Humpty Dumpty\'s reconstructive surgery in 2006. We can rebuild him.
by photomankc

Comment:
5 for the photo, plus 1 for the humor. Is this Art or Fotomann? Or another of our forum pranksters?

Tea Party
by cordeliawl

Comment:
Good effort. I like the continuous backdrop, the contrasting colors and shapes (and function), and how the handles are opposed.

However ...

it needs to be in focus and the lighting blows out the detail in the white cup.

Try googling for "light tent" to learn about diffusing your light sources to avoid harsh reflections. I'm far from good at it myself, but I've learned the theory anyway.

Longing to Fit In
by karmat

Comment:
I liked the contrast in shapes, and then I LOVED your title. :)

Almost Human
by scalvert

Comment:
Almost in focus. Sorry - couldn't resist.

Seriously - in focus and a little brighter, and I'd vote this much higher.

Given the current shot, I'm guessing you were inside, holding the camera in your hand. If so, try to brace yourself against something solid.

Another option is to set the exposure to about -1. That'll reduce the time the shutter's open, which should reduce the blur, and you can brighten in software later.

Keyboard
by mkgillman

Comment:
The basic idea is sound, and the DOF is nice, but it seems like a background waiting for a subject.

There doesn't seem to be any particular point of interest where you've chosen to make the focus sharp. A hand, a metronome, or something attention-getting would add a lot to this shot.

Reflections of a Winner
by Nobody

Comment:
Excellent composition and lighting. Way to go NOT deleting the double reflection and getting yourself DQd. :)

The Heart of a Machine
by raish

Comment:
That large out of of focus thing near the top really draws my eye away from the part that's in focus below it. Which was your intended subject?

Carnival: Lines in a Wheel
by cloudsme

Comment:
Congrats on your first ribbon!

Grains
by cryingdragon

Comment:
Hi. Given your profile bio, I'm writing to suggest that you study your camera's manual and learn how to use the autofocus and manual focus if it exists. Both of your entries suffered for being blurry.

Good luck, keep taking pictures, and play around with subjects, light, and points of view. You'll get there!

Veins: the life lines
by Jaded_Housewife

Comment:
Thanks for the description. :) I'm glad to hear he's healthy!

And don't tell him I thought he was a girl. ;)