[ R E F L E C T ]
by ericwoo

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club.

What are the odds that I would be assigned both this image and your silhouette entry to critique? It is really amazing how much lighting can change the mood of an image. You received a considerable number of comments on this image regarding the lightings and I have to agree with most of them. The how and where to change the lighting I'm not technically competent enough to give you advise on but I encourage you to post this to the forums and ask for lighting suggestions.

One aspect I think was missed by those who commented is the lack of sharpness in the fireman's eyes. His expression for this image is exceptional but the lack of sharpness kept me from locking in on his eyes and making the emotional attachment that this image demands. You have an image here that could be exceptional with a few technical changes. I hope you have the time and interest to re-shoot this image sometime in the future.

Tim

Shore at Dusk
by EricMGB1974

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club.

I think you chose a subject for this challenge with a lot of potential. The pastel colors in the background are very effective at keeping the image subject neutral. However, being lighter than the shoreline, my eyes tend to want to rest on the rocks, which is your intent. But the rocks don't have enough punch to them and could be lightened just a bit. I think a little work in post processing with either curves or levels could help balance this image. Once the rocks have more pop, I would suggest that you try a few different crops (less sky, remove the two boats on the ends, or both) and see how the mood of the image changes. You have a good eye for composition and I look forward to seeing more of your entries.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions regarding this critique.

Tim

Wood Panels
by 777STAN

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club.

I think you chose a subject for this challenge with a lot of potential. The texture of the wood siding would have provided a pleasing area for the eyes to wonder if the texture was consistent across the whole image. The glare on the right side of the image hides the wonderful texture and might have been prevented if taken at a different time of the day. As is, the right side is a little harsh to look at so my eyes are drawn to the left and coming to rest on the window. If you decide to re-shoot this image in different lighting, I would suggest a tighter crop to eliminate the non-siding portions of the image on the left and at the bottom. The texture and lines of the siding are perfect for a No Subject image and eliminating the background clutter would strengthen their appeal IMHO.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions regarding this critique.

Tim

Really Big Puddle
by hnatk

Comment:
Scored you in my top six. This image makes me wish I could be there to see him make a really big splash. You know he is going to do it. I can see the smile from here. Nice choice of subject for this challenge.

Jumping Into Fall
by ShaneBlake

Comment:
Scored you in my top 6. Love the composition and depth of focus. The coloration looks a little yellow to me. Too bad these weren't freshly fallen leaves. Nice image and he does look like he is have fun.

oh the joy
by boysetsfire

Comment:
If life were only this simple. I love the crop and the depth of focus. Bumping to a 9.

Touchdown Michigan !
by tfarrell23

Comment:
Go Blue!!!!!

Hot Day...Big Brother...Cool Water
by DrAchoo

Comment:
Your post processing work put this in the top 3 for me. Great conversion.

Grow Old With Me - The Best is Yet to Be
by Sammie

Comment:
Love the touch. Bumping to a 10.

He Still Remembers
by ericwoo

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club.

I didn't vote in this challenge so this is my first chance to take a long look at your entry. You selected a very strong emotional subject, which could account for the higher number of 1's, 2's, and 3's than this image deserves. Your silhouette is extremely good with a sharp profile and solid black coloration. The only suggestions I have for improving this image echoes the comments made during the challenge. It would have been nice to see the flag more evenly lit on the left hand side by adding a couple of more lights. I also would have liked the one background light moved to the right behind the fireman to eliminate the hot spot in the star section. Overall this is a shot you should be proud to have in your portfolio.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions regarding this critique.

Tim