Transparency
by vikas

Comment:
I think the business of the window panes in this shot really takes away from what could have been a really nice closer up shot of the bloom. The natural light coming in from behind the flower is nice, but I would have come in much closer to the flower.

The Boss
by manic35

Comment:
A little tight cropping at the top, but I like the effect of the light through the glass. I also like the colors.

Sunflowers in the Winter
by Krisby

Comment:
Because this is going to get one of my lower scores, I'd like to take minute to comment.

Two BIG negatives jump out at me with this entry. First, is that the lighting does not appear to be backlighting. The front and tops of the flowers are lit and the backDROP is highlighted, but that is not the same as "backlighting." In backlighting, you want your subject somehow set off by the lighting which comes from behind it. That is not the case with your photo here.

The second big thing to me is the lack of focus and loss of detail in the subject. Some of the detail loss is from the blown out highlights of the lights, and some appear to be from motion blur or being out of focus.

Even if technically those things had appeared well done, I believe this shot would not have appealed to me on an artistic level. The backdrop is wrinkled, the subjects (flowers) don't look like they've had any type of specific placement, but are just bunched together. The upper part of the photo where the backdrop and the lighting stop and you just see black...is rather distracting and unappealing.

I'm sorry to be negative, but I'm hoping that this will be helpful.

To improve this subject for this challenge, lighting from behind the subject is important. Also, I would pull in much closer to the flowers and reduce the amount of backdrop you see. However, even when pulling in close, try different angles other than simply centering your subject. Sometimes centering works well, but other times composition can be made more dynamic by placing the subject off center.

Make sure you hold the camera steady or use a tripod and that you are using the camera's focus properly. Be sure you are focusing on the part of the photo you want to have clear. I would suggest some simple work on the basics, such as focus and composition.

I really hope this is helpful. Keep shooting :)

Morning Dew
by Pooba

Comment:
Congratulations on a great shot! I've tried one of these and it is NOT easy! I particularly like the silvery/blue hues of this photo. My one change would be to crop more on the left side to lessen the bright spot of light. Very nice as is, though.

Olivia & Shasta
by SJCarter

Comment:
The set up here is perfect. It appears dark on my monitor, but that is my only suggestion. The expressions and the subject placements and everything else is spot on. You did just a marvelous job with this series! :)

Back Off - This One's Mine!
by SJCarter

Comment:
My favorite so far! Really natural looking pose, but kind of polished looking as well. The lines and colors just work together very nicely in this shot, and I like her looking right at the camera. You've done a really excellent job with this series.

I'm Ready for My Close-Up Mr. DeMille!
by SJCarter

Comment:
I would call this one "Happy Dog" ...looks like she's proabably waggin' that tail even though we can't see it!

Really nice expression and feel to the shot, but it appears a bit dark on my monitor (which usually runs a bit bright.) I would try to brighten the white level a bit, and if you can bring out the eyes a bit more, that would be great. The catchlight is good, but the eyes just seem like black marbles...no color variation. She seems like such a sweet pup!

ginny-2-color.jpg
by jpochard

Comment:

Originally posted by Artyste: oooo.. the texture on the satin vest/shirt is absolutely unbeliveable..

Thanks. I picked up that little PJ set (it also had shorts with it) at a thrift store while looking for props/outfits to take over for the shoot. I liked the top because it fit at the top, but the bottom was kind of a "swing" / full cut which will be great for maternity shots.

I got it more for the cut than the color and texture, but I also thought it photographed perfectly in the natural light there.

Attitude
by Artyste

Comment:
I know that look! Whatever processing you did sure works here! I like that it feels like a "real" photo...not a cheesey smile. Any parent knows that look. The lighting and dof are well done and her eyes are great. That pouty mouth just seals the look. Great capture.

Reflecting Light and Sorrow
by Artyste

Comment:
I've never been able to get a moon shot as nice as this one. I've never thought about the personification aspect of the moon either, but this is appropriate. Nice photo.