Autumn
by canyoncat

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective – the perspective in the two outside panels is very nice. It appears as though you split one image down the middle. If not, good job in lining them up as the branches on both sides appear at the same heights. But I like the split image concept better as the perspective from front to back is identical in both shots. The center panel, while an excellent shot, just seems a little close/large for the distant perspective shown in the outside panels. This takes away from the feeling that the squirrel is part of the same tree. Perhaps if it was cropped so the squirrel wasn’t so much in the center it would help. The focus and clarity of the three panels is very good. The balance of negative space to subject space is well done.

Color – very nice balance between the gold’s and yellows of the two outside panels and the browns and grays of the center panel. Sets up a very nice contrast and division between the panels and allows for a smooth flow between them. Especially the darker left to lighter right concept.

Lighting – all areas of this image make excellent use of natural light. Good camera exposure control has allowed the light to work to advantage in this scene. The center panel, area just to the left of the nut, seems a little too dark and some detail is lost. However, the lighter side of the nut helps to keep this from becoming a real distraction.

Challenge requirements – a true triptych image. This meets the requirements nicely. I can even get a story of sorts from it as the onset of autumn signals the squirrel to fatten up. I wonder where he got the walnut thoughâ€Â¦

Overall/my opinion –an excellent composition overall. I would like to see the squirrel placed higher in the panel, but in the triptych being centered works, especially since it is the center panel. It almost becomes busy on the right with all the shrubs, the strength of the tree draws you away from that though. Well done!

Gentle Green
by tonyv

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective – two things hit you first when you view this image 1) the panels are not of equal size and there seems no reason for this the way it is set up now; 2) the center stem of the leaf is deliberately cut by a dissection line. If the panels were not of the same size, but the center panel contained the whole stem, this would lend sense to the different sized tiles. Even a diagonal division would have worked here if it matched the stem angle and would have placed more emphasis and strength on the divisions instead of them becoming a distraction. This also would have helped since it is a single image with not really much to grab you except for the natural lines/symmetry of the subject itself.

Color – the natural color and variations are preserved quite well in the image. The texture of the leave allows for a lot of subtle streaking in the green giving more contrast and giving it more depth in the transitions. The bright side of the stem provides a real nice contrast being more yellow and allows more definition of shape come through.

Lighting – hard to tell what was used – natural/flashâ€Â¦nothing is overbearing or blown out. There are not bright spots, flares or dark shadows to contend with. Along with the color, the two strongest elements of the image.

Challenge requirements – in the broader sense, this meets the challenge requirements for triptych. However, I feel it falls short here due to misplaced divisions and panel size discrepancies. Also, there is no apparent story or concept, just portrayal of an object. This makes the division into a triptych more critical to get right.

Overall/my opinion – as a single image this would be a nice abstract or macro shot. The detail and focus are good with good control of the lighting used. The natural lines and texture of the leaf are strong elements and could carry it by themselves. I think trying to make this fit the triptych challenge was not the best choice the way it is divided. A wider center to include the whole stem with equal side panels or angled dividing lines to be parallel with the stem. There are certainly other possibilities. The image has potential, just needs more attention to the details.

Last Men Standing
by chefsam

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective – I am not sure about your choice of sizing/spacing on the panels. When I look at it I get the feeling I am looking through a barred window rather than at a triptych image. The center and side divisions are a little wide compared to the top and bottom borders. With the processing it is hard to tell about focus or too many image properties themselves. The starkness of the image helps support your subjects which are otherwise a little uninteresting. The division is also a little distracting. The branches don’t line up from panel to panel and the eye naturally tries to do this. This indicates to me the image was not simply split, but cropped three different times and/or more than one perspective was used. I think this is one element that weakens the image as a whole - the right edge of panel one and left edge of panel two are the same yet the perspective is not quite the same. With a lack of detail and/or color to make up for/hide or otherwise distract from this disparity, I find it confusing to look at for very long. There is just not enough to grab the attention to make up for this.

Color – b/w, solid black and bright white, not may shades of gray except in the top. The white is a little bright in the center of all three panels. The brightness starts to wash over the black branches. It totally distorts the leaves(?) at the top making some of them appear detached.

Lighting – very hard to tell with this image. The processing has hidden most details of the image that would help here.

Challenge requirements – by definition this meets the challenge requirements. However, the processing – the wide divisions – make this appear more as though you are looking at three similar images meant to be viewed separately as opposed to a triptych image.

