Black&White
The next step beyond low-key is lithograph; where there is only black and white with no gray tones present. That is to say that some photographs can be made to look like an India ink drawing.
This photograph fits the title Black & White. Through the clever use of light reflection this photo-artist has created a stunning graphic that pops off the page (screen). The composition consists of bisecting the horizontal with white on the left and black on the right. These contrasts are reversed in the water and glass reflections. The vertical is divided in half by the line of glass rims. The photographer has carefully thought out this composition.
You may notice that the right hand glass appears to be leaning toward the edge of the frame. I have checked this out using a vertical line and it is as truly straight as any of the other subjects. It is only an optical illusion cause by the proportion of black to white in the water making your eye see it more heavily weighted on the right side.
Click on Image 
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Thanks, Jim.
I shot this with a fairly long lens (a 100mm Macro lens will do just fine) to minimize the reflections from the room and the camera in the glasses. The long lens also helps with limiting the linear distortion. So other factors I had to consider was the distance from the glasses to the lightbox and black matboard, and getting the camera exactly 90 degrees to the subject. This is crutial to get the symmetrical reflections in the glasses. I had to wash and polish the glasses to remove all spots. Finally the spacing of the three glasses was trial and error to get the symmetry just right. I used the histogram to get the exposure I wanted. I found the biggest challenge in this type of exercise is to keep the reflections of the camera & tripod, and the other objects in the room from showing up in the subject. I think executing these types of shots are invaluable to honing ones photographic skills and knowledge.
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
WOW!!!!!! BRAVO!!! Love it. Great work!
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I agree. Excellent shot!
August 4th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Great shot Bill !!