Stoic Resignation
by fotomann_forever

Comment:
In a way, this is almost a high-key photo in feeling -- the way the face of the bear and the smoke/fog are so brightly-lit I get the impression of a lot of light present with the subject hiding in a shadowed area, rather than an overall dimness. It looks kind of like a shot on a stage, with a spotlit performer. I guess I'd describe the lighting as rather harsh, and I think most people have an expectation of softer lighting, with smoother gradients and more rounded shapes when they are looking for a low-key image.

I'm not sure if the smoke adds or is a distraction, though it makes an interesting contrast with the sharper textures and angularity of the bear's skin.

Low Keys
by GeneralE

Comment:

Originally posted by noraneko: Cool idea, but the realization could use a little work - keys aren't quite in focus, and bag texture is a bit distracting.

Interesting, as I figured part of the goal of this challenge was to shoot within a limited tonal range while still maintaining detail -- I deliberately chose the texture of the camera bag to show off that aspect.

LAN
by GeneralE

Comment:

Originally posted by AGrigorof: You should fire the cabling guys ;)

Uh, I agree, but I'd have to fire myself. : )

Message edited by author 2007-03-07 11:13:40.

Total Lunar Eclipse 03 MARCH 2007
by Greetmir

Comment:
Very nice job -- I like the presentation too.

Optical Coincidence
by mpeters

Comment:
Your description reminded me of the story of how Galen Rowell acquired [url=//mountainlight.com/gallery.tibet/images.html]this image in Tibet. I don't recall all the details, but I think it involved running about a half-mile across a muddy field with all his camera gear to get to the right spot in time.

Talk about optical coincidences, I think with just a little burning-in you can make that into a funnel-cloud in the background.

Inner City Trees
by sickdog

Comment:
Hey, I recognize that banner!

Madrone
by Blackbox

Comment:
Madrone is one of my favorite trees, but I've never seen it in such a distressed environment. That looks more manzanita to me, but a nice shot whatever it may be ...

Le Croix Flambé
by GeneralE

Comment:

Originally posted by posthumous: brilliant brownness. this is conceptually fascinating, beautiful to look at, out of the box, and shows a sophisticated openness to what can be achieved photographically, all within basic editing rules. this picture's a champ as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks!

For reference, here is the (resized) original from which I cropped this.



I was trying to achieve the look of flames around the cross within the Basic rules, so I wanted to get a photo of a cross with a surrounding gradient to which I could apply the tone variations. I liked the way the flaw in the domed roof makes it look like molten metal running down from the cross.

I don't speak French either, but I'm pretty sure the title means "The Cross in Flames" or a close variation ... maybe I should have just titled it the more prosaic "Cross-Burning" instead.

BW.jpg
by mobster

Comment:
Really like your use of DOF and negative space composition in this one.

Irish Study Lesson
by oskar

Comment:
For images like this I like the noisy, gritty look -- sometimes I just grab the Blue Channel alone and drop it into a new grayscale document. Your model definitely appears to have a passing familiarity with the Grouse ... : )