It seems that you and I are both working on a series of the same subject matter unaware of it until this posting of yours. I can imagine your wife's face as you assemble these cigar butts for their pose. It would be even more astonishing if you actually raided the local taverns ash tray for this purpose. I like the way you carefully used the daylight with a fill card on the right side to kick some light back. I do hope. I recall an earlier attempt at this, however this one is more refined and to the point. Excellent Ian. By the way, it is a great homage to Irving Penn.

Very well done - I recall seeing a showing of his butt series in NY - quite some time ago - in my minds eye this certainly stands up. Seems like he was using something like a 4x5 or 8x10 camera for that series?

This is perfect!!! Absolutely perfect!!! Should be the poster-image for some anti-smoke campaign or something. AWESOME still-life!!!! Have a great sunday. #:O)

pure art.... outstanding..:)...:))))

most excellent tribute to Penn! could do a whole series of masters! http://www.masters-of-photography.com

Wonderful tribute, it's gorgeous work! :)

Excellent B&W photography! Great movie quality atomsphere you've created!

wow, fantastic shot, colours and presentation!!!

Very clean, quality image... wonderful composition. Congrats on being selected to the 'Best of!'

kewl shot

Ian, I know next to nothing about Photography, so I have to try to stick to the "Art" that I see as opposed to technique. I don't know who Irving Penn was, but I think you have captured something of the character and spirit of the man. It is almost as though it is a part of him in the photograph. To capture that is excellent work. V

expressive photography art. a great tribute for Irving Penn. most excellent done. VOTE #:O)