Hot Tap
by stickylizard

Comment:
neat effect. would have been perfect, if you could have got all of the background a solid black.

"Silent Observation"
by autool

Comment:
the composition, clear focus and wonderful colers make this a great shot.

Sea of tranquillity
by geewhy

Comment:
The negative space works very well here. With the slight haze and the great reflections off the water, everything blends together so there is no real horizon, which is a nice effect. Nice work. - 9

Spilled Black
by Mick

Comment:
**Critique Club**

Hello Michael! Congrats on your top 10 placing, on only your third entry.

Positives:
I really like the composition with the model paint bottle in the top left, running down and forming the word "Black". The focus on the bottle and initial spill area is good as well.

Possible Improvements:
I'm going to say the shallow DOF detracts a bit. Personally, I like the way it is, but I think I agree with the other comments that it may be even better if it was entirely in focus. As someone mentioned below, the right side of the cap is blown out and blends into the white background.

Overall a unique take on the challenge that was done very well.

-Chris

unscheduled drydock
by timboydwhite

Comment:
great composition

The Darkness
by Poison IV

Comment:
Seems to have quite a bit of noise. Decent macro though

Mysterious
by crabappl3

Comment:
very nice selective desaturation. nice sharp focus on the eyes as well

Hands of Sorrow...
by theodor38

Comment:
You're probably getting slammed for the post-processing, but I really like it.

Black Pottery of Northern Mexico
by lwkimages

Comment:
Not sure I like the straight down angle

Winning Shot or Window Breaks
by JPR

Comment:
Appears to me, that would be considered an illegal jump shot. Need to come down on the cue, rather than scooping it. :-)

About the photo: Great shot. I like the angle, lighting, DOF, reflection on the 8 ball...well, actually everything about it. This will probably be in the top 3 this week.