Duster in the Winter Sun
by DennisF

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club };-)

Initial thoughts
Interesting composition, meets the challenge, Nice warm lighting

Composition/ Content

Very nice warm lighting on Duster. He looks warm and comfy. I may have tried to crop out a bit of the darkness on the left.

Background
Although I'm sure you didn't have a lot choice, the background is somewhat distracting here. If Duster would let you take a few shots, you might have bracketed a few to see if you could darken the background or try another angle, perhaps a little higher.

Camera Work - Technical
Focus seems good and contrast is excellent for the difference in light and shadow you have here.

Digital Processing - Technical
Technically seems pretty good, you are right up against the 150KB file size. You may have tried a border of thin white followed by a 5 or 6 pixel black.

Fits The Challenge
Fits the challenge well.

My Opinion On The Photo
I originally scored this shot a six which was slightly higher than the majority. I think that it meets the challenge well but could have been improved a little, especially the background to finish even higher than it did. Good job, and keep up the good work.


I would be happy to talk further about this shot if you would like to contact me.
DougPaz

"Not Tonight...."
by tfarrell23

Comment:
Very funny and a nicely composed shot. Might have worked better on a different background as the red is a bit overwhelming.

Declaration
by crabappl3

Comment:
The best of the heart-candy shots. I like the orientation and sizing. Background is great as well. Too bad the middle one wasn't pink for the holiday. Good job.

A Mothers Love
by Tarbini

Comment:
Great shot for the challenge, the colors are super. A touch soft on focus and I would have cropped a few more of the cobblestones but it is really a loving great shot.

Trinity
by Davenit

Comment:
Beautiful shot, one of my two favorites this challenge. I tried a similar shot and gave it up when I couldn't get these results. I'd be interested in your setup and lighting if you would e-mail me. Great colors and lighting. Looks like a ribbon to me!

A New Beginning
by Yomi

Comment:
Fantastic, one of my two favorites of the week. A couple of things could be better, like the two women at the lower bottom and the white object in the lower left. The white of her dress is super. I'm sure you may get some grief over the flowers in her face but I like that as well. Good luck super shot!

Happy Valantine's day, dear!
by mirac

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club };-)

Initial thoughts
Breathtaking, meets the challenge, Color and texture are fantastic!

Composition/ Content
Really super, the lighting is as good as it gets. The color of the rose and greenery against the black really makes it stand out. I wonder what the rose would look like with just a bit more tilt to the left.

Background
The black background is perfect. I see no graininess and it really emphasizes the roses color.

Camera Work - Technical
Focus on the petals is really what made this a killer shot. The texture on that one petal is really a grabber. I noticed that you had folks both for and against the water drops on the flower. I can go either way with it.

Digital Processing - Technical
Perfect.

Fits The Challenge
A beautiful flower is quite a cliche, but done so well.

My Opinion On The Photo
Congrats on the ribbon,it is well deserved. There was a ton of competition in this category and you came through with flying colors. Happy Valentines Day!

I would be happy to talk further about this shot if you would like to contact me.
DougPaz

Open Wide!!
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club };-)

Initial thoughts
Beautiful composition, meets the challenge, colors are stunning

Composition/ Content
I feel like I can almost smell it we are so close. Focus, lighting and exposure are all super.

Background
The shallow DOF works well here and the light green color works well as a background.

Camera Work - Technical
Focus seems good and contrast is excellent. You've really got a killer shot. Some folks may want to see the entire flower but I think this is right on.

Digital Processing - Technical
I'm trying to come up with something helpful here but basically you have an almost perfect technical shot IMHO.

Fits The Challenge
Definitely fits the challenge well.

My Opinion On The Photo
Super shot that probably deserves a ribbon. The quality of shots this week were incredible though. Great job, and keep up the good work.


I would be happy to talk further about this shot if you would like to contact me.
DougPaz

Twilight of Idols
by magnetic9999

Comment:
Nice shot, I like the color and the massive feel of the pillars. Good angle as well, so many this week seem to be overdone angle-wise.

Magic Carpet
by Natasha

Comment:
Interesting shot, although I'm not quite sure what I'm looking at. Good focus and clarity. (I think!)