"It was us that scourched the sky" -Morpheus
by finnur

Comment:
Greetings From the Critique Club
By CLarson557

Hi Finnur,

I am turning away from my usual format for writing a critique with this one. I usually have specific comments reguarding composition, technical aspects, and for meeting challenge. However, I'm just going to make general comments because I think that this is a spectacular picture and I'm astonished that this didn't do better in the challenge.

I do wish that you would have made more comments concerning your photo, such as how you took this and what exactly we are looking at. I am going to assume that I am looking at a sunset. Please correct me if I am wrong. In any event it is absolutly stunning. The colors are fabulous. It reminds me of the planet Jupitar. My only question was why the sun, if that is what I'm looking at, is cut off at the top?

The pattern of red on the left is interesting. It appears to be reflected light from a corrugated metal building. The effect is great acting like rays of solar energy. This connection could have been made better if they were angled closer to the sun. However, as it stands, it still conveys the message intended by the title.

The quote from the movie made an excellent title for this. I am very much impressed. I scored this an 8 during the voting phase. It really should have score higher than it did in the challenge.

You people from Iceland can really come out with some extraordinary photos.

Connie

Inside...The Matrix
by DougPaz

Comment:
Greetings From the Critique Club:
by CLarson557

Hello again, Doug
I was pleasently surprised to see one of your images come up again for me to critique. This is the first time that I've had the same person come up, so since I've already done the photographer study, this is not taking as long for me.

Once again, you have submitted an origional, thought out photo for a challenge. Although I must admit that I wouldn't choose this one as a favorite photo of your work, I appreciate the use of color in constructing it.

Challenge: When this challenge came up on DPC, I was at a total loss because I had not seen the movie. Thank goodness a friend of mine had the DVD to the first movie. I borrowed it and watched, but I must admit that I wasn't a big fan of it. Therefore, unfortunately, I must also admit that I'm not a good judge as to whether your photo fits the challenge. So, here is my weak attempt...it seemed that the movie portrayed an eerie computer domination of the world. Your photo, with the green hue and boxed in feeling, allows the viewer to see from inside how mankind has been trapped inside a electronic environment. Although I don't know what the blocks represent I still would agree that your picture meets the challenge.

Composition: During the voting phase of the challenge, I wasn't sure what I was seeing when I came to this photo. Even after seeing your explaination, as I said above, I'm not sure what the blocks represent. However, I do like the idea of using the green plastic to not entirely block out the outside world, but still give the boxed in feeling. I'm not sure what caused the reflection...perhaps a mirror or other shiny surface, but it does make for an interesting effect.

I was paying close attention to one comment you recieve during the challenge that suggested cropping the top portion of the photo. I might agree with this. On my computer screen, I'm not able to see the whole picture without scrolling. When veiwing it, I have concentrated on the bottom portion with the shapes and have not felt the need to scroll up to see the rest. Although I don't find it so awfully distracting, I do feel it could easily be cropped without taking away from the meaning of your picture.

Technical: My loose defination of the challenge mean't taking risks with the technical aspect of our photos. Depending on the subject, I felt that some graininess or blurr would proabably be acceptable as well as pushing the limits of some of the post-production software. All the pictures I have seen from you have been technically sound in my opinion with this one included. Yes, if I wanted to be nit picky, I could find flaws, but I think they go well with the theme.

Overall: In all actuality, I'm really finding it hard to critique this challenge. During the voting phase, I scored your photo a 6 because of the color and feel of it.

I would have liked to critique your Duotone photo which was very nice, I might add.

Pump Up the Volume
by jab119

Comment:
Very good approach to the challenge. Nicely done!

Universal Language
by karmat

Comment:
Out of the piano shots, this one is my favorite. I like the angle at which this was shot. The lighting is even and the color is nice with good skin tone in the hands. DOF is effective. You show good detail in the hand and in the keys. Very nicely done.

Johnny Putt Putt
by Marjo

Comment:
I like this picture with the horse watching in the background. I'm not really thinking sound when I look at this although I can tell the tractor is running because of the exhast coming from the top. However, I love the colors and how the trees frame the top. The sky is beautiful. The focus is great and shows wonderful detail. It's a great farm photo. 8 Good luck in the challenge.

whispers and giggles
by ursula

Comment:
What a fun shot! Nicely done and meets the challenge in my opinion.

Split Second
by crabappl3

Comment:
Nicely done!! I definately get an annoyed feeling looking at this alarm clock. The progression of the second hand with the movement of the clapper (or whatever you call it) is great. I'm effectively impressed! 10+++

Wreaking havoc with new roommates!
by RiderGal

Comment:
Excellent action shot with the hammer to portray sound. I think it would have been better, however, to see the pot and the person in better focus.

Mellotone Record Player
by Sonifo

Comment:
Nicely done. I like the vintage look. You show great detail and I appreciate how the focus is on the needle of the phonograph. The lighting is perfect and I like the subtle reflection in the record. If I'm reading it right, we are listening to the blues. Perfect as far as I can see and meets the challenge. Excellent 10

Hand Drums
by shareinnc

Comment:
Nice picture, however, I think a drumstick or two would be appropriate to make it more complete.