also a good choice. Showing a hand taking the books out might have actually been even better.
One compositional element that is important to such an image is to keep the image clean, i.e. showing only the things that are necessary and avoid anything else that does not belong there. In this image it's the lower row of books that is unnecessary. If it is cropped away the image gets much clearer, the book shelve serves way better as leading line and the more rectangular image looks much better.
In principle similar arguments can be used for the shelve itself: the wood disturbs a little too, especially at the very right. However, this could be better addressed using different light.
Camera work -technically
A major issue is the light: an important rule for indoor still-life photography is to avoid direct flashlight: it's simply too harsh, gives bad reflections that cannot be controlled by you and also strong shadows. Taking a simple desk lamp and moving it around the subject to see when the light and shadows look best is not only fun, but makes the whole atmosphere. Of course for doing so, a tripod or another good support for the camera is needed. Focus is set to the book that is taken out and that̢۪s just right.
Digital Processing - Technical
The image could have been sharpened a bit. A well fitting border might be good here too.
Fits the challenge
Yes, very well, the intention gets through even without the title.
Good luck for your upcoming submissions
Photographer found comment helpful.
