Overall impressions:

I wish I could create photos like these – all are technically superb. Strong to excellent compositions; the dark backgrounds subtly set off the COIs; speaking of the backgrounds, it’s a big plus that in most of the photos they’re not flat black but have subtle variations in value and color; and the focus in all is top-notch. In at least 2 of the 4 photos, you’ve demonstrated what in painting is called “lost and found edges.” It’s great to see a simple subject treated with thoughtful restraint and portrayed so elegantly. These all come across as pleasingly simple images, but I suspect you put a lot of thought into each one.

My favorites, in this order, are: 4) – Samoas, 2) – Silver Plated, 1) – Chocolate Mint in Crystal, and 3) – Chocolate Chip Cookies.

1) Simple and elegant. The etching in the crystal add a bit of interest, and the sharpness, colors, and focus are excellent. Still, I find it a bit stark for the homey and comfortable subjects, and I’d like to see just a little more room above the topmost cookie. (There’s a theory about composition which suggests that keeping your COI at different distances from each of the 4 sides is desirable.)

2) Lovely textures: the smoothness of the milk, the roughness of the napkin and the Samoas. Great values: the specular highlights on the tray aren’t at all blown out, yet the rest of the image isn’t underexposed – the Samoas are lit just right.

3) The composition in this simple little image has a lot going on, and does this without disturbing the calming simplicity. To my eyes, the Girardelli bag is more distracting than supportive.

4) Wonderful image: who would have imagined that a photo of cookies could exhibit such kinetic energy. The variations of the backgound help us see the edge of the table, it’s very well composed, your control of light should be in a book telling us how to do it right, and the focus/sharpness is spot-on. I wish the third cookie from the right didn’t have the bit of plastic in front of it, but this is a minor nit.

I couldn’t critique them without tasting them

Wonderful photos Lorell.

Doug

Oh, my. I would like some with my coffee, please!!
I think I like #2 the best. Although I wish there was a tad more light on the milk glass! The setup is inviting….although it may be argued that it’s too typical??
Next I like #4. Cookies jumping out at me, can I catch one in my mouth? I like the lighting on these!!
Next I like the chocolate chip….although the composition is a bit off balance. It needed a tad more at the top and another gooey cookie or two on the plate…it’s heavy to the left. That gooey cookie draws me in. Maybe try a tighter crop. Light on that cookie is great!!
My least favorite is the mint cookies. Maybe the cookies are not elegant enough for the cut glass…..and I don’t think the yellow light flatters the cookies. And maybe too much room on the right?
Just my musings….what a fun experiment, did you get to eat the cookies???

Coming late to the cookie party. I agree with all that was said and am interested how your camera club friends reacted to them. I like the gooey cookie. Sometime when you are doing natural lighting make a reflector. A white card 4′ x 4′ for small still lifes would liven up the dark areas a little. You could even tape some gold colored mylar to one and have a warm reflection.