Noa
by ytshuva

Comment:
Critiquing.

First of all, a fabulous portrait with an intense psychological connection between subject and viewer. There is an immense amount of depth in those dark brown eyes and those eyelashes...stunning.

I like the slight vignette, it added a lot of nice pastels into the image.
I enjoy the childish nature of the image. The wet skin, the biting the lip, the bright bathing suit. However, I don't like the angle. I wish you would have gotten down on her level. You eliminate her neck with the angle. It would be nice, as the viewer, to be at a child's level looking into her eyes.

Besides that, the image is great. The water-drop bokeh adds to all the little magical things going on.

Africa
by Silent-Shooter

Comment:
Critiquing.

A very impressive peaceful image is my first thought. The light glow of the sun falls calmly on the eyes. The centered composition also adds to that sense of peace and balance (however there is definitely enough asymmetry to generate interest in the image). I love the light fog and mist you captured in the distance.

A few things I didn't care for: I think you went a bit too far in bringing out the detail on the tree. It has an unrealistic feel being so light. The edges of the tree are also slightly blurred which continues that evidence of post processing. I also wish that there were less straggly branches on the tree. Sometimes that's something that can't be changed but they do take away from the light, rolling hills and glowing horizon in the background.

The border is a nice touch.

jagged blue
by posthumous

Comment:
Critiquing.

I cannot fathom why this placed so low. I think the majority of voters did not take the time required to really look at this image.

The use of lines is intense in the image. Parallel and seemingly nonsensical lines come together to direct the eye through the image in an almost effortless fashion. Something about the lines I didn't like was perhaps the use of too much sharpening? The heavy black lines that encase the outlines don't harmonize with the overall softness of the image.

The woman with the high cheek bones creates a contrast. There is something so...otherworldly...so old world about her that juxtaposing her against the race of modernity makes viewers question...stare longer at the overall story behind the image. In addition, her melancholic expression perhaps communicates her disappointment with society.

I'm guessing you lost points because of the blankness of the sky and the blur & grain. However your composition is spectacular. Your image definitely deserves another look.

Eyes of the Past
by Lydia

Comment:
I greatly enjoy this image. The faded texture of the leaves is gorgeous and it's so refreshing to see a normal level of contrast compared to some of the overly sharpened HDR images in this challenge. My eyes are appropriately drawn to that splash of orange brick.
It's hard to critique images of buildings because it would be hard to alter the image...however, I think the image would be improved by either 1. removing some of the branches on the left to free up that area a bit more or 2. having more branches so that only the upper portion of the wall would be visible.

Claimed By The Sea
by MsAmbrosia

Comment:
This image is stunning. The colors, compared to the tones of contrast, give it an otherworldly feel. The building looks like it doesn't even belong and reminded me slightly of a Jerry Uelsmann work. I also like how the clouds seem to frame the building, like a halo of white.
One thing I didn't like was the lack of sea. I wish we had a bit more water in the image. My eyes travel to the left and are a bit disappointed.

Glimmer
by aliqui

Comment:
I absolutely love that glimmer. The detail really pops with the strong contrast and alternations of complimentary yellow and blue.

Serienna
by fotomann_forever

Comment:
There's something naturally beautiful and sexy about her. Perhaps you are hinting at a contrast here, the apparent purity of her against the industrial background. The soft lighting compliments the image very well.
Refreshing to have a photo of a woman without the addition of large, silicon breasts.

Forbearing with a Heart of a Rebel
by HighNooner

Comment:
This image is defined in such a way to make it look like a painting. This would have faired beautifully in the pastel challenge. The shades in the hair make me stare long and I love the way you captured the veins.

Quidditch- Harry and Draco Chase the Snitch
by bcrants

Comment:
I love it! Harry looks slightly unsure. :D
I like the bright spot in the center, I think it highlights your subjects very well.

Sense of Humor
by tanguera

Comment:
I love it. The yawning cat, the motion with the hand, the strong contrast. Clever. :D