Pot
by hannafate

Comment:
*Greetings from Critique Club*

First of all, I think this met the Circle Challenge very well (I scored it a 7). This shot has a lot going for it. It screams simplicity - which is great. The composition is terrific - I like the offset subject with the leading shadow. I can't really tell too much about the lighting (other than the shadows) because of the graininess of the image, but we'll get to that in a minute.

I like the color use too - black and white always work in my book, and the additional color in the light reflection on the vase is nice, not overpowering. I also like the border - again, simple and elegant, not too flashy.

Now to the graininess (I assume it was not an artistic choice, as I don't feel it adds to the image or mood of the piece). This could be from the original, just poor focus/DOF or a result of post-processing - maybe a mixture of both. Any way you slice it, that is the biggest downfall of this image IMHO. Because you're working on simple as a theme, it needs to be sharp, crisp, and distinctive. I think if you were to pump up the contrast and reduce the backlighting, it would add a sharpness to your shot that it is currently lacking. It would also increase the "pop" factor with the additional contrast.

Overall, I still think it's a strong entry and perfectly suited to the challenge. You might want to consider reshooting it and experimenting with your camera settings and the lighting to see if you can get a sharper image, because it has all the makings of a really great one.

Remember, this is just my 2 cents - your opinion is the one that matters!

Jimmy

Anguish
by Tranquil

Comment:
Very cool shot! Love the tones and the effects of the glass. Nice work.

tired tiger
by coolhar

Comment:
Definitely one of the better tiger shots (IMHO). Great DOF and detail on the head. I probably would have scored it a 7.

Autumn Reflection
by SDW

Comment:
I obviously hadn't checked out your Profile very closely, because you have some beautiful shots! This one among them. Was this taken in GA? And how much did you "add" to the color sat? REALLY nice reflection and a super job.

Fun in the Sun
by SDW

Comment:
WOW! Don't know how I missed this one. This is beautiful! Love the soft sunlight and the detail on the butterfly - the DOF is fantastic. My newest Favorite! :-)

Grungy Terrarium
by Joey Lawrence

Comment:
Nice change of pace from the other entries. Cool effects and interesting perspective. Good job.

My Muse and I
by Artyste

Comment:
I think this is a GREAT shot. I love the high key feel to it - the composition is excellent. I guess I should have picked a shot I could find some areas to improve on though, huh?!? Cuz I'm having difficulties finding them on this one. Really nice job.

"Who said hunter?"
by sajin

Comment:
Cute shot & caption. Great DOF and color, although I think the crop is a little too tight.

Duck
by cools98

Comment:
I love Muscovy ducks! I grew up around a lot of them (they're quite prolific!). Excellent use of selective color and your detail is exquisite. I'm not crazy about the crop or the border, but this is an exceptionally good shot. Nice work. Bumping up.

Canadian Otter
by james_so

Comment:
Nice unique entry. I wish the highlights weren't blown out and the blue overtones were turned down a notch though. Good composition and I think the border is fine.