You don't bring me flowers...anymore.
by KMcC

Comment:
Hi Kimberly!

I'm here as a new Critique Club member... Your image popped up as my first opportunity to do a critique. Here goes:

First off, I'm always drawn to B&W images of flowers, as they can, at times surprisingly, depict the inherent beauty of a subject that typically uses color as a primary component of attraction, as this photo does. It presents a strong first impression. The dramatic contrast and abundant use of negative space really draws me in as a viewer. The off-center composition is effective as well and creates a powerful isolation of the subject - which is amplified by your choice of title. The patterns and contrast of the cut glass create a combined balance and tension for me. I like the mirroring of the flower with the radial pattern on the bottle directly below it, although, I'm struggling a bit with splitting my attention between the two - not really sure where to focus.

The amount of grain/noise is interesting, too. While it adds an interesting dimension to the texture of the flower, it also draws my attention to the portions of the petals that are blown out to pure white. This texture in the flowers, and to a lesser degree in the glass, also contrasts with the smooth noiseless background black in a way that separates the subject from the background.

Let me finish by going back to that all important first impression. My voting typically starts with a separation of entries that immediately catch my attention and those that don't (6's vs 5's). I then revisit the 6's for a closer look and boost the score when a more detailed observation draws me in further to the image. I did vote in this challenge and gave your photo a 6. It caught my eye as a strong entry and I remain impressed with the overall dramatic impact.

Bill Banning
Critique Club

After the Storm
by vawendy

Comment:
This was my absolute, far and away favorite. The aspect ratio is SO right for the image. Plus the (as usual) excellent technical and color detail. Bravo!

August Light
by hesitant

Comment:
Spectacular! A beautiful example of tone-mapped HDR. Well deserved blue!

pattern recognition
by mariuca

Comment:
Wow. Really loved this. Thought it would do much better.

Biros
by DistantColours

Comment:
Congrats on the ribbon. I really like that the composition isn't centered. The variance in how much of the pens you see at the bottom, top and sides adds interest. Very nice and well deserved.

Down, Down, Down...
by Cuttooth

Comment:
Bravo and congrats! This was my favorite of the challenge.

Two Heads Are Better Than One
by jomari

Comment:
I really like this shot. Fascinating effect, just enough mystery and a great connection to the challenge. An 8 from me.

Looking Back
by gotrond

Comment:
Kudos on the top ten. I hoped it would do better!

One Beach, Two Views
by MargaretNet

Comment:
Loved this one from the start. Off-beat, effective for the theme.

Dissociative Identity Disorder
by PaulFrocchi

Comment:
A standout for me. Perfect for the theme and so well executed. Kudos!