the not-birch
by posthumous

Comment:
Welcome from the Critique Club..

Dear Don,

We must stop communicating like this, LOL.

General Introduction;
Thanks for allowing us to have a closer look at your photograph. It is a fact that on average people look and evaluate an image presented to them in 5 seconds. When we are given the opportunity to really look and interpret the image, that is when we appreciate people like you. And thanks to you, we hope to learn much together.

The process I deploy is first of all to look at your previous work and then look at the currents comments made. I want to have a 'feel' for the person who entrusted me with this responsibility. Only then do I spend time with the image for a critique.

The critique can be both Applied (To the image self) and Theoretical (Attempt to philosophy and theorise about the work). It is important for me to be able to describe, to interpret, to evaluate and even to theorize about it. If I can encourage discourse about your work I will be happy.

In the final analysis, I hope you can learn something from this, take something of it and improve both your skill and self confidence.

So, here goes for your image.

Your Image

This is your style, strong and creative. An image that will either appeal or not. From your 4 feedbacks it is a 50:50 positive to not that positive. on the positive it is well recognized as creative, eye appealing and definitely an image to take notice of.

On the side of the not so convinced, which I am supporting, is that you "have no clear subject/looking all over thew place", your point of view is too abstract. The only support for the eye to on is in the title. And even that means every one knows what 'birch' means. my eye moved between the two thick branches, just off-centered and to the left.

That being said, I gave it, and expected it to, a much better score. I was very impressed by the movement, well controlled and almost hazy, dreamy. Even more to note is how well you have controlled the light, there is absolutely no hot spots/burned out areas. The light balance between your birch and the rest, if one spends time on the image, eventually creates a bit of depth.

This surely is an under rated image, but one I would have been proud to have in my portfolio if it was mine.

You truly are one creative photographer!

docpjv

Urban Cowboy
by Natasha

Comment:
GOOD DAY FROM YOUR DPCHALLENGE CRITIQUE CLUB!

Dear Natasha, ,

Thanks for allowing us to have a closer look at your photograph. It is a fact that on average people look and evaluate an image presented to them in 5 seconds. When we are given the opportunity to really look and interpret the image, that is when we appreciate people like you. And thanks to you, we hope to learn much together.

The process I deploy is first of all to look at your previous work and then look at the currents comments made. I want to have a 'feel' for the person who entrusted me with this responsibility. Only then do I spend time with the image for a critique.

The critique can be both Applied (To the image self) and Theoretical (Attempt to philosophy and theorise about the work). It is important for me to be able to describe, to interpret, to evaluate and even to theorize about it. If I can encourage discourse about your work I will be happy.

In the final analysis, I hope you can learn something from this, take something of it and improve both your skill and self confidence.

So, here goes for your image.

This I must get out of the way, I gave this image a 7 for the creativity, the challenge fit and the wonderful monochrome post processing. Underscored, for sure, but let's have a look at it.

You have an average of 5.98 after 55 challenges, very few people can say the same. You yourself said that you would rather post images you are happy with, not necessarily what pleases others. That is exactly why I love this image, your attitude shows. NEVER, change your view, you are a refreshing artist, not just a person with a camera.

Melting in with the background or stand out? You had one comment touching on that issue for each. Personally I would have opted for the latter, this image would have presented better if it stood out, if you got some depth on it.

Something about your lighting may have made it difficult, for example the cowboy has a tad too much contrast yet the background lacked contrast. Yes, again you are right, this image, the original, should be played with for alternatives and options. That is what makes this a great image... not only perfect for a challenge, but an interesting piece of good work.

Some other thing that must be said, the white center is a bit overwhelming and does tend to pull the eye away from your subject, supporting my feeling of not enough contrast on the wall?

On another note, look at HIS right side face...is that a scar from nose to jaw? How come the shadow is sort of split? The little imperfection on the chin, is it a blond goatee? His darker right nostril? Pedantic, picky, silly maybe, but I want to point out to you your image is so good, that for anyone to say something negative they surely will have to begin nit picking.

All in all, fantastic work from you as always. I will keep an eye out for your work, it was a pleasant surprise to me. Refreshing like your Bio description.

Keep up the great work!

docpjv

The Cow of Peaceful Meadows
by Love6

Comment:
GOOD DAY FROM YOUR DPCHALLENGE CRITIQUE CLUB!

