Rusty Weight
Looking for detail in found objects can lead to some interesting results. Rather than photographing the entire object look for hidden subjects that can tell the story without exposing the viewer to the entire scene. This will add a little mystery to the image and let the viewer add their own experience and imagination to the photograph.
Our photographer found this detail on the surface of an old weight. The surface is pitted with time and has a promising texture that can be exploited with a strong cross light. The photo-artist has placed the numeral high in the composition to give the graphic more interest.
I would suggest that the photographer try to get a stronger light to skim across the surface when photographing textured surfaces. This can be bumped up a little on the computer to bring the ends of the levels curve closer to the center which will give more contrast to the surface patterns.
Click on Image 
Modified 
October 6th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Thanks Jim,
I took this picture in sunlight with a diffusion disk. I probably should try it at sunrise or sunset if I can find a place that is not in shade at those times of day.