Whiterook and his DPChallenge members
by whiterook

Comment:
Hmm... I can only guess that this is, indeed, whiterook, because it wouldn't make much sense for someone other that whiterook to do a portrait of whiterook in a self-portrait challenge. If the white rook is to be the subject, it needs to be in greater isolation from the rest of the composition. This could be by physical isolation (it's alone), color isolation (white rook is in front of the black pieces), or even just by post-processing (the white rook is sharp and bright, the rest of the image is softened and darkened). I do, though, like the use of weird perspective; the birdhouse lends an air of surrealism that adds interest to this photograph.

Beauty is in the eye
by reneekerr

Comment:
Nothing wrong with a flower in what is essentially a free study. But flowers are so heavily photographed that you really have to work hard to make it stand out. The soft focus is okay, but the shape of the petals is weird and creates a claustrophobic composition. The lighting seems flat; you are large areas of almost-monotone red. The single drop of water, especially in the context of this challenge, reads like a tear, which seems arbitrary, given your title. Remember... lighting is the key!

frustrated screenwriter (and photographer)
by klkitchens

Comment:
Very nicely exposed and just the right amount of sharp.

self portrait with knife
by rooum

Comment:
Very cool abstract. I don't understand why you reference a knife in the title, though. It's a very strong image with great texture and tonal detail, and I think the reference to a knife detracts by introducing confusion.

Loner
by artvet

Comment:
Works for me--fits the challenge well even without the title. Some noise cleanup on the sky would have helped--if not NeatImage or the like, then some selective gaussian blur to get rid of the artifacts.

MY OTHER TRUCK
by drphotos-dm

Comment:
Although I'm sure that working as a firefighter gives you a great sense of pride--it's amazingly difficult and noble work--I think the sense of pride and nobility is undermined by the deflated-looking fire suit.

Spreading my wings. Learning to fly
by SandyP

Comment:
Nice duckling shot... sharp, good exposure, expressive body language. Since animals are so easily anthropomorphized, I think an animal-less photo would meet the challenge better for me.

The Windmills of My Mind
by eqsite

Comment:
I have trouble seeing windmills here--I see what looks like a window and a large framed print of an infant. I have no problem with abstract photography, but I'm sensing a disconnect between the photo and the title.

Serene on the Surface, Some Lake Stink Underneath, and Prickles Nearby
by rjkstesch

Comment:
Nice work. Looks kind of like Mono Lake to me. I think you got the gist of this challenge just right--FS with an emphasis on the title :)

Gimme Props!
by Art Roflmao

Comment:
Hah... love it! Great lighting, great processing, great composition and just generally great all around. The Godzilla makes me think of Art. :)