Dear Love6 ,

Thanks for allowing us to have a closer look at your photograph. It is a fact that on average people look and evaluate an image presented to them in 5 seconds. When we are given the opportunity to really look and interpret the image, that is when we appreciate people like you. And thanks to you, we hope to learn much together.

The process I deploy is first of all to look at your previous work and then look at the currents comments made. I want to have a 'feel' for the person who entrusted me with this responsibility. Only then do I spend time with the image for a critique.

The critique can be both Applied (To the image self) and Theoretical (Attempt to philosophy and theorise about the work). It is important for me to be able to describe, to interpret, to evaluate and even to theorize about it. If I can encourage discourse about your work I will be happy.

In the final analysis, I hope you can learn something from this, take something of it and improve both your skill and self confidence.

So, here goes for your image.

Looking at the feedback you received you should be quite confident, they were all positive. The only firm recommendations you received were on the 'black space'. Going through your portfolio confirmed my suggestion that you should be very pleased with a special eye for photography. You have a very good eye, very creative way of presenting your images and should only get better.

The 'Cow of peaceful meadows' is a perfect fit for the challenge, deploys very good composition and is sharp and colorful. Yet, it did not do too well in the challenge itself. Above average at about 5.7 should never be good enough for you.

I must agree, although you had a positive comment on it, that the black space is not contributing to your image. Nor is the topic something I will remember for a long time.
Art, in the first instance, must be interesting. It must grab the eye, force me to look again, want to look again and explore. good techniques itself, which you have displayed here, is just not good enough. The image is just not that exciting and the black area sucks my eyes into its depths. The slight reflection on the window sill is also distracting. Others may argue that it gives depth. It is just to dark for that argument and should rather have gone up the left side too if you wanted depth.

Now to become terribly pedantic, but it should show you how to examine and critically look at your images.
Left bottom of the photograph; why didn't you clone out the blue stubble, the white plastic bag and the eye-stealing orange dot about 1/3rd up on the stump? Also, that blue-ish tint (left bottom corner, center and top middle as well as the length of the top right window)possibly as a result of burning? also is remarkably unkind to the image. Finally, the dirty vertical V-shape on the window/reflection, just to the right and above the cow, keeps drawing my eye.

As the score indicated, a strong average image. I honestly believe we have not seen your best. Keep up your participation, experience added to your talent will yield great results.

docpjv

Here's To You, My Friend
by dgodard

Comment:
GOOD DAY FROM YOUR DPCHALLENGE CRITIQUE CLUB!

Dear Debbie, ,

Thanks for allowing us to have a closer look at your photograph. It is a fact that on average people look and evaluate an image presented to them in 5 seconds. When we are given the opportunity to really look and interpret the image, that is when we appreciate people like you. And thanks to you, we hope to learn much together.

The process I deploy is first of all to look at your previous work and then look at the currents comments made. I want to have a 'feel' for the person who entrusted me with this responsibility. Only then do I spend time with the image for a critique.

The critique can be both Applied (To the image self) and Theoretical (Attempt to philosophy and theorise about the work). It is important for me to be able to describe, to interpret, to evaluate and even to theorize about it. If I can encourage discourse about your work I will be happy.

In the final analysis, I hope you can learn something from this, take something of it and improve both your skill and self confidence.

So, here goes for your image.Congratulations with your third challenge, you are doing quite well for a 'new' member.

Looking at the feedback you received, and what a large number you received, we all will have to agree this is some special image. Yes, it did not score as well as most said, but that is actually less important than the learning experience AND the fun you so obviously had. I agree, you must have had fun. And for me that is another side of a creative person. Well done.

After having a good look at the image I would like to communicate the following.

First of, I absolutely agree with L Vicari's comment about the size of the frame. It is in my opinion the most worthy comment. I have noted that it is becoming a bit of a trend, the big border. Like the massive black two sided frames, you actually take image space for a border. A big risky trade off.

watch out for what you have behind you, it actually draws the eye away from the subject matter. For example, you did not have adequate Depth of Field to isolate the flower/stick arrangement. In the last picture it the most distracting because the base is unseen.

If you used the same zoom size for all three images, it might also have been better. In this case the first image is the one of choice. It allows you to be less distracted by just too many items. The faces by itself is actually the focus, and some of that was lost by zooming out. Composition wise, image one is superior.

