I think what gets me about this one, while I really like the treatment, is that it doesn't seem finished. It's like a half-tone overlay is missing, and needed to fill in a few darks and lines, that would pull the objects together. I find myself wanting to see more.
It does look authentic as a background illustration from an instruction manual of the time.
Sure- I probably didn't use the right terms, which would have helped. This shot reminds me of old lithographs so a half-tone for fine detail is what came to mind.
I thought a layer with that look would add a bit more definition without detracting from the old world character you've got in this. Something that would only define the darkest details, without changing the texture or color anywhere else.
I'm a bit of a minimalist sometimes.... when you have amazing subjects it's often best to just pick one thing and photograph it in a cool way. This has too much for me. I'd have loved an interesting shot, angle of one item, and some dramatic lighting to enhance the mood. The less is more adage, ya know? :-)
yeah, i think i kind of rushed to take it rather than choosing one item and carefully thinking about lighting and composition, but i do kind of like the collection of edison items.
your idea sounds great though, maybe i'll shoot the phonograph alone and post it in a different section.
