New life budding
by Kelli

Comment:
You have taken on a tall order here, IMHO. You have a relatively small, dark green subject matter with a large bright background. While the colors in the background are pretty, they are competing with the new bud. I think I would have tried a different angle and/or used the dodge and burn tools (if permitted in this challenge) to strengthen the bud and diminish the background. Things that I like are the sharp focus on the bud (right down to the little nodules on the stem) and the lighting on the bud. I think a vertical cropping might help since your bud is a vertical object (the horizonal picture does not support the 'direction' of the primary subject, whereas a verticle picture might).

The Old Barn and I
by nards656

Comment:
I always find this kind of picture difficult. You've done well. The lighting on the barn wood is good. I can see alot of detail in what is an obviously dark location. However, the grass in the background seems too light or washed out to me (the trees are better). I know the grass is a light color, which makes it tough, but I think the picture would be even better if there was not so much contrast between the barn interior and the grass. As for putting yourself in the picture, the pose you are striking tends to make the photo a 'snapshot' rather than a natural composition. If you were doing something that suggested that a person belongs in the picture (perhaps working with a shovel, fixing an old wagon wheel, or whatever) I think you would have strengthened your composition. I don't object to having you in the picture, it gives a focal point to an attractive setting. Overall, though, I think you did a good job (I know I wrestle with the same issues in my photos).

Available, first month free
by ericwoo

Comment:
First, I love the title! I had to chuckle and it helped establish the subject of the picture (a bird house instead of simply a hole in some wood). Next I noticed, and appreciated, the DOF with the blurring of the background setting off the bird house. I even like the fact that the leaves in the lower right corner are somewhat in focus (albeit softly). I did find the tree branch a little distracting, but perhaps there is nothing you could have done about that.

Derailed
by Louis

Comment:
This is a clever idea well executed. I like the perspective established by the lines where trees meet sky. They vortex in a point that leads right to the toy. I don't know if that was intentional, but it works for me. I also like the tilt to the picture. It adds movement to the now derailed train/toy. This is a very good example of desaturating a picture - especially graying out the sky while keeping the blue in the toy. I hope Alex had as much fun that day as you did.

Prickly new cactus buds
by Melethia

Comment:
This is a good macro. I like the diagonal composition and the light/dark divide that it creates. It's hard for me to say how I would improve on it (first of all, I probably couldn't improve upon it, but that is a skill problem I have to deal with). Perhaps if the dark were a little darker, there would be more 'punch' to this shot. The focus is certainly sharp and the photo is well done. (BTW in the first instant I saw this shot - before I recognized what it was - I thought the little critter was following the big critter. LOL.)

Lost in the woods ages ago
by timfythetoo

Comment:
This shot is very appealing - because it implies a story. It is easy to imagine the events that led to the "lost" bear. From a photographic point of view I like the tones of the bench and bear. Detail is well-recorded in both. And since they are the primary subject that is important. When I look around, though, it seems to me that the plants have been over sharpened in post-processing (at least on my monitor). A somewhat softer background might work even better. IMHO.

are you done ?
by DanSig

Comment:
First of all, it's not fair to use such a cute model. She steals the scene. My first 'photographic' thoughts are that her skin tones are wonderful and her hair color is highlighted well. However, her eyes are not as striking as her skin and hair. Maybe it's the clothes she is wearing or the color of the background. Her eyes are certainly pretty. I think another color for clothes or background might bring out the color of her eyes. Over all, the focus is good and the picture has a wonderful soft tone that complements your model.

Three-Balled Kringle-Cat
by Strikeslip

Comment:
No animals were injured during the creation of this photo...I hope.

On Assignment
by iamkmaniam

Comment:
This is a terrific use of light. Technically superb and visually appealing.

Lit up
by AzCKelly

Comment:
This photo has a nice soft feel to it. One of my favorite photos of the challenge. Every time I look at this photo I keep bumping up the score. The interplay of light and petals is so subtle. Great texture throughout. 9