Overall/my opinion – the weakest part of this image is the processing. It takes away any character the branches and/or leaves may have had on their own. The sky texture looks totally created and not natural at all. The bright white takes detail and definition away while making the outlines appear rougher than they probably are. The separation between panels is a bit wide and gives a heavy appearance to the shot.

Profile of a Man
by Joey Lawrence

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective – Wow! This immediately strikes the emotive forces with a strong punch! As a whole, the three panels, the choices of the individual images, really captures the essence and character of the man perfectly – age, surroundings (the countryside), hard work, a person who worked with his hands all his life. All three panels could stand on their own. Very expressive and makes a very bold statement. The mind instantly starts to create a story and life for this individual. The first panel – on its own this is a strong portrait. What works is the perspective of having the man up front with the horizon at a distance. Gives the impression you are in his world, the country. Perhaps his field or farm where he has worked all his life. The difference in detail between his face and the horizon line this perspective gives is also a strong force and really allows the split face to work. The middle panel – again a very strong image on its own. I get a lot from this panel – the hand shows not only evidence of age, but also of many years of hard work. Again the perspective of the horizon in the distance adds to this. Perhaps intentional, perhaps not, but the stains on the jeans I find also add strength to this idea. Here you have the hand that has worked the land and home for many years. The third panel – of the three this really brings the emotive forces to the front. The strength of the look in his eye is undeniable; determination, hard work, strong love for family, the understanding of his time in lifeâ€Â¦all of this I get from this single panel. On its own I may like the placement a little different, but in the triptych it is perfect. The focus in all three panels is spot on. As I said, this triptych triggers the imagination to instantly fill in the story. Very well done!

Color – b/w, all three panels have a very nice balance between the light and dark areas. The panels themselves are composed very nicely to create a nice balance between them as well. The separation with the darker center panel sets this up quite nicely. I don’t think this would be as strong a composition in color.

Lighting - No overbearing shadows hiding details. Very nice control of and use of natural light. The first is a little bright in the sky right near his ear and edge of hat, but no detail is lost and it doesn̢۪t become a distraction. All panels are very evenly covered as well. Well done!

Challenge requirements – there is no question this meets the challenge requirements in every respect. There certainly is a story portrayed here, especially if you let your imagination take over while viewing.

Overall/my opinion – this appears to be a well thought out concept that has been translated to images extremely well. The strength of this image just pours out through the screen and captures you instantly. I honestly cannot find anything displeasing here. Excellent triptych!

Seagulls at Sunset Cliffs
by ecdillon

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective - in my opinion you have to consider the three sections as a whole to really appreciate this composition. Although the division is well done (see below) the whole scene is very serene and quiet. Another element that makes this work is the fact it is all sky, no land. A nice play off your title. The number of birds in the scene is enough to keep the ratio of apparent negative space and the subjects becoming imbalanced. Their placement is the shot is very well done and the space between them is short enough that the group can be considered as a whole helping the balance.

Color – as a whole there is a very nice gradation from top to bottom in this scene and with the divisions (see below) separating the shot very well. Each panel has its own place in the palette. The birds silhouetted against the colors in all areas is perfect. They allow the color to stand for itself and creates a second viewing balance – between the birds and the colors of sky. The strongest aspect of the colors in the shot, in my opinion, is the leading line affect they have. I find myself drawn over the shot following the color shift from top to bottom.

Lighting – natural light very well used. Time of day was chosen perfectly for this exposure. A little later and the birds would start to get lost in the darkening blue and earlier and the horizon would be too bright. The small clouds on the horizon attest to good exposure control for the available light as well. Well done!

Challenge requirements – at first glance I can see where people would be somewhat turned off by this as a Triptych. However, the division into thirds of this shot is such that is creates a perfect triptych. Each panel has its own color tone which separates them very nicely and creates three separate moods in the shot. I also find it interesting that the top and bottom panels only have two birds in them. Done on purpose? Either way, I find it an element that lends strength.

Overall/my opinion – this is a very beautiful shot with a lot of emotive force. The colors are excellent and at just the right intensity to create synergy with the mood. The grouping of the flock of birds is well done and their arrangement in the scene couldn’t be better if you asked them to pose. Very well done!

EDIT: Removed paste error

Message edited by author 2005-11-26 16:38:06.

It Even Has Purple!
by NVPhoto

Comment:
The police will be right over...

Feathered Concealment
by joezl

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective - position of the bird in the frame is ok, some of it appears too centered. A little more space on the top to bring the head closer to a thirds line as well as on the right hand side to bring the beak closer to a thirds line would make it stronger. Eye level is a nice approach to this bird - makes the face