This is a very simple tip, but always keep it in mind. The idea is for you to grab the eye, which you did, but then keep it on the subject. In a way we discussed that above. But that less serious than having a LIGHT spot, look at the spot in image one behind your left shoulder. in every respect, try never to have areas like that, again, the eye is always drawn to that area, not 'looking' where you the photographer wants it to look.

Your lighting was great on the faces of the first image, spot on. Images two and three has burnt out ares on the faces and neck.

Finally, the more I looked at this image the more I liked it. As with the other challenges, it shows a very creative photographer who needs to 'play more to learn more' in terms of her photography. Creativity, you have, practice will make perfect.

Enjoy your photography, and keep on participating!

docpjv

Hope Rising
by MArteSi

Comment:
Testing-testing..

Hope Rising
by MArteSi

Comment:
GOOD DAY FROM YOUR DPCHALLENGE CRITIQUE CLUB!

Dear Maria, ,

Thanks for allowing us to have a closer look at your photograph. It is a fact that on average people look and evaluate an image presented to them in 5 seconds. When we are given the opportunity to really look and interpret the image, that is when we appreciate people like you. And thanks to you, we hope to learn much together.

The process I deploy is first of all to look at your previous work and then look at the currents comments made. I want to have a 'feel' for the person who entrusted me with this responsibility. Only then do I spend time with the image for a critique.

The critique can be both Applied (To the image self) and Theoretical (Attempt to philosophy and theorise about the work). It is important for me to be able to describe, to interpret, to evaluate and even to theorize about it. If I can encourage discourse about your work I will be happy.

In the final analysis, I hope you can learn something from this, take something of it and improve both your skill and self confidence.

So, here goes for your image.

First things first, you got only two comments and both of them are very good. Interesting is the one from Lydia Too. She is a gifted photographer and I am sure she was really impressed, as I too was. The other comment said you should win it. Very positive.

This is a very creative image, beautifully presented and a very good choice to have it in B&W. That is why most voters gave you a 6.

On composition I think if the eye in every image was on the top line of the Rules of Thirds lines, it would have been better. look at the bottom of the images, the dark sweater is taking up too much space.

There are elements of fine creativity in terms of your setup and the models' eye movement. Other than that, there is not enough creativity in the presentation of the face itself. Let me explain, if the face was post processed in grunge, more people would have given it a second look. That is what photography is all about, grabbing a second look, something exciting and different and striking. You may also have a re-look at the angle of lighting. Anything to catch the eye of the voter and still be your interpretation.

The B&W is great, but have you thought about a Duo- or even quad tone?

I think, please forgive it if I am going too specific, the little white spot on the collar could have been removed. The human eye, we all know, is drawn to those 'high lights', however small.
Finally, a little more contrast would surely improved the overall look.

One thing I have to say, you have a very good eye and are really creative. Invest a bit more time in mastering post processing, you are never going to be sorry.


Ik heb een definitieve aanbeveling, sorry voor dit niet in het Nederlands en niet België. Ik wil echt meer van uw kunst te zien. Help mee vaker! Alsjeblieft?


docpjv

Umbrella
by daisydavid

Comment:
If your horizon was straight, I would have given you at least an 8.

A difficult choice
by bjoern

Comment:
GOOD DAY FROM YOUR DPCHALLENGE CRITIQUE CLUB!

Dear Bjoern, ,

Thanks for allowing us to have a closer look at your photograph. It is a fact that on average people look and evaluate an image presented to them in 5 seconds. When we are given the opportunity to really look and interpret an image, that is when we appreciate people like you. And thanks to you, we hope to learn much together.

The process I deploy is first of all to look at your previous work and then look at the currents comments made. I want to have a 'feel' for the person who entrusted me with this responsibility. Only then do I spend time with the image for a critique.

The critique can be both Applied (To the image self) and Theoretical (Attempt to philosophy and theorise about the work). It is important for me to be able to describe, to interpret, to evaluate and even to theorize about it. If I can encourage discourse about your work I will be happy.

In the final analysis, I hope you to learn something from it, take something of it and improve both your skill and self confidence.

So, here goes for your image.

This challenge had a few excellent and very creative images. Yours included. I love the fact that your model is all 3 images in a very natural and relaxed position, you clearly mastered the art of working with models as can also be seen in your Silhouette image.

