Con-spiracy?? GIRLspiracy!
by BeeGee

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Gee, BeeGee, I'm beginning to feel as if I know you. Greetings again.

These models are shown engaging in a delightful conspiracy and that's a pleasure to see after all the 'downers' elsewhere. (But maybe that was a factor in the scoring.) I like the lighting; it seems to add to the 'conspiracy' factor. However, and I know you couldn't help this, I think there's some distraction and busy-ness in the straps and clothing in the bottom of the picture. If these models had been dressed in black, for example, it would have set off the center of attention, the interaction of the faces, perfectly.

All I can say, is keep up the good work, and to heck with the scoring.

Breeze In Blue Heron
by Jaimeson

Comment:
Good one! NIce definition of the feathers.

Great Blue Heron
by Jaimeson

Comment:
Yes, when they are hungry, they pounce in a hurry!

You have a good shot. These are really difficult to get.

Here's my one and only good fishing photo...

Sam's perspective: "...and, sometimes a doghouse is just a doghouse."
by HVGB_photos

Comment:
"Greetings from the Critique Club"

Nice dog, and it looks as if he has pretty good sleeping accomodations too.

While this image does have some perspective, I think voters were looking for something a bit more illustrative of the technique. If the doghouse had been back another 50 feet or so, it would have met the Challenge a bit better, I think.

Then, the fence blocks a viewer off from the composition. It's the way we are. If we have to look around or through something to get at the main subject, we tend to turn off and move on (whether it be a photograph, or a painting, or drawing.)

So, while you have told an interesting story of a dog enclosed in a yard by a big fence, but with sleeping quarters, it just doesn't resonate with a viewer who is looking for Perspective.

One other thought. When I looked at this image with composition in mind, I had the idea that it would look quite good if you cropped off the left side of the image to fairly close to the dog. I think it gives the image a bit more balance. Try it; see if you like that crop.

I wish you the best of luck in your Challenges with DPC, and will look forward to seeing more of your work.

Quansit Shingles
by Twyla

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Ah, yes, the Quonset Hut. A utilitarian innovation during World War II that has stuck with us ever since. (Of course spelling shouldn't count, but let's don't give the voting perfectionists a chance: put your best guess into Google, and they'll usually help you with the rest.)

Sure, this does a fairly good job at showing perspective but basically it is a pattern shot, and unless a pattern shot is very, very interesting, it probably won't keep the attention of a viewer. Was there a corner of the hut that could have been included to give the image some depth? Or could you have tossed a pebble, or flower on the roof to break up the monotony of the gray? All these things are possibilities and suggestions to get you thinking.

Technically, it's a good photograph. And it fits the Challenge.

When your images get to be a bit more exciting, I think you'll go far at DPC. I'll look forward to seeing more of your work.

At the Lake
by howardj

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Good clear picture of a goodlooking model. I like the blurred background. It gives a sense of place without intruding. The yellow reeds and purple sweater work well, as they are complimentary colors. The colors from the sunset are great.

The only thing I see detracting from this very nice image is the expression on your model's face. The painful look (from sun in the eyes) doesn't work well for a portrait. If you have the chance to do this again, I'd suggest having your model face slightly away from the sun and if necessary, use a bit of aluminum foil or a diffuser to direct reflected sunlight to any ensuing shadows.

I wish you well in future Challenges.

M.P.H.
by BeeGee

Comment:
Greetings form the Critique Club

Well, first off, you have a goodlooking sister. She has a great determination streak that shows in this image.

If I were to try to "improve" anything in this photograph, I'd make two suggestions. The hand with the wristband should be closed (or clenched) rather than have the thumb out at an angle. Don't be offended, but that thumb outstretched as it is, reminds me of someone hitching a ride rather than one making a statement. Then, try cropping fairly close to the fist. I believe the story is in the model and the wristband, not the negative space.

I've read the comments you've received; the story you were telling wasn't obvious to some voters and then, some found the story difficult to deal with. Frequently, when people are uncomfortable with an idea, it creats negativity. That's the way it goes sometimes.

You created a moving image here, and I, for one, am pleased to have the chance to inspect it more closely. Thank you.

Grandson
by farmer48

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

What a good looking little boy. YOu captured a moment when he was tired and ready for a good rest and it's a moment he will undoubtedly treasure as a grown-up.

For a portrait, this pose is a bit informal, and the background a bit overpowering. But you like it, and that's what counts. For a better image, I would suggest bracketing your shots to get better exposure. Although from your EXIF data, it looks as if you didn't have much light and did what you could with what you had.

I expect you will have plenty of opportunities to re-pose this cute kid and get more practice shooting portraits.

And I'll look forward to seeing more of your work on DPC.

They really are that blue !
by 4ROGGYCHEF

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

What a cute little baby.

Now, to do this little one proud, it would be an idea to take many pictures and find one that has the child in a happy mood. When the happy baby is posed, You may find that cropping doesn't need to be so tight.

I'd also suggest trying an ISO of about 100, and an aperture of about 4.0 or even 5.6 on the bright sunshiny day you appear to have had. this would give better lighting and good depth of field on the child's face, your central subject. These apertures usually work when the background is the sky or very plain.

YOu're doing well for a newcomer to DPC. I wish you success in your future Challenges, and with your future playtime with this charming little baby.

Autumn Iris
by buzzrock

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

What a charming portrait of an adorable little girl. I'm delighted to see that you blurred out the background but still let us know it's an outdoor shot. Cropping is good.

It's a spontaneous image so the gaze directly at you (and the camera) works. The care with which it was taken eliminates it from the "snapshot" category.

I have only two suggestions. The first, to take care of hot areas is to bracket. The Canon will do it if programmed, I don't know about the Sony. But it must be easy to flip a lever or two to change the aperture, up and down, for one shot each. Of course you may catch a different expression each time; that could work to your benefit (or not).

The second suggestion would be to have an assistant or even the little girl (make a game of it) hold a piece of aluminum foil or a diffuser to her right to reflect more evenly the light on her face.

Whatever. You should be pleased with this image. It's a good one.