Update:




Edited by Skull Master - 10 October 2007 at 1:25pm

I suggest you work more on defining shapes with large areas of color rather than the current gradient-pillowshading deal you have going on now. What you have fills up space but doesn't describe how the object would look in 3D. Look at some references for shading help; right now it has a lot of problems in that area.

You shaped it odd. Look at the difference between the two. Also, make those strips yellow! It looks monochromatic atm.

Your shading has not helped to show a reflective surface. What you've done is make the helmet look incredibly warped and lumpy. You need to find out the reasons behind the reflections on the surface of a metal object. Your engravings on the surface are too contrasted and bold to be seen as a reflection (or lack of). You'll notice the cone of the reference picture has only 1 reflection on the underside of the shadow, whereas yours has two (making the first seem like a lump).

So yes, make it less random and pattern-like, smoothen it out and make it much more subtle. You can always do some tricks to make it look more shiny later on. Perhaps try to add some hints of colour into the metal (you don't need to add the gold strips if you don't want to) because of the type of lighting around it or the objects it's reflecting.

Good luck, hope i helped somewhat.

I would say everything on the helmet apart from the cameraman would be suitable. Where he is you should be able to work out something to replace it. Or at least give it a go!