To Heaven Or Hell ?
by Mona

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club:

First, I really like your take on an often used subject, it has a nice freshness to it. The composition and perspective are excellent, the use of the right-hand rail to lead the eye into the infinite horizon works perfectly for me. I do wish a bit more of that rail was visible in the photo leading towards that top corner, but it works very well as is. I think the use of natural light is great here as it gives almost a tracer light up the rails, helping to guide the eyes as well.

The focus is spot on, on that wooden platform at the beginning of the photo, though I am of two minds about its use (the platform) - in general it makes an excellent point for the eye to begin its travel down the track, and is used very well for that. On the otherhand, taking infinite in consideration, it also serves to cut off the repetitive aspect of the train tracks, and thus removing some of that infinite nature, ie: no beginning & no end. I didn't think of this point of view with my submission either, but it was pointed out and I find it a valid thought.

I really enjoy the detail and contrast shown between the smooth but worn wood and the crumbly dirt & stones - it helps solidify depth in the photo - there are only a few major players in this image and your attention to all of those details really shows. This is an excellent photo. Well done.

Space without end or limit
by train

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club:

I have to echo many of the previous comments and say this was a very well set up idea and executed prefectly. I think the lighting is fantastic, it managed to get that soft curve we usually see from photos of planets and then plays up the inky blackness of space in a realistic manner.

I think a few more small pin holes may have helped add to the space feeling, most of the time I notice a plethora of stars in the background - and while you wouldn't want it to busy up the image, I think one or two more in the top right and bottom left corners would add to the realism.

The use of the spinning globe is an excellent example of creativity. I think you captured it very well - it looks exactly like a photo of Jupiter to me (a side without the storm) except for that harsh blue line. I'm not sure how it would play out if you tried this again with some masking tape over the equator to dull out that color - maybe worth a try?

The tilt of the globe is great, I like the fact we aren't looking at it with horizontal lines. The angle is just right; adding to the interest in subtle ways. Other than the blue line that looks a bit out of place, I think this shot is perfect. I'm in awe!

the horizon
by darcy

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

You get to be my first official critique! ;)

The range of color tones and contrasts in this image really make it pleasing to the eye, I especially enjoy the way the light is diffused through the clouds. I think the vastness implied by both the ground and the sky help to promote the infinite feeling you were going for with the horizon, but with the titling, I find myself straining to see a bit more sharpness (and thus interest) going out into the distance - assuming the horizon is a focus for the image. That said, the long, lovely, curling cloud across the middle does grab my eye, and keeps it near horizon level creating an interest point in that area.

While I do think the way the color/lighting tones play is an asset to the photo - the overall darkness to it does make me, the viewer, struggle to determine what kind of scene (beyond that of a sunrise/sunset situation) I am looking at. I couldn't tell that this had an ocean aspect until I read the comments you'd left. Its an excellent photo, and were it a little lighter and a little sharper I think it would be even better. Well done.

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born
by steinar

Comment:
Aww what a sweetheart. Gorgeous baby, well composed - I like the fact that the clasped hands are in the image, gives another focal point and adds interest. I do wish the white wasn't so stark, really distract for me, perhaps a softer light would have played up the white and created a better foil for the child's skin. Nice work. 6

Morning Mist
by van9338

Comment:
Beautiful photo. You've captured some magnificent color and I like the way the contrast so brightly. The droplets are well defined and the focus is excellent. Good composition and the lighting is just right. Very nicely done. 7

What color is your parachute?
by chimera

Comment:
This is a nice silhouette type image. With the title, I think the focus should be on the parachute, and thus cropping a fair amount of the bottom is a suggestion, so that the trees aren't taking precedence. The colors look a little washed out, probably due to the fading light? Wish they could've been a bit more vivid. An overall sharpness to the image would help tighten up the photo too IMO. 4

Preserving the Taste. The Secrets to Great Salsa
by vrphotos

Comment:
Excellent colors, lighting is great too. I could easily see this as an actual book cover. The food all looks appetizing and is arranged very well. I do wish there was a little more sharpness throughout the photo - the way the scene is composed all of the food items seem important to the image so I think it would be better if they were all in sharp focus. Well done. 7

Shoot Don't Shoot
by kellymcg

Comment:
I really like the different colors and textures shown in this image. Fits your title so perfectly too. Good lighting and focus, the border helps enclose everything but I'm not sure if the color choice was good or note, its starkness contrasts highly against the richer colors of the photo - draws the eyes a way a little. Great shot (no pun intended)! 7

The unbearable lightness of being
by elizuta

Comment:
I love the sky and clouds in this image and they really portray the lightness of being in the title. Unfortunately, I think the plane window/parts showing detract greatly, giving it a more grounded feel for me. I think cropping the bottom just above the plane part and adding a medium sized black border to help round out the black surrounds (best if black were even all around) might improve the image and help increase the focus on the clouds/sky which I found to be primary in exhibiting the aforementioned lightness. 4

The Sword in the Stone
by moodville

Comment:
Excellent photo. I love the way the sword & stone both pop against the background. Focus is great, lighting is good too. I really like the marbled look of the background, gives it an old-world feel. Very well done. 8