Color of lines
by joaquin

Comment:
This is a wonderful idea but I think the execution could have been improved. The lighting is too irregular and the large shadowy areas on the left detract from the regular, patterned appearance. The dof is a little too shallow too. I think you might have zoomed in closer, fewer pencils (or whatever) and brought out more detail and sharpness. Together with more uniform lighting, it could've been a visually arresting photo. As is, it's interesting, but not quite there...

'Friend come for a visit'
by suemack

Comment:
In the small sample of the entries I have viewed so far, I have seen many dog entries, and I fear that in this group, your photo may not distinguish itself sufficiently to really stand out for the voters. It has all the elements of a candid snap - furniture, people, pictures cluttering the background, while the two subjects look relatively static. The sum of the parts don't add up to an image that really grabs the viewer either visually or emotionally, at least not me. For this dog-human connection, I think you need more - maybe an embrace with the person having eyes closed and an expression of serenity, or the animal having that look of total submission and devotion to the human counterpart - whatever. Honestly, all I see in this image is a dog, probably visiting a retirement home, looking up at a woman. I don't _feel_ a connection in them, and they don't really connect with me. I'd give it a 5 because it's a technically adequate shot, but lacks the significant "wow" factor that leads one to linger and look.

A Musician's Best Friend
by magnon

Comment:
I really like this image - it is much more than a simple snapshot. I think the decision for BW was obviously correct. The dark tones of the clothing and background contrast beautifully with the keyboard and the fleshtones. The cluttered look of the background, though indistinct and not overwhelming, subtracts from the impact, especially the bright white objects just above the subject's hand. I like the expression on the face but this part of the photo seems a little soft (which could cost you with the DPC obsession with sharpness). I like the crop too. Finally, the title. I usually don't comment on titles, nor to I ever include them in my voting judgment. I will only suggest that rather than using the title of the challenge as part of the title, find a way to suggest it without using the word. Maybe "musician's connection" or something. This is a very nice entry and will surely finish in the top half of the pack. Just where is hard to say.

Unconditional
by cosmic

Comment:
I came across this image earlier tonight and am happy to come back for a longer look. I am very taken by the expression on the dog's face. It is truly a look of devotion that only dog owners know. It is a wonderfully expressive moment. I like the hand scratching the dog's head too. The shadow in the lower right is the only real flaw in the photo, aside from a few minor specks (probably basic editing rules, can't remember right now). I gave this a 6 on my first pass. A respectable, above average entry!

PS, just noticed the title. Indeed! Perfect! Amongst the dozens of dog pics, yours does stand out!

Pain is a Warrior's Best Friend
by saloonstudios

Comment:
Eeewww, yuck. See a doc man, you need stitches! " Brutal pic, nice crop and outstanding detail.

Today I Married My Best Friend...
by Schuff

Comment:
Obviously much more than a simple snap. Your composition shows a lot of thought and careful setup. The black background is beautiful (I'm a big fan of flat black backs) and the centrality of the subject is very appropriate. What about the desat?? I'm not convinced that it was the best decision. You were apparently seeking to draw attention to the rings, which you do, but the blandness of the flesh gives the image a cold feeling that the light tones of the flowers can't quite overcome. I guess I'd have liked to see the natural warm flesh-tones, maybe a brilliant flare from the rings (tough to accomplish!), and the flowers de-saturated instead?? I'm not sure. While I like this picture a lot, it doesn't have the much-sought-after DPC "wow-factor" so it won't score highly with a broad spectrum of voters, but it certainly is above the average. I haven't looked at all, or even most, of the entries in this challenge yet, so I can't say how it will do overall, but it's clearly a very good shot and will likely finish well into the top half of the field. I'd score it a six, maybe bump to seven after reviewing the whole field.

Affectionately Yours
by clarmore

Comment:
I really like this image a lot. You have managed to avoid the look and feel of a simple snapshot. The pose looks natural, but also suggests a portrait of the two subjects. The expression on the face of the woman, with eyes closed is very powerful, and the natural way her hand rests with the dog's paw is just beautiful. I honestly don't think I'd change a thing. I agree with your choice to go black and white. Photographing people is tough, pets are cliche. You've managed to combine both into a picture that just works. I give it an 8.

Luminocentricity
by mrmorris

Comment:
Excellent lighting and composition. Very, very nice.

Ecsaping Vine
by ladpupmoe

Comment:
A beautiful "blind" shot. I love the use of the plant as subject. Very well done.

... too many, too soon
by frumoaznicul

Comment:
Wow. WOW. What a portrait. What expression, emotion, and raw angst coming from a single image. Congrats my friend. This is a true work of art. You are a photographer.