Composition decision

[Steven Sweeney]

Yes, reduce the contrast between the lamp's shadow and the backdrop, and then don't make too much of the lamp itself, and you'll do fine. Even a subdued lamp will pull some weight away from that diagonal, and also balance the orchids horizontally.

I cut my finger badly today while sailing (How is that possible, you would be justified in wondering) and so this is the extent of my typing for the night. Karma settles everything, eventually.

Good luck. Have fun.

[Marvin Mattelson]

I think the background is extremely distracting. The elements seem rather randomly chosen and placed. The table line cutting the mother's head is particularly distracting. I think you'd be better off placing the figures against a simple textured gradated tone. I'd also crop in on the figures more. KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid, is always my choice for compositional philosophy.