"Kiss the Girl"
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

This is certainly a very dynamic image--as well as a strong image. My first impressions were very positive. Because of the personality the models show and their clothing, I think that B&W was an excellent choice for this shot.

The subjects you've chosen obviously have great chemistry together and it's apparent in the shot. I really like that they both come off as strong individuals, which compliments the strength of the emotion that they're showing for one another.

The technical aspects of this photo look very well done to me. The lighting is nice and even for the most part. There's one small patch of stronger lighting on the woman's upper arm (towards the shoulder) but I wouldn't really say that it's "too bright" or bright enough to distract me from the shot. As I've stated, I think the B&W works incredibly well here. It really makes the image pop and because of their clothing, the eye is drawn to their kiss, which is right where I'd think you want it :-) Composition looks good as well. The line created by the man's arm helps carry the eye through to the rest of the photo.

As far as DPC voters go, I think it can be harder to place well with a portrait in the Free Study challenge. People (for whatever reason) tend to not appreciate them in the same way as they would a different topic. Now, having said that, I don't feel by any means that you made a poor choice in submitting this. It's a wonderful, strong, and striking image that I would certainly feel comfortable scoring highly!

And I'm sure that they were both so pleased with the shots you've done if this one is a good indication :-) What a great gift to be able to give to this pair, especially as he leaves the country.

--ladyhawk22 (Elizabeth)
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

The Exorcism
by labuds

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

I am very impressed with your image! The concept shows quite a bit of creativity, which I like--and it's also carried off well.

Your choice of subject is intriguing as well as appealing to the eye. I think it's a very interesting (but good!) choice for a Free Study photo. It breaks out of the box that many Free Study photos fall into.

The lighting is probably the first technical aspect which jumped out at me. I know from experience that it's not very easy to photograph smoke in terms of lighting. And the fact that you managed to also light the person in a dramatic way really grabbed my eye. Looking at it further, I enjoy the fact that opposite sides of the face seem to be lit (due to the reflection) which offers a certain symbolic element to the shot, giving it more depth. The focus of the shot is also done well. The smoke came out crystal clear, as did the model and his reflection. The title of the shot is incredibly well depicted.

As far as improving this image for DPC voters, I'm not sure I can offer any suggestions! This photo really seems to be spot on. The dark background works perfectly for what you were trying to depict and I love the mood the lighting creates. You've done a really fabulous job with this shot. Keep up the good work!

--ladyhawk22 (Elizabeth)
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions or thoughts :-)

Last Duck Standing
by chipuc

Comment:
Nice use of DOF in this shot. The colors are very vibrant and pleasant and I enjoy the composition of this photo as well. Nice sharp detail.

Hidden Ducky
by deacueducto

Comment:
Certainly a hidden ducky! Give it almost a "Where's Waldo" kind of feel. But I think that perhaps some plants with a variety of foliage (or perhaps...dare I say it? Even flowers) might lend a little more interest to the shot.

A Shut Mouth Catches No Flies
by nds

Comment:
There are some really beautiful light patterns being reflected in this shot! They really add something unique to the photo. I like that you have a good, creative composition and idea. I think perhaps the ducky would stand out better if there was just a little more light.....but as it looks like this was shot underwater that might have been hard :-)

Lost in New York
by 64viking

Comment:
I really like the colors in this shot and I like that it's fairly busy. There does appear to be some noise that's viewable on the duck which I find a little distracting. I think the composition of the photo does well....that little ducky is right in the middle of all that New York action!

I'm the one!
by permapier

Comment:
My eye had to hunt a little bit for the duck that was in focus. Once I found it, the photo came together for me more. I think perhaps a composition that accentuated the "main duck" might entice some more voters.

PICT0128-01.jpg
by MrEd

Comment:
"Ummm, what camera setting do I use?? uhhhh.......hmmmm...." ---Libby looking like the dumb blonde she is :-)

2978 GOG GTG Hike.jpg
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
I like this one! We shoulda had you run to get in this shot too.

Teton Moonset for Printing_filtered copy.jpg
by DrAchoo

Comment:
Oh. my. goodness. The amount of detail in the foreground is astounding! This is a superb landscape image....just amazing.