The Bluff: Jacks Rule the Realm
by android3000

Comment:
OK, I'm going through the Free Study submissions, purposefully finding those images I think are shot with a less conventional eye - this is one of those images! Thanks for offering something that isn't just DPC friendly eye-candy (though of course there's nothing wrong with eye-candy):

Positives: Very interesting lighting and intriguing subject. I feel there are references here I don't understand but then I'm not a poker player. Back to the lighting - it has a setting sun feel about it yet the context of the image is such that I imagine we are inside here, I like the ambiguity of that. The deep shadow on the face is very effective and helps to keep the smile enigmatic.

Critical stuff: Despite being intrigued by it, this isn't an image I particularly like; I feel a story is being withheld rather than communicated and that frustrates me. The focus is clearly on the face but the composition thrusts the less than sharp cards in the viewers face - I feel this puts the image somewhat in conflict with my senses.

Overall: This is a competent image and I feel sure that you have served up something which is very close to your original intent - that in itself is noteworthy.

The Crossroads
by yermun

Comment:
OK, I'm going through the Free Study submissions, purposefully finding those images I think are shot with a less conventional eye - this is one of those images! Thanks for offering something that isn't just DPC friendly eye-candy (though of course there's nothing wrong with eye-candy):

Positives: Fascinating image - it took me a second to see this image for what is was. First of all in looked like false colour satellite imagery of decommissioned aircraft in the desert! I then realised it was bird foot prints in wet sand (at least I think it is!). The false colour (or is it negative) is very effective though. The colours are great, it really is a lovely blue and I like how the yellow/green appears to stand in relief.

Critical thoughts: Not many, I like this - I wonder how it would look if the image was extended in the 'Y' axis into a square crop, I think the colours might have looked even bolder if it took up more of my screen.

Overall: A really pretty and unconventional image.

Washroom
by NikonJeb

Comment:
OK, I'm going through the Free Study submissions, purposefully finding those images I think are shot with a less conventional eye - this is one of those images! Thanks for offering something that isn't just DPC friendly eye-candy (though of course there's nothing wrong with eye-candy):

Positives: Bold image for a free study and I love it! I think the composition is outstanding, I find my eye really looking at the scene - there is much to take in and I find myself asking why were you here? The washed-out colours are great, very much in keeping with the scene - did you desaturate at all? The draped shower curtain (if that's what it is) makes the image for me - did you place it? The beam at the back of the image is also an important element, it gives the image depth and really makes you feel there, like I could walk to the next room.

I've also noted the shadow detail in the ceiling - I feel sure you must've brought this out in post-processing; again, this works really well and communicates the structure and shape of the architecture.

Critical thoughts: Not much really - perhaps the crop? I might question the portrait orientation choice and the chopping of the window blind (?), but I respect your choice here nonetheless.

Overall, a fascinating image which I am very pleased to have been able to enjoy.

Little Girls Shoes
by cbondar

Comment:
OK, I'm going through the Free Study submissions, purposefully finding those image I think are shot with a less conventional eye and leaving my thoughts and score - this is one of those images! Thanks for offering something that isn't just DPC friendly eye-candy (though of course there's nothing wrong with eye-candy):

Positives first: I really like you eye here, drawing our attention to something we might just walk by - offering a suggestion of a story to tell. To me it looks like the shoes are the wrong way around, left and right swapped - which makes me wonder how they were placed there. The placement of the shoes in the frame is just right too, as is the focus which communicates the texture of the wall slabs very well.

Critical stuff: Although the background is interesting enough, the grey of the trees just seems a tad flat to me. I have had this problem before myself and I've really only managed to sort out my monochromes by using Nik Silver Efex in Basic, but in Advanced I would've thought that some selective darkening of the tops of the trees or some increase in contrast in those areas might've improved things. Another approach may have been to use a much wider aperture and bokeh-ise the background but of course you woul've lost some of the context.

Overall a thought-provoking and welcome image.

daisy
by Lutchenko

Comment:
Such marvellous texture - really excellent image.

the spotlight
by liberty

Comment:
This has a real shot at a ribbon.

Originality = Ribbon
by prperold

Comment:
This will ribbon - no doubt in my mind.

Focus on The Blue
by karenk

Comment:
Thoughtful and effective composition.

Yellow and Blue
by KarenNfld

Comment:
I think this will take the blue.

Not Ribbons
by GeneralE

Comment:
Funny! I can think of a few people who might want to make this point!