Contrast
by sigrun_th

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club! :)

I will attempt to critique your image on four basic areas. Keep in mind I'm not a trained professional. ;)

1. Composition: The composition of the image is fine, with the focal point being off center. There are also three different planes of visuals that you can discern, with a foreground, a middle ground, and a background. The image suffers, however, from a lack of interest in the top half of the image, as the subject stops dead center in the vertical sense.

2. Technical Details: Your commenters mentioned the grain/noise issue. I won't go into that other than to say that many at DPC do not like grain or noise of any kind. I'm not like that, because I have a fair amount of shots that are quite noisy and grainy because I like them that way. :) HOWEVER...the grain in this shot doesn't add much in the way of mood or emotion, because the subject itself is rather devoid of mood or emotion. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Also, the focus is a bit soft on the subject itself, which DPC voters don't like either.

3. Aesthetics: This is a love-it or hate-it shot. It's rather abstract in nature, which might turn some voters off. It doesn't have the "wow" factor that DPC voters crave, which explains the score and placement.

4. Relationship to Challenge: There is some contrast, but overall the tonal range is rather muddy and the noise really detracted from the contrast in general.

Overall, your image has some strong points and some points in which improvements can be made. Keep shooting and submitting and I look forward to your next entry!

Laurie :)

serenity
by melodee

Comment:
Howdy from the Critique Club! :)

I'll critique the four basic areas for you but remember, I'm not a trained professional. :)

1. Composition: This image is framed in a lovely way, with a nice line created by the bridge and various planes of visuals to add interest. The willow tree, however, obscures part of the bridge which IMHO is the focal point of the image. Perhaps moving around to your right a tiny step more might have gotten less of the sweep of the willow branches in the foreground. A person on the right end of the bridge, or something in the background might have also added a little more "wow" factor to the image.

2. Technical Details: The focus is good in your image. As others have commented, there might be some oversharpening, especially in the limbs. You have a little bit of glare/blown highlights in the water, but in this case it works, especially for this particular challenge. The contrast itself seems a bit muddied. The tonal range is more or less all greys, with no specific blacks to compare the whites with. Some burning might be effective as well, when allowed by the challenge rules.

3. Aesthetics: Lovely, peaceful, and serene.

4. Relationship to Challenge Topic: As I mentioned earlier, the contrast is just not quite "high" enough for this particular challenge. Perhaps boosting it a bit might create more of a range for you.

Overall, a good image and attempt at meeting the challenge head-on. It simply lacks the mass appeal and "wow" that DPC voters tend to look for. That's not a bad thing, either (MHO). Keep shooting and can't wait to see more! :)

Laurie

Just Being Me
by smilebig4me1x

Comment:
Cher, this is really cute and it does look "just like you!" I can see your skills as a photographer developing over time. Very well done. I might suggest to work on the eyes a tiny bit more to remove the red, but that could also be enhanced by this crappy monitor I have at work so ignore me. ;) Anyway, great shot. :)

relaxed
by hopper

Comment:
Hopper, to not only have exceptional photographic talent but also such a beautiful model at your fingertips is just a double blessing!!! Wonderful image, as usual. :)

Windows to the Soul
by elsapo

Comment:
Just stunning, as usual!!!! I think you and she make an exquisite team. You're both going places!!!! :)

Undone
by jmoore

Comment:
One of my personal favorites in the challenge. Emotive, telling, and technically well-executed. Lovely treatment as well. Excellent work. :)

One year after ...
by Mambe

Comment:
...and you remain beautiful! Pink is a great color for you as well! Wonderful light, great sharpness, and unique. Wonderful job, Mambe! :) :) :)

Dainty Gem
by Sonifo

Comment:
Soni, you've outdone yourself with this one. GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!! :)

Little Miss Fancy Pants
by toddhead

Comment:
Such a wonderful portrait indeed. Killer eyes this one has...hope you have a big club! Excellent technically as well. :)

Attitude
by shutterfly

Comment:
Holy Pete this is amazing! Stunning light, stunning pose, stunning clarity, and stunning model. You rock, grrl!!! :)