Love to Dance
by dtremain

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Sometimes I just love this job. Yeah, you got a low score, so what. this is an image that means a great deal to you and your model is beautifully rendered. yeah, the background isn't so hot, but I rather think you just didn't see it. The figure is lovely and powerful and that drew your attention and you handled it with care.

While here, I looked through your portfolio a little and found other images that tell a story. rather than looking for 'photographic excellence' whatever that is, you seem to go for the story. (your picture with the flower & keys is an example)

Well, you've done it again. No, it didn't resonate with the voters, but who cares. You know why you took it and entered it, and that's what counts.

I look forward to your next entry. You bet.

Alice

What Big Eyes You Have!
by bobonacus

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Congratulations on a fine image and a fine finish in this demanding competition. With a 6.56 finish, you don't need much of a critique from the likes of me! Aren't you glad you took that class?

This review also gave me the chance to look at some of your other work. I must say your Predator shot was one I admired a great deal and still wonder how you got that underwing detail.

Well okay, since there is 'nothing to critique here' I guess I must move along to the next image in the queue.

Alice

Steam Locomotive
by NikonJeb

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Congratulations on a very good image that scored well in this demanding "Best of 2009" Challenge.

You used the Topaz program gently and well; your composition was spot on. Your many comments and your fine score tell you that this image is a good one.

Therefore, since "there is nothing to critique here" I shall move on to the next image in the queue.

From the Summer
by ineedauniquename

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Wow, am I glad I got to see this one. We are nearly at rollover, and I don't know how much longer this batch will be up. In a word: I really, really like your image.

Yes, DPCers tend to grade on a curve, and there was some stiff competition in this Best of 2009 Challenge. Your comments already tell you you were over-saturated, under-saturated, and on and on. It's a perfectly adequate image and a fun one to enjoy for its splash of color.

The one nit I might pick, (and that's why I'm here) is the crop. If it was mine, I might remove the left section that has the few stray petals in the upper corner. this tightens up the composition and saves a viewer from trying to fill in the missing pieces.

I love the explosion of color and the shine on the undeveloped sections of the seedpod.

Fun image. (I also took the opportunity to enjoy a bit of your portfolio - there is surely some very nice work in there.)

Alice

Winter Storm
by Drake

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Congratulations on a fine image and a fine finish in this demanding competition. With a 6.58 finish, you don't need much of a critique from the likes of me, so I'll just say you deserve an extra prize for getting out there in weather like that!

This review also gave me the chance to look at some of your other work. I must say your Dancing birds not only made me laugh but made me gasp with the (apparent) ease in which you made the capture. Difficult beyond belief!

Well, since there is 'nothing to critique here' I guess I must move along to the next image in the queue.

Alice

The Guardian
by Kelli

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Awww, Kelli, what a super shot with fabulous expression on that critter's face and those eyes! Wow.

Alas, this image didn't score well, even taking into consideration the extraordinary competition in the "Best of..." Challenge.

first, I think you were the victim of the 'zoo shot' phobia that seems to be going around right now. second, I put this on my own computer and cropped in a touch more and messed with "Selective Colors" to punch up the colors and found this guy comes alive with some stronger coloration - not much, just a touch. third (and final, honest!) the foreground blur might have caused some viewer problems. You know how people are, unless it's there for a strong reason, they are too lazy(?) to look over the blur to the main attraction.

Okay, that's it. You know you have a good capture here, and so do I. Keep up the very good work.

Alice

1010643
by pixelpig

Comment:
great patterns - great colors.

Tee-Ball fun!
by chazoe

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

what a cute little guy you have with his engaging smile. No wonder you like this image of him. And welcome to DPC! You entered a tough competition with your first entry.

Since you are new to this, I can certainly tell you that you have a great feel for photography as this is well framed and you caught a good expression on your model's face. It's just going to take practice and camera technique from here on.

Others have mentioned that the shadow across his face obscures the best of his impish smile and cancels out the highlights in his eyes. A little careful concern for lighting will work wonders on your future images. there is so much to be aware of when you make an image. It will all come almost instinctively as you progress.

Finally, that white 'hot' spot to the right. When you understand your photo editing tools a bit more, you will rid your images of that stuff in an instant.

So again, welcome to DPC and I do look forward to seeing more of your work in the near future.

Alice

Seattle Sunrise
by Mitch55

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Welcome to the Challenges of DPC. For your first entry, you have certainly done exceptionally well. A super score for a super shot.

Seattle never looked any better. Nice crisp image and carefully done HDR.

Because you did such a good job there is little for this member of the Critique Club to critique! If I was picking 'nits' I suppose I might suggest that the bright red area to the right in the image makes a viewer return there again and again instead of really enjoying all the rest of the beauty you have captured. But that's surely one little 'nit' for sure and a subjective one at that.

I look forward to seeing more of your images in competition now that you've gotten your feet wet.

Alice

the line of beauty
by posthumous

Comment:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Oh, wow. Two posthumous image in a row to critique for the Club. I'm not sure I'm up to this task.

Fortunately for me (and you) there were many people in DPC who have filled the gap. Your comments range the gambit of emotions and suggestions.

Suffice it to say that you have captured a moment of great beauty and meaning and you have handled it well.

Congratulations.

Alice