Candle in the Wind
by Harz_Joerg

Comment:
I really like this one. About the only drawback, for me, is the light line of the border. It is brighter than anything except the hottest part of the flame, and it imparts a rigid frame to a picture where everything else is soft curves fading in and out. The flame is is a bit washed out at the center, but I don't know if you could have done anything else. Over all, contrast is excellent, lighting and exposure are excellent. I like the way you handled the picture of Marilyn Monroe. The way the flame curves to reveal and frame her face is great. Even without knowing the words to the song, the picture graphically demonstrates that she is indeed the candle in the wind. While I have mentioned a few drawbacks, the rest of the photo is so powerful and well done, that I am still going to vote it a 10.

Carrie
by zadore

Comment:
Critique Club by Request

I enjoyed this one during the challenge. I like the grain. Almost a Pointillist effect.
I think the cropping would have worked better higher from the bottom of the picture, or lower showing the mouth. The nose leads away from the eyes, which are the highlight of the picture as it is.

The left side of the frame goes a bit dark. The eye is lost in shadow at the left edge. Contrast is a smidge high, the ridge and tip of the nose are starting to burn out.

Focus is good, depth of field is good. The mode̢۪s eyes really make this piece, which is why I would vote for a tighter crop. Lot of expression there. I like the angle to the face from the camera. I voted a 7 in the challenge, and on reflection it still holds up.

-alex

Stormy Weather
by shohn

Comment:
I see where you were going here, but the sky came out blue. So it looks more like just a wet street. (More like After the Rain Has Gone.) Focus is a bit soft for the majority of the frame. The trees look very soft. The structure to the right of the picture I would like to see more of, or less of. I like the reflection of the the cars lights and other lighting in the water on the street. 5

"Needles and Pins"
by JMS

Comment:
Very good illustration of a song title. Your manipulation of color, saturation, and contrast really make this picture pop. The border is an excellent choice and adds, rather than competes/distracts/or merely decorates the picture.

If this one doesn't win a ribbon, it darn well should. 10!

Alone
by jimmythefish

Comment:
Critique Club

This a very interesting photo. I'm not sure that it exactly says travel to me. It strikes me more as "stuck in the middle of God knows where". The fogged windows make for a very erie feel. What's out there, is it safe? Are those marks on the window somebody/something trying to get in?

The back window competes with the side window for attention. It does compliment the side window effect, but once the eye goes there then where? You can't crop it, because you would loose too much of the seat. Perhaps a different angle.

Excellent depth of field. Nice sharp focus. Lighting is great. Makes a it a real mood piece. The seat and window work well together. The seat says expectation, waiting for a passenger. The window says you might get something you didn't expect. You've got a good eye for pictures.

-alex

Who let the dogs out? Who?
by justine

Comment:
This one just makes you smile. 8

Black Dog - Led Zeppelin
by Simms

Comment:
Would have liked this cropped tighter (head only) or looser (showing some space above the top of the dog's head.) Good exposure, good detail, good depth of field. 6

Under The Bridge
by greenem2

Comment:
It takes a moment to fully appreciate the depth of this picture. Very well lit, very good exposure, perhaps a bit more detail above the closest arch would have been nice. Other than that, a very enjoyable shot. 9

"'AT THE CROSS' where I first saw the light".
by PTLParsons

Comment:
Fits the theme. However the cross being cut off on the right, the wall paper border on the left, and the disembodied hand at the bottom are distracting. Would like to have seen a light here someplace, to fit the rest of the title. A little more contrast would work well here. Good focus and overall lighting. 5

I Talk to the trees - From Paint Your Wagon- By Lerner & Loewe
by sulamk

Comment:
I'd be interested in knowing how this one was done, at the end of the challenge. Looks like IR but then IR usually doesn't have these colors. 7