Week 1
by jdannels

Comment:
I agree with you, the contrasting textures really make this shot worth looking at. Nice sky and subtle colours all over.

Saranghabnida II
by jhess77

Comment:
Nice well composed portrait. Wouldn't mind seeing the colour version too.

Basement Drummer
by bvy

Comment:
I thought this was a lensbaby shot with some editing at first. It's amazing to read what it actually is!

I like the shot, it has a strange abstract / dreamlike feel about it, very cool!

Solitude in Stiltsville
by yakatme

Comment:
In response to your thread request, here are my feelings on the image.

I think 5.1 is a little low, but not overly so. If I had looked at this in the challenge I would probably have guessed it would finish in 5.5 - 5.7 area.

The structure to me has no meaning or context, I have no idea if it's sitting right next to the shore or 1 mile out like you describe so it's just a structure on the water and doesn't have much in the way of interest.

The colours like others have said are a little flat and the shot in general is lacking a touch of contrast, not overly so though. This has resulted in the water and the sky not really differentiating from each other.

The cloud formations are quite nice but I don't think you've managed to bring the best out of them, remember, whether you're for or against post processing, if you want to score well in the Free Study you really have to bring things like that out.

Personally, if I had voted, I would probably have given you a 5 based on what I've said above. Hope that helps.

1 - Alone
by odriew

Comment:
Great mood to this shot. At first I thought it was a touch dark, but after looking at it for a bit it looks just right. I think this photo would work a lot better in a larger size, I zoomed in to make it fill my screen and it already looked a lot better, the little details are almost lost here but I'm sure in print it would be wonderful!

The Accordion Man, Week 1
by njsabs

Comment:
Nice shot, has a very polished feel to it, looks like it belongs in an add for some expensive clothing item.

Week 1 - Slash pine
by Tammster

Comment:
When I looked at the thumbnail I thought, "Boring centred shot of a tree" but once I opened it up and saw all the amazing textures and contrasts my opinion changed!

I like the way your eye is led up the trunk to all the strange shapes and patterns created by the branches and the greenery against the blue sky. Very nice shot indeed.

Loverly
by bspurgeon

Comment:
Great subject for shallow DOF, nice vivid colours and and great detail in the focused area.

Squirrel
by Starbanana

Comment:
Well timed, he looks like he is about to plummet to earth!

Architecture 01 - Houses in the sky
by hajeka

Comment:
Great start to architecture with so many styles taken in with a single photo.

I see there are lights in the water facing up, my guess would be that the very same shot would be really interesting at night too.