The Boxers Defeat
by JulietNN

Comment:
I'm going through the entries, stopping at those images I feel have had the benefit of an unconventional eye and dwelling a little longer to try to see and appreciate what you saw. This is one of those images.

Positives: What an amazing (and slightly brutal) portrait. The back story this evokes is amazing; the arm wounds, complete with grafts makes the viewer want to know about him and his life. I think your editing is perfect, I can see that the low light has led to some slight focus difficulties, but your edit has minimised the impact of these while contributing a good deal of drama.

Critical stuff: Only the slight focus issue but you have fully overcome it.

Overall: Proof that 'story' trumps anything else - fabulous, evocative work.

surfer
by bspurgeon

Comment:
I'm going through the entries, stopping at those images I feel have had the benefit of an unconventional eye and dwelling a little longer to try to see and appreciate what you saw. This is one of those images.

Positives: Wonderful in so many ways - your confidence in form over detail is brilliant, especially since a hint of selective focus in the bottom right of the frame hints at the lovely textures you have chosen to exclude from the shot. That's what I like about this image, it is full of choices and as such reflects what is going on behind the camera as much as in front.. There are number of aspects of the image that I think are effective; the sharp horizon, the reflection of the surfer, the leading line that links the reflection to the horizon and the multitude of wedges and triangle of light and shade.

Critical stuff: Nothing at all.

Overall: Really looking forward to seeing who made this. Excellent stuff.

Kelly 9 web
by LVicari

Comment:
Ha! Much more drama here. Amazing!!!!!!

Long exposure over the lake
by sjhuls

Comment:
Love how the mountains are so subtle.

BW-ZION_1461
by pickster

Comment:
Amazing gradation of greys!

Kelly 1
by LVicari

Comment:
I feel like I want to ask if this is a composite but given the lengths I know you go to get shots, I bet it isn't.

I do have mixed feelings about it, the scene could be so rich in drama but the flat light has given something quite different. I can see how there would be a role for this type shot and it is certainly very portrait focus, which of course is the whole point of the image.

Musing over...

20110111-IMG_9766-Edit-2
by MinsoPhoto

Comment:
Nice use of negative space; it frames you well.

Kathryn
by Denise

Comment:
Nice use of the natural light. An unusual crop too.

DSC_0107.NEF
by ankursomani

Comment:
I think I like this one the best from the set. Loads of life in it. Great stuff.

Cowboy Poet
by pmichaud

Comment:
I like what the tone mapping has done to him. Well chosen processing.