The Blue Leanie
by Manic

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB!

Well, I may or may not be the right person to be critiquing this one b/c I really enjoyed the photo and its symmetry.

My only comments are the washed-out sky, which you've already acknowledged, and the jaggedy compression of the angles in the windows. If those could be cleaned up, it would improve the photo immensely. Also, the color seems somewhat washed out -- are the bricks really pink? Perhaps some color correction to try and make this more natural hues would have made it a better photo.

Overall, great camera work and subject. _I_, at least, enjoyed it.

Rob 8)

Christmas in Cape Town,South Africa.
by anz

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB!

This is an excellent photo and perfect for the challenge. The subject is great, focus is sharp, and the framing is very appealing. I enjoy how the subject fills the frame.

I have only two comments. One, the photo is overexposed a bit. The glare on the straps is distracting, and you lose a lot of detail in the sand. Granted, on a beach in the middle of the summer sun there's not a whole lot of control you've got. The other comment is the color saturation. While I know the challenge was "Blue," it seems like maybe you bumped up the blues in this photo a bit too much? It's soooo vibrant that it almost looks faked.

Overall, an excellent entry. I truly enjoyed this image.

Rob 8)

A Melancholy Song
by indigo997

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB!

Indi, I've got to be honest...I really didn't like this photo at first glance. I came back to it a few times during the week because it stuck with me and each time my score for it got higher. I guess that's the best compliment that I can give -- that the photo really stuck in my head even when I was not on the site. :)

There are a few issues with the picture, most of which have already been covered in comments from yourself and others. Three things really stand out to me, however. First, the wings blend too much into the background -- at first glance they are even somewhat easy to miss. Stronger lighting on the background might have helped that (and also helped avoid the mandolin shadow). Second, the lighting give a greenish tint to her hair, which is unfortunate because I would think you'd want this to be a more angelic white. Third, the cropping of the mandolin is, unfortunately, very distracting and abrupt.

Overall, though, this is a standout entry. The slight blurriness even works with the photo, giving more of a "softer" feel. I wonder how this would look if you did a blur on the whole picture overall? Not a lot -- just enough to give it more of an ethereal effect. Also, I don't mind that the sheet is not ironed. Again, some blurring may help it have a more soft, wispy, cloudy effect. I don't think a stark white background would benefit this photo.

Excellent work, and a very well thought-out idea. Top 10 finish is nothing to sneeze at -- congratulations!!

Rob

Endurance
by KarenB

Comment:
Great focus and a wonderful title.

Blow It
by Konador

Comment:
Do I see Christmas lights reflecting in the horn? LOL I enjoy the DOF in this image -- and the way it seems to be floating is well done as well.

Light Tower
by Froober

Comment:
I think it loses something by not seeing at least some of the horizon in the image.

Under the Christmas Tree
by Yomi

Comment:
A unique perspective... Very nice lines and an interesting shot.

Christmas Apple
by DougPaz

Comment:
This is too funny...great idea!

Minor Sunrise in a Major Key
by inspzil

Comment:
Wonderful landscape shot! Excellently accomplished.

One Man Bridge Band
by alanfreed

Comment:
Great shot. That is one brave dude. I'll give you an extra point 'cause the Steelers lost this weekend. LOL