From the feedback you received you had 'votes' for all 3 images with the 3rd one doing the best. This clearly indicates that although people are different in their preferences, there are a mainstream of opinions. I think the reason for #3 is eye contact more than anything else. Seen in the whole that maybe one of the critical points for improvement. I would like to say you have captured a priceless expression in the third image.

I agree that this image could be improved with the use of levels/curves that will improve the contrast slightly. It would at least have given you a bit sharper looking image.

The fact that the first two images are different at distance/zoom from the 3rd must be noted. If you wanted to use a closer focus, that image should have been in the center providing a balance.

Personally I think the fact that all three images are from the same angle also make the image composition less attractive. Allow me to give an example; the third picture in the center, the second picture first and the first picture flipped and in third position could make an interesting composition.

Looking at the neutral grey frame as opposed to they darker grey background bothered me at first, but the longer I looked the more it appealed and proved to be a good choice. By the way, did you notice the center image's background is slightly lighter than the first and last?

Finally, I valued the triptych at a higher level than the average because it is worthy of a better score. Keep it up, you are doing a good job.

Kind regards,

docpjv

Spanish Courtyard
by hopefulcrafty1

Comment:
GOOD DAY FROM YOUR DPCHALLENGE CRITIQUE CLUB!

Dear Angela, ,

Thanks for allowing us to have a closer look at your photograph. It is a fact that the average person look and evaluate an image presented to them in 5 seconds. When we get the opportunity to really look and interpret the picture, that is when we appreciate people like you. We all learn by this.

The process I deploy is first of all to look at your previous work and then look at the comments made. I want to have a 'feel' for the person who entrusted me with this responsibility. Only then do I spend time with the image for critique.

The critique can be both Applied (To the image self) and Theoretical (Attempt to philosophy and theorise about the work). It is important for me to be able to describe, to interpret, to evaluate and even to theorize about it. If I can encourage discourse about your work I will be happy.

In the final analysis, I want you to learn something from it, take something of it and improve both your skill and self confidence.

So, your image.

On first impression I feel it scored unrealistically low. Yet, that being said there are quite a number of learning points from this photograph.

Note that it is not an exciting art photograph, it is more a memory shot, something you take to remember your vacation. This is supported by some of the feedback where the the words "..reminds me of.." and '..wish for a holiday.." is commented. The not so subtle feedback of "rather boring" is actually harsh. I see the hanging clothes on the porch, the out of place chair, the gorgeous garden lit by night, the tree that frames the picture at the right, keeping the eye in the photograph. Boring, it surely is not. Key issue here, an image should rather be interesting than perfect. An amazing truth, yours is 'perfect' but not that interesting.

There are another two basic issues. One, the image is skew, not vertical, just look at the pillars. The most distractive part on this point is the skew door, left top. Two, the crop could have excluded the light on the top left. What I see is my eye always going back up, that is not what you want.

The last issue, what is your point of interest? what do you want me to REALLY see? Surely not the whole image. Remember that is why there are composition rules, although we are not slaves of rules, it does guide our eye to the point of interest.

I want to compliment you on your lighting and the detail you got. Never easy, not even with a tripod.

I hope you found this worth doing and learned something from it.

Kind regards,

docpjv

Trick or Treat
by stantheman1313

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club,

Stanley,

You are a very creative and gifted photographer. Your portfolio in general shows a man with a special talent.

Looking at a picture in the top 10 with a score of 6,5622 is most difficult to critique depending on approach. This critique will hopefully give you a little bit of how others may have seen it.

First of all, the photograph fits the challenge, is very creative and the monochrome works very well. The feedback from all the members who took time to comment was very positive and rightly so.

I considered a number of points looking closely at this picture.
In my opinion this work would have had a bigger impact if it was landscaped and not in portrait. That would also have given you the opportunity to play with the Rules of Thirds. That definitely would have had an impact on your composition. You have three points of interest IE the lighted mansion, the moon and the fog. The foreground gets lost as the eye diagonally from the house through the mist to the moon, hence my suggestion for a landscape.
It is also a fact that a little sharper house and more visible trees would have enhanced the appeal. The house should also have been horizontal and not sloping to the back for a bit more of the realism you worked into this picture.
Finally, I would have played with a little more contrast and then neat imaged the whole photograph to take the graininess out of the mist.

In Summary;
A clean, smooth spooky mist, a sharper,level house, more tree visibility and a tad more contrast on a landscape would have made this more of the winner it already was.

Congratulations on a well placed and scoring photograph.

docpjv