Shoreline in Hawaii
by faddis182

Comment:
ok, please bear with me. this is a very difficult challenge to vote, not just because of it's size, but also the fact that it represents what the submitters consider their best. it's really hard to critique someone in a challenge like this, but, then again, that's what it's here for. that being said, i'm sure you've comments about image size. please refer to the tutorials about sizing images for maximum impact. next, take lots and lots and lots of pictures. take full advantage of having a digital camera; once it's paid for, everything else is basically free. you'll only learn through practicing. i have no doubt that you are getting hammered in the voting, but please, do not take it personally, do not take it to heart, and DO NOT QUIT!!!

if you really want to get better, this is the right place to be. the resources here are fantastic, and you can work at your own pace. although most people try to be polite, you do need to be able to shake off the less than tactful comments you'll get from time to time.

if you really want to do this, don't try to do it all at one time. learn how to use the camera you have, first. then, learn how to use whatever photo-processing software came with your camera. then, get a couple good books on composition. then, and only then, get ready to start spending money on upgrading equipment.

please don't be discouraged by where this finishes. just look at it that this year can go nowhere but up!

Drops
by hanlomba

Comment:
i like the idea, but somehow feel that the soft focus takes away from the overall impact (that moreso than the noise). i like the lighting and the bw, as well as the general composition. good luck in this and all the coming challenges!

Only Words
by pottersclay75

Comment:
great image! very well done. i hope this doesn't get overlooked in this monster challenge, and that viewers will give it the time necessary to appreciate it. good luck in this challenge, and in 2005, as well!

Flying dream
by hjolli

Comment:
this is an amazing capture. i do think it could be polished, just a bit, to remove some of the excess noise. this is definitely a 'look-twice' image, and i hope viewers will give it the time it deserves. good luck in this and all the coming challenges!

A Walk in the Park
by Jeileen

Comment:
what a beautiful range of colors you have captured! i hope you have this printed out large where i can be enjoyed on a regular basis. i also hope this doesn't get overlooked in this monster challenge, and that viewers will give it the time necessary to appreciate it. good luck in this challenge, and in 2005, as well!

Showroom new
by drydoc

Comment:
this is sweet. i'm curious, though, as to why you chose this crop, as opposed to either showing the whole car, or cropping in tighter? also, i hope you'll correct me if i'm wrong, but it appears that you used a gaussian blur layer on the background, and that your masking has created a bit of an edge. forgive me if i'm wrong, because i am fairly new in the digital darkroom. good luck in this and all the coming challenges!

Always a Kitty
by Links 2 3 4

Comment:
and a cute one at that! thanks for sharing. i hope this doesn't get overlooked in this monster challenge, and that viewers will give it the time necessary to appreciate it. good luck in this challenge, and in 2005, as well!

Fire Escape
by stupidcat

Comment:
interesting composition. i've always loved looking at the 'faces' in plywood. i hope this doesn't get overlooked in this monster challenge, and that viewers will give it the time necessary to appreciate it. good luck in this challenge, and in 2005, as well!

Perched
by Malokata

Comment:
i don't mind heights, but shots like this give me the willies...
very interesting image. i hope this doesn't get overlooked in this monster challenge, and that viewers will give it the time necessary to appreciate it. good luck in this challenge, and in 2005, as well!

Grass Cat
by agrimace

Comment:
this is an interesting image. one wouldn't normally think of a statuette having catchlights! nice bokeh, as well. i hope this doesn't get overlooked in this monster challenge, and that viewers will give it the time necessary to appreciate it. good luck in this challenge, and in 2005, as well!