Scary-Clown.jpg
by swagman

Comment:
Hehe...yeah, I thought this guy was a little creepy lookin. Probably couldn't even tell what he is unless seen in person.

Bike Tire
by stupidcat

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

First of all, I am not an expert on bokeh, so take my comments for what they are worth.

I do see the bokeh in your shot, but I find the lighting and the glare from the center of the wheel to be more distracting than complimentary to the subject of the photo...the tire. The tire itself does seem in focus to me, but I am not really interested in the subject.

I try (not successfully sometimes) to make each challenge photo something that would be interesting even outside of the challenge subject. This shot, IMO, shows that you can create the bokeh effect, but the glare and the subject matter make the overall photo less interesting to me, and not something I would spend much time looking at normally.

Looking at this a little more, I think I might have liked it better if the background did not have the light color in the lower left corner. The glare of the metal spokes might be more appealing if the whole area was darker, like the top part. For some reason, that area seems more artistic to me. Perhaps the difference between the light/dark areas there make it appear a bit too busy?

I really like the simplicity of everyday items photographed in a simple way, and perhaps this was the intent. I think a few changes in lighting and background may have moved the interest factor up for your shot.

I hope this has been helpful for you! Good luck with your 2005 challenges!

Judy

Just Be Claus
by scalvert

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

This is really a cute shot. The bokeh in this shot seems nicely done to me (although I'm sure no expert there.) It compliments the subject without being a distraction.

The expression on your son is priceless, and much more typical I'd venture to say than an overly posed shot. Personally, I like the lighting you have here. I think it gives a warm feeling to his face and makes his features the focus of the whole photo. The chest area might be just a little dark, but I think it works here and I'm really not sure I'd like the photo as much if that area was lightened.

I think it might have been improved a bit if his right elbow was included in the shot. Good catchlights in his eyes, although his overall facial focus seems just a bit on the soft side to me. I'm not sure if it's focus, or merely a softening effect you've given it. It's not distracting and I think it's just a matter of taste as to how "crisp" you want his features to appear.

The only other thing that might make a difference is his location within the frame of the photo. He seems to be more in the lower part of the frame. I think I might prefer a bit more bokeh on either side of him, not so much over the top of him. When I play with the framing, and crop off just a bit of the top, it seems to bring the attention to him even more, yet retain that nice bokeh effect for the background. Just my opinion.

Hope this is helpful. Beautiful shot of your son IMO.

IMG_0785.jpg
by Rando D300

Comment:
I think this is great. Good dof, nice sharp focus and good timing on the "run". I like that there's a little room to the right of the dog and he's not right up against the edge. What a cutie!


Message edited by author 2005-01-15 22:43:22.

Memories of Autumn
by L1

Comment:
This is wonderful. May I use this for a powerpoint background? I do the powerpoint for my church. The effect you've given this is great and the colors are perfect. I like that they all go together, but you can still see the different shades.

Twilight time
by Jinjit

Comment:
What nice lighting the candle gave you...I would never have guessed it to be a candle! I don't always use it, but in this case I think a run through NeatImage or the like would improve the "look" of the shot. As is, though, it's really great tones and composition.

Broken
by cpurser

Comment:
This is awesome. Your Pastor will like it a lot. You did a terrific job and it looks extremely professional. Is it going to be available for a print for the public?

Morning Calm
by jenesis

Comment:
Nice shot and composition here. I love the subtle shades in the water against the stark clarity of the canoes.

Roadside Wildflower
by wkmen

Comment:
This is my favorite of yours! Maybe just a little on the dark side, but that's pretty easy to fix should you choose to. I love the clarity of the center flower and the surrounding bits of color from the out of focus ones also in the shot. The different shades of pink, the yellow centers and a few bits of white help add some interest without being distracting. This would be a lovely print.

summer is done
by wkmen

Comment:
This photo has some nice colors...but they all seem to compete for my attention. Also, the out of focus items in the front are distracting to me. I think the idea was good, but maybe trying to do too much with this shot? I like your corn one better...much simpler and easy to enjoy. This one seems to have much the same intent, but not done as well.