Seal
by jblaylockrayner

Comment:
Way to go!! I really like what you've done with him too.

Unfashionable
by Korriban

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: An interesting combination of objects to be sure and the vibrant coloration works well for the subject matter.

Critical stuff: I think the lighting is rather harsh, leading to some blown highlights. The overall composition and subject mater confuses me a little.

Overall: Interesting, but I confess I don't really get it.

transition arena, soft geometry
by rooum

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: An interesting abstract to be sure - More piece of art than photograph - no bad thing. I like the coloration (reminiscent of a clive_patric_nolan image) - the yellow / bleeding to black looks like the end of an exposed or burnt piece of film.

Critical stuff: I imagine you'll get hammered for its lack of photographicness.

Overall: I'd have it on my wall.

Urban Underbelly
by bryanbrazil

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: I think the HDR / tone-mapping works really well for this subject matter, as does the coloration. I like the distortion too - it sets the eye up for the deep perspective. Great lighting too.

Critical stuff: Not much at all.

Overall: Nicely done.

The End of Innocence
by love

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: A most unusual image - I don't really understand the context; it seems anachronistic - a number elements seem strange to my eye. I think this is all good - it adds much interest to the image. On balance I think the toning works - it adds to the ambiguity of the image.

Critical stuff: I think there are a few blown highlights but other than that...

Overall: An interesting image, I'm looking forward to seeing some context about this image.

Contemplating Existence
by fisheye

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:The overall composition of the image is very sound and the included elements are effective at telling a story. The rocks in the foreground appear sufficiently treacherous to suggest your subject is in some jeopardy here.

Critical stuff: I'm not at all convinced by your toning choice here. I think a more straight-up monochrome or even a muted colour presentation may have worked a little better.

Overall: An effective image, but for me a sub-optimal presentation.

The Birds
by Konador

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: A brave choice for the Free Study, but you were right to submit it - this is an image that is more than the sum of its parts. The quality of the light, the subtle contrast of the clouds, the wonderful coloration, the distribution of the birds, the variations in their shape - all work really well.

Critical stuff: Nothing really.

Overall: This shouldn't be an engaging shot, but because of the photographic choices that you have made, it transcends expectations.

Papa's Bait & Snack Shop
by northebound

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: Lovely scene, wonderful colours and a really great POV. Your use of a vignette also works really well - some may find it a bit heavy but I think it complements the scene really well. The perspective given by the pier gives a sense of depth to the image and the birds, especially those on the wing, contribute a great sense of life.

Critical stuff: I'm not sure I'm keen on the net(?) on the right hand side of the image - I don't think the overall composition would be any less effective with that cropped out.

Overall: A very nice, feel-good image. Make me want to take a deep breath in and raise my face to the sun.

Silence is Golden
by ace flyman

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: I really like this - the combination of the smooth foreground sand and the textured broken sand behind with the textures of the chair works so well. What is most striking though is how well you've judged the light and your exposure - I love the deep shadows. Then of course we have the mystery of the overall shot - what are the chairs doing there?

Critical stuff: Not much at all.

Overall: Wonderfully crafted shot, I wouldn't have dreamed so much interest could be created from a couple of chairs on sand.

The End of Conversation
by dafletchr

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: The very first image to come up for me in voting. What a treat! Great story, great expressions and a wonderful sense of silence. The question you have left us with is whether this is a comfortable or uncomfortable silence. The juxtaposition of the elements in the scene is striking; the happy social interactions depicted in the framed photos and the silent couple below works magnificently. I really lke the tones of your monochrome edit too.

Critical stuff: Nothing at all.

Overall: Wonderful storytelling. Great stuff.