Impressions
by KaDi

Comment:
Looks a bit like a dog paw-print! Cheeky entry that would fare well in another challenge. Perhaps too much shadow on the left.

Air
by arngrimur

Comment:
Essence of bird-flight captured well. Very creative.

Snapping Turtle
by Gatorguy

Comment:
Closer shot (or crop) would have made it more interesting

Watching You
by rhipster

Comment:
Fantastic sharpness around the eye but I have to wonder if the stick needed to be in the frame. A simple crop could have really kept the viewer's focus on the bird's gaze.

Hey - Look At That!
by Drake

Comment:
Great capture but perhaps not presented to its best capability. Not sure about the halo glow which emphasises the dark head and perhaps the position in the frame is too centred. Despite this, love the form!

Ethan, Dirty Face and All
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
Little disappointed to see this place so low as I thought it would ribbon for sure. Having skimmed through the comments I am struck by the fact that what one person cites as a plus, another specifically criticises. I guess portraiture is a 'risky' business because we all bring our own interpretation of human attractiveness to the table. I, for one, think your style gets the right balance between engaging with the subject but also remaining sufficiently objective so that the resulting photo doesn't drip cloying sentimentality. Heida achieved a similar quality with her shot this challenge. Keep up the good work. Ben
P.S. Will study your PS process in detail!

Shy guy
by Jinjit

Comment:
Great capture of pose and very nice composition. Two constructive criticisms: oversharpened and dull ground taking up too much of pic.

Color wild
by Pepette

Comment:
Fantastic light and clarity on head.

Unexpected encounter
by bormic

Comment:
Now that's wild!! Lovely fall colours too. Well done

Giraffe
by Kavey

Comment:
Great abstract idea but I don't think the colours are rich enough to do it full justice.