A Watched Pot

Great job!!!

Hello! Your pot is a great len! ^_^

Shot with 2 150ws studio strobes. One at full power, with softbox to subject left. One without softbox to subject right at 75% power. Triggered with Cactus radio triggers.

For this series of shots I tried to use the strobes to light the room and myself, but not the kettle, working on idea of illuminating the objects that surround a reflective object, not the reflective object itself. I also took plenty of time to clean and then polish the kettle... :)

The other day while standing in my kitchen, spaced out, my reflection in the tea kettle caught my eye, and immediately I knew that I would take this picture. But the kettle was pretty dirty and greasy, so first I had to wash it. Well washing it wasn't cutting it, so I busted out some metal polish and hand polished it twice to really get it clean and shiny for the shoot.

The answer to all the questions regarding where is the camera, is that the camera was outside of the kitchen and hidden in the shadows, which made it easy to remove completely in photoshop.

Any lighting tips/tricks/techniques/critiques are welcomed.

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Comments

Rareimage Photography says:

Very Cleaver Shot!!!!!!!!! :)

Congratulations! Your photo has been nominated as an "The Unforgetable Picture"
You are invited to add your wonderful picture to The Unforgetable Pictures Group
Please read the Group Rules and tag your photo TheUnforgetablePictures
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Jerimias Quadil says:

I tip my hat for you!!!Congrats!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Happy_Peasant says:

Very nice composition. And good not to see the camera anywhere in the reflection.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

jessielou79 says:

That's a fun photo!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

twk333 says:

what? no naked fat man? - remember the ebay pic floating aroudn the internet years and years ago? ;b

btw, cool shot ... where did you hide the camera?
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Josh Sommers says:

twk33- I don't catch the fat man reference. The camera was hidden outside of the room in the shadows and removed with photoshop.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

sgatto says:

wondering where the camera is :)

cool idea and excelent work!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

infxualbydesign says:

i really like this, has an escher feel to it.

Edit: just saw your next image it IS very escher ;)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Konstantin Sutyagin says:

Very nice :) Reminds me of my series with a teapot: logoboom.com/photo/breakfast/
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

[eidrien] says:

Very nice motiv and interesting ... where is the cam? =)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

dhoruhandi says:

clever one..very very Clever indeed!

This Great Photographic Art was made by a Diamond Class Photographer!
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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

* The Doctor says:

Niiceee!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

jo poyntz says:

Love it! Well done.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

g~ says:

very amusing
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

tHE PypEr says:

Yes you need any tips/tricks/techniques!
This is perfect man! Great tone! Looks so professional and the title is way cool!

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

try to touch says:

wow! clever and creative indeed! where is the camera?
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Patrick Hoff says:

Very cool. Did you use the omnimax projection for the reflexion?
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Veiko Tubin says:

Love it!

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Bob M. Montgomery Images says:

Young man, that's enough. You've gone too far. This is simply too good, too creative. Naughty boy! ;-)

Josh, amazing lighting work. I'm still playing with the same setup, although I haven't had much time the last month, so I'm excited to see these things you're doing with the same gear... gives me great hope for my own work :-)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Ms Ladyred says:

Very nice composition
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

showmeone says:

Very nice creative shot---lots of thought-
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Uniphasian says:

IMO, reflection photos lose credibility when you see the camera reflected in the shot. Where did you hide yours?
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Mini-DV says:

nice... I can see your entire kitchen from the reflection. what a successful capture & lighting.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Adrian MB says:

I found this amazing piece of work while browsing though Explore. Well done!

This gets a trophy!
Please join our group of Trophy-winning photographers, and add this image to our pool by clicking on the above link.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Mariano Kamp says:

Really great idea.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

plsssnraju says:

well composed.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Bobshaw says:

Well worth the time and effort, great shot!

Nice work getting rid of the camera.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Josh Sommers says:

t3- The camera was hidden in the shadows outside of the kitchen and then cloned out.

Pat- Actually this is a regular photograph, I didn't fake the reflection or anything other than the removal of the camera.

