Portrait of an Artist
by Neil

Comment:
Hi from the Critique Club!

This image has a lot going for it. First the pose...it just doesn't look it. The subject looks natural in the setting and appears as if deep in contemplation. Very emotive expression on his face that can lead in many directions depending on your mood when viewing. He appears relaxed and unaware he is being photographed.

The lighting is very well done. There are no glares or dark spots and the lack of strong shadows really helps set the mood of the shot. Even with the processing to fit the challenge there is a lot of detail left to see. Makes you almost feel as if you, the viewer, are right there with him.

Another of the strong features is the color palette the shot is comprised of. Excellent choices for shirt and background. They go well with the skin and hair tones. Nothing harsh or drastic which adds greatly to the composition.

Composition/perspective is was very well chosen. The profile really works here. In my opinion a head on shot of this just would not be as strong. Excellent choice. I like the tight crop here as well. Really helps bring out the strength of the pose and keeps you focused and wondering what he may be focusing on. I get the feeling, even without the title - strictly from the shot - that he is an artist looking over the last few details of paint just added to a canvas.

Forgeting the challenge requirements for a moment and looking at the processing...the grain definitely adds to the picture. It gives it a feel and texture, that along with the other qualities, just draws you in. Some areas look like they have more added than others but the mix works.

Overall very well done portrait. I honestly cannot find an aspect I don't appreciate. Very nice work!

Find 3 Thimbles...
by Prism

Comment:
No fair - what do we look for after the thimbles? Great shot for the challenge and very well done. A solid 10!

'32 Ford Roadster
by tfarrell23

Comment:
Hmm....now that I know which is yours I will again state I see no image grain at all. And funny how every comment that states they don't see grain, you do not check as helpful. Did you slam and insult everyone in the forums as you did me for not seeing grain in your image? 7 comments and only one says anything about grain in your shot and even then they say gritty not grainy. One of your 10's the commentor even says it doesn't fit the challenge - no grain.

Crossed
by Germaine

Comment:
Am I missing something here? What/where is the transparent aspect?

Dam Noise II
by Prism

Comment:
I like this version much better. The composition is much stronger. The dam is still clearly evident without all the clutter of the lower portion. This looks much more like you are standing right on top of it giving it a unique perspective. I like the rays of light - they really stand out in this version. The added noise may be a little much, but overall this is a much stronger picture. Well done!

Vine Row
by Rikki

Comment:
Nice perspective and placement of your subject matter. A good leading line to take you through the shot with a few overlaps at the top to take you across. Well done!

Yellow
by Rikki

Comment:
Very nice use of natural light. Colors really jump out at you - excellent contrast as well.

A Window View
by Rikki

Comment:
Great view and excellent perspective. I think your placement in the shot and focal length used are extremely well balanced and very well done! Nice work!

Aged Steel
by Rikki

Comment:
Very nice shot! Gritty, real, in your face perspective. Well done.

Delicate Skin
by Rikki

Comment:
Very nice perspective and interesting subject. Personally I like the reflections. Adds more to the photo in the way of just where you are. Nice compositon and placement as well.