Feather
by Citadel

Comment:
This is also a great example of a picture which gets better the more you look at it, which doesn't work so well on a DP Challenge where most voters will give it about 30 seconds... more contrast to make the components stand out will help grab that fleeting attention.

Alternatively, photograph it for you and accept the score which is definitely more purist! For myself, I would be curious to see this picture with the feather diagonally bottom left to top right in almost a square crop processed much as you have, although with maybe a touch more contrast. How did you do the BW conversion?

Cafe Du Monde - A New Orleans tradition
by SEG

Comment:
A lot of this will be down to taste, but for me the benefit of HDR is the chance to expose more of the picture correctly, while maintaining the look of a photo. I have seen HDRI used very effectively to produce a slightly 'cartoon' image as you have here but it leaves me a little cold.

I would also recommend processing to avoid the halos around the chimney (a common sign of excessive use of the shadow/highlight tool as well I have found) and the slightly over saturated colours.

To me it actually doesn't look that crisp - the lines are sharp but thick, which I often also find a problem when I am trying HDR and my photos are not exactly in line (from manual rather than remote shutter normally!)

As to why it didn't score well, I just don't think it is to DPC taste. If you look at the front page, the photos tend to be sunsets/landscapes or action shots of this and that. Do one of those and you can get away with all sorts of technical failures (mentioning no names on a recent challenge!)

devil
by jjmonkey1993

Comment:
You really want to make this as big as possible within the 640px limit as I feel you are losing out on what could be a great shot.

End of beauty
by Rino63

Comment:
Fun idea but a bit too blown out. Perhaps it would have worked better with a coloured flower?

String
by banmorn

Comment:
Crystal. Brilliant. 9

exhausting asunder
by kiml3erly1

Comment:
Nice shot but lacks a little effect. Perhaps a little dim overall (rather than properly dark?)

The End
by OddBall7

Comment:
DNMC... hahahahaha! Nicely done and very crisp. I like it!

The End of the Road
by ar_laura

Comment:
Lovely scenery but needs more 'pop'? Perhaps play with curves on this one?

On the Rocks
by oldgrouse

Comment:
Great concept, not quite in focus unless it has been a victim of massive downsizing! 7

iThinker
by tpbremer

Comment:
For the photo, nice conversion... 7. For the wit, +1 :o)