Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Neuman
by bhuge

Comment:
Congrats on your first ribbon, Ben! I'm sure there will be many more. A funny-looking creation!

Frozen
by gyaban

Comment:
Technically amazing and everything comes together extremely well! Love the mood and the tones too. I was one of the ones who thought it may not have been strange-looking enough, especially after going through all the super-strange looking entries, but I find this to be one of your best creations regardless of the challenge theme. The only thing I would have done differently was to make sure her hair extensions (in black) which seems like they were added in photoshop match the color of her actual hair (I am looking at the roots) which seems to be brown. I pick out these things because I usually zoom as much as possible in order to study a photograph more precisely (ctr-mouse wheel on mac as you know). Did I notice that correctly? Your dedication to your work is inspiring, Christophe. Oh, and of course when I offer an opinion on your images, I always consider what you are capable of so my critiques are based on gyaban-standards which are extremely high!

I ♥ Chocolate!
by Samantha_T

Comment:
Great work! I think this is Samantha. I have seen something similar from you before on flickr. love your work. Very creative and delicious looking ;)

Floral Tea
by bhuge

Comment:
Such a great photograph and so well lit. Feels good just looking at it.

Saxophone Blues
by AllenP

Comment:

Originally posted by yanko: It amazes me that you didn't just Google "how to hold a saxophone". Took me a minute. Not that the little things that make or break a photo matter to the voters.

This tells me that you must have given more effort and cared more about creating your photographs, Richard.

Saxophone Blues
by AllenP

Comment:

Originally posted by bassbone: While you did a great job of capturing the feel of a club with the terrific lighting and overall composition, this photo is driving me absolutely bonkers!!!! The model does not appear to have any idea how to hold the instrument - or was instructed to hold it this strange and unplayable way. As a musician, this is the type of stuff that drives me batty! Congrats on the ribbon - it is clear that the photo struck a chord with folks here at DPC for the look of the scene. I just wish people knew a bit more about stuff like this...as it is clear that live music is becoming a lost thing.

While I appreciate the input of a musician, keep in mind that this is a photography contest and the most important thing to me and most any other photographer is going for the lighting, composition, and the mood they are aiming for. Holding the instrument in such a way that is considered to be the correct way by a musician was certainly not my goal especially since I had only 10 minutes to shoot during my busy schedule. In an ideal world, I would have loved to photograph an actual Sax player, if I had the time to look for one but life can sometimes get quite busy and we just have to do whatever we can in the shortest amount of time possible. If you are ever in the Los Angeles area while I am in town too and you own a Sax, I would be more than happy to photograph you while you are playing your sax the "correct" way.

Message edited by author 2012-02-21 01:14:07.

Rock your soul
by Alex_Petrini

Comment:
Love her pose, expression, and hair on her face which gives the image more real feel. I think a little bit more dramatic lighting and perhaps a bit more clarity in the image would have easily pushed this over 7. Great idea for this challenge!

iPawd Music
by njsabs

Comment:
Knew this was the blue! Great creativity and congrats, Jennifer!

Philharmonic
by NiallOTuama

Comment:
Must be a great feeling to win your first ribbon! Congrats.

wash him away
by tanguera

Comment:
Your hard work is paying off, Johanna! Congrats on this lovely image.