River of Steel
by flip89

Comment:
Ah - a real piece of artwork. Great use of leading lines that take the viewer into a well exposed and dynamic scene. Sky a bit hot - right at the top - consider cropping just a bit out - it won't hurt the image if you do. That's the only minor comment I have on this - one of the best in the show.

Curious Cows
by e301

Comment:
Wonderful use of the wide angle lens. It's a great shot - one of my favorites. Improve it eevn more by: a) Better lighting on the faces - especially the animal on the right, b) Catchlight in the visible eyes and c) Remove the white part of the border. It draws attention way from the image. (The ear tag is unfortunate photographically but a fact of life these days.)

Stairway of Dreams
by TooCool

Comment:
Exceptional photo. Great composition with the leading line bringing you in from the bottom. Great exposure with detail even in the very dark steps. Go from a 9 to a 10 if: a) The bright white area in the top were toned down a bit and b) There was another color towards the top of the steps (model in red , umbrella, or anything that was a "destination" for the great leading lines." Overall. One of the best in show.

Battle of Stirling Bridge 1297 (but don't attack on a holiday Monday, as we are shut)
by kevrobertson

Comment:
Hi Kevin and * Greetings from the Critique Club *

Oh my gosh! Your first landscape! You should not have done the first one because now you're hooked.

The image is very well done with superb exposure, focus and loads of interest. Compositionally, it rather violates the "norm" by placing the lead-in line on the top right instead of the bottom left. But - the good news is that it works perfectly for this shot! The viewer enters from the right side of the bridge and then can explore the arches, the distant landscape and water at will.

So - we nearly all agree it's a superb image (me and most of your commenters); the question is, "What can we do to make a superb image even better?"

I think one of the commenters hit the nail on the head - it "needs" one place for the eye to rest. Picture something like this:

a) A person in colorful clothes sitting with their legs haging down at the far end of the bridge. (Just past the square pillar.)

or b) A bird flying in front of the clouds just above the square pillar.

or c) A old horse-drawn wagon crossing the bridge - if that's even possible - so that it would be in view.

Having said all that, remember that it's a great landscape, and an awesome "first landsacpe."

Keep shooting and sharing!

-Tom-

Fresh Supply of Scented Incense in a New Spa
by librodo

Comment:
Hi Manuel and * Greetings from the Critique Club *

The comments you received seem to have stirred up a "mini controvery" over the use of soft focus to contol where you viewers' eyes travel. As you can tell, this seems to be a "love - hate" situation, either the viewer thinks it's cool - or else thinks it's a distraction.

The way you have it shown, the viewer is taken right to the red/black area in the center of the cup. From there he or she can explore outward. It works well.

If you did want to try more DoF - use a smaller aperture (larger number) as you shot this wide open at f 1.8. To do this you'll probably need a tripod, something you probably wouldn't take to a spa. You may find that the image seems to get too "busy" with everything in focus though.

The other artistic qualities of the image are very nice indeed - composition and lighting both support your subject very well.

I'm not sure you need the border - see what you think without one.

So - if you want higher scores and try to "satisfy" more viewers - reduce the soft focus. If, on the other hand, you really like this technique as I do, shoot for yourself and forget about high scores.

It's a nice image - and thanks for sharing.

His Toilet
by rezros

Comment:
You are the victim of being in a large group with the same idea. The bottom 1/3 of your image is nothing at all. Lighting is pretty good.

My Daily Vice - Take 3 times a day with food
by C-town driver

Comment:
Food? Oh - that's the part I forgot. I like the way you've staggared the bottles - makes great shadows.

Lets go shopping...again.
by Minnie

Comment:
Ah yes - I know the feeling. Nice take on the challenge. Well exposed. Not sure I agree with the magenta background.

I'll just check my rating and comments once more before bed....
by Toby-Dog

Comment:
Definitely a habit - nice idea. Print is a little flat. A minor point - the hint of the name at the top could easily be cropped away.

Cops Habit
by hallswel

Comment:
You looking to get a ticket? Too bad the donut shape isn't more reconizable.