Bob- LOL, thank you! With regards to the light kit, I've been having a lot of fun with it as well. So many possibilities for lighting with that one inexpensive kit!

Everyone else- Thank you all for your kind words, invitations and faves!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

petervanallen says:

that is so darn clever
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

M Sarz says:

Great work! Normally don't click over off my google streamer but this one deserved a comment!!!!

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

CowGummy says:

ay carumba! perfect lighting! Perfect exposure! fantastic result!!

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton says:

Outstanding shot ! Imaginative, and technically flawless !! It looks really great in the LARGE size, too.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Domdomfrommionnay says:

really cool composition !
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

al-ba-ny says:

what a great and funny photo. face is quite an achievement too.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

J19ly says:

great shot!

Votre photo vaut de l'or !
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/goldingot/
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Patflinschrod says:

Very cool!

Please add your Beautiful Photo to:
Beauty is in the *Eye* of the Beholder!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

twk333 says:

thanks for the info ... again, really nice shot - it's so clean
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

proudof7 says:

I like this.. well done!!

I saw this in Beauty is in the *Eye* of the Beholder!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

serni says:

great work!
thanks for the explanations too - always welcome :-)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

* Roman Rivera * [deleted] says:

Excelente imagen....
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

behindblueeyes says:

Very clever!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

huxtest says:

amazing that the camera is not in the shot!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

komehachi888 says:

nice idea!!
love this shot so much!! :O)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

borealnz says:

This is such a clever and creative self portrait -really well done and defintely one for the blog!!!

Congratulations Pisco Bandito !
YOUR FANTASTIC PHOTO HAS BEEN BLOGGED!

The World Through My Eyes Admin Favorite Photo
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Londa Elle says:

Love this, outstanding shot! What creative genius behind it ;) Very well done.
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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

GooseGoddessS says:

This is Fabulous!!! :)
Congratulations on having this lovely image blogged!!
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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Denis Collette...!!! says:

A lovely moment!
You're #15 on Explore!
You enlight the world my dear friend!
The world loves you!
Champagne, chocolate, peanuts, candy floss! :)))

Congratulations! Félicitation! Felicitazione! Felicitación! Glückwunsch! تهنئة 恭喜 Felicitação! Čestitke! Blahopřání! Gratulation! Felicitatie! Õnnitlus! Onnittelu! Συγχαρητήρια! השתתפות באושר של מישהו! Gratulálok! Powinszowanie! Felicitação! Честитке! Lyckönskningar! Поздравляю! Tebrikler! Поздравления!

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

napdynmite says:

The lighting is perfect
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

RobinMPowers says:

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

tintinian says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called LSDE Photography (invite only) - award 2 pics in the pool !!!, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

one42chrisp says:

Wondeful!

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

picaddict says:

This is my Fave from
Heart Awards Group

a wonderful idea, love the light in that photo!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

pgpdesign (paul) says:

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

molamoni says:

i like it

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Domen Colja says:

I'm an administrator for a newly founded group called Artistic faves and we'd love to have your photo added to the pool.

Thanks in advance, take care;) And please consider becoming a member of the group too and checking out the weekly contest and posting one of your creations.

Your image is invited to the Artistic faves pool.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

pippolata says:

congrats on being blogged in TWTME... fabulous photo... very clever :o)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

ilovepics11 says:

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .

Which will look like this:
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Plavistribor says:

Brilliant!

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

shelker says:

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

sallylondon says:

Thanks for the details explaining how you took this marvellous shot! Congratulations on being chosen and blogged at
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Mark Turnbull says:

Another superb concept immaculately executed!

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

madriguera says:

great shot! well done!! :-))

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

viscidleigh says:

Fantastic concept!
Congrats on being an Admin Fave, and being blogged!
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

♥babybee says:

Very creative! And so clean. Well done.

Congratulations on having this shot blogged! :)

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

framedview says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Commercial Retouching, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

Your work is just stunning!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

blmurch says:

This is awesome. Way to transform a saying into art. Congrats on having this photo blogged.

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Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

*Micky says:

Excellent, wonderfully creative...a fave :-)
Congrats on being blogged!
Thanks for sharing with The World Through My Eyes :)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Ran_d says:

Love it :)

Congrats on having your photo blogged :)

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Åsta says:

Tack sharp and fantastic quality - and awesome way to do a self portrait as well! Congratulations on having this great picture blogged! Well done :-)

The World Through My Eyes
Commented with SIC
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

eagle1effi says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Damn Cool Photographers in the World., and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Charlie Naebeck says:

haha, this shot is great! nice work and very creative
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

dolphingirl2009 says:

Oh I like it! I was planning to do something similar using a door handle instead of the tea pot... :-)
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Vega... says:

This is great job !!!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

roomman says:

This is great!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

!Just_In_Time! says:

Well, I can not tell you that anything about this shot ain't right.

GREAT and an instant fave!+!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

connole_03 says:

i think i have the same tea pot, but i dont think mine is suppose to be the shiny teapot. its just metal....

great shot and wish i had inspiration in my kitchen that would make me take pictures instead of eat!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

duffea says:

Nice shot!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

"CAVE CANEM" says:

Cool or is that hotI found this in The World Through My Eyes Blog!

Your photo has been appraised as a Platinum Photograph
We would be honored to have your photo in our group!
Please tag your photo with platinumphoto
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

...robert joseph... says:

by now the water has boiled away!
great idea and execution
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

Lynn (Gracie's mom) - I'm here & there says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called My Stars!, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

Awesome. Love it.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Matt Durben says:

Good work, like it really.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Danny Perez Photography says:

AWESOME SHOT!!

You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

djokomuljanto says:

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/

interesting photo
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

decembre says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Portrait★Faces, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

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Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

svift says:

Good shot, like it really.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

fotomark.net says:

This was a great concept!
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

mexycan says:

... never boils! LOL!
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

emiliocamarin says:

Hola, soy el administrador de un grupo llamado Realidad Ficticia y nos encantaría agregar tu foto al grupo.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Yanks4Life23519 says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called All things indoors =), and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

methodjs says:

Josh,
I originally thought (before reading your commentary) that this was a two shot deal... One with the camera on a stand (and no you) at one angle, and one with you and the camera on a stand at another angle. I am guessing now from what you said that it was in that far hallway...
Nice work!
-m
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Josh Sommers says:

Yep, this was one shot, the camera was in the hallway outside of the kitchen, and I think it was shot at 200mm.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Anonymous Photo Guy says:

That is sick!!!
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

Muddy Funkster says:

You should have a go at 'A Storm in a Tea Cup'
My old college lecturer did one for the above title and it was amazingly well done, even had a little ship being tossed about on big waves. I recon you'd do a great job of it too.
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

gatorinsc says:

I tried this shot but could not get rid of the camera. This is great!

www.flickr.com/photos/schreier119/2234111752/
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Josh Sommers says:

Jeff- Try using a telephoto lens, like 200mm and have the camera be in another room in the shadows. If the room the kettle is in is well lit then the camera will be obscured by the shadows of the other room, and then it is easier to remove with Photoshop.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

CrzysChick says:

This is incredible! I love it! The best reflection shot I've ever seen, in an object like this.

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Posted 19 months ago. ( permalink )

TalkingTree says:

Love the creative idea, keep'em coming. The tonal range of mostly blacks, browns, and silver works well too.
Posted 19 months ago. ( permalink )

keithyoshi says:

It might boil if you put it on a heat source, hehe.
Great pic as usual Josh.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Tiff Z. says:

amazing reflection
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Lesley/Sony H50 says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Artistic Souls, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Great lighting.
Lesley
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

MarthaMayhem says:

Neat!
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Mia Elliott says:

You really made me smile.
I'm an admin for a group called My house is my castle, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

ian.cossar says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Shiny Things Make Me Smile, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi.
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Taken on August 19, 2007
Viewed 11,897 times

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