Alternative Alternative Medicine
by santiago9er

Comment:
Wowsers! Does that really work? :-P

Sniff this and call me in the morning : Aromatherapy
by timfythetoo

Comment:
It might just be me, but considering the theme of the shot, I'm thinking it might be a stronger photo if the focus were switched, the flower in focus and the person blurred. I like the negative space to the right, but I think the composition would be stronger if the flower (especially since it is already cut off on the edge) were lowered so it was full in the corner.

Healing Hands
by DrAchoo

Comment:
Great use of lighting. Nice concept. Very cool image. Well done.

Witch Doctor
by Blue Moon

Comment:
Good setup, and a very cool image. Nice job!

Do-It-Yourself Dentistry
by GeneralE

Comment:
Ah, a daring entry! I'm a sucker for abstracts. It is unfortunate that there seems to not be a lot of folks that can appreciate the genre. I really like the warm tones here. The blackness at the left edge of frame I believe works well, adding a little weight and direction to the composition. I'm left wishing there were just a touch more feeling of motion, or flow in the shot, but still a good score from me. Nice job.

Garlic
by rickhd13

Comment:
Wonderful lighting here. Good subject for this theme. Nice job.

Voodoo Accupuncture
by Art Roflmao

Comment:
This is a real cute idea. I actually like woody shots. Technically, this is pretty good. Compositionally, it seems a little static, with him just lying there, centered. Perhaps more of a diagonal could be a little more dynamic? I am also thinking, that maybe instead of the very nice, even lighting, some shadows and such, setting a little 'darker' mood, tying in the 'voodoo' theme more? Maybe not, that might just be me :-)

Remains of the Storm
by Strikeslip

Comment:
Hey! Congrats Slippy :-)

I Hate Myself!
by smyk

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

So this is your entry for the 'Hate' challenge. I think you've done a good job of meeting the challenge. The shot has scored well, and congrats on the top 10. I actually have to agree with the majority here, I think you've done a real nice job on the image, especially being within the basic ruleset. I think you did fine on the levels, your background looks black to me, no hint of the velvet. The expressions on the faces are very fitting, and definitely send the theme home. I'd also like to note that the upwards lighting can be a great tool, and I think you've used it quite well to your advantage here, it works well with the concept of the shot and helps the overall theme. You've made a cool image, and it did well in the challenge, I can't really point out any 'improvements'. One thing that you could possibly consider, not really an improvement at all, but I'm thinking a shot like this, maybe taking the slight offset of the 2 faces, and increasing that offset some, creating more of a diagonal comp, perhaps adding a little bit of dynamics, compositionally. But, maybe not, that could just be me :-). Anyways, nice job on the image, it is pretty cool, and again, congrats. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or anything.

taterbug

h a t e - unchecked
by SherwinJames

Comment:
Well, I've been looking at this shot since the results went up, and am finally getting around to commenting on it (which I feel very compelled to do). Seeing this bold, provoking, grittily emotive photo take the blue, and with such a high score, to me, reaffirms a confidence in the dpc 'voter'. From the moment you see the thumb, to when it opens in full, this image just reaches out and grabs one's soul, and absolutely demands attention! I feel it causes the viewer to look deep within himself, and to consider what feelings lie in the inner depths of his heart, and to think about what is in the hearts of the world and his fellow man. True, it brings with it feelings of sadness, and revulsion, thinking about what man has done to man in the past, and yes, even in the present...but yet, for me, it also brings a slight glimmer of hope. In that I mean, we have at least come to a place where an artist can produce such a visciously strong image, to put it right 'in your face', and say 'deal with it!', and going by the comments and score, it is accepted and agreed with by many at least. Obviously, there are those that wish for better tommorrows.

You certainly nailed the challenge topic, and as far as technicals...what more needs to be said than...outstanding. Definitely not 'eye-candy', but by all means, photography at it's finest, for this viewer anyways. I thank you for creating this masterpiece.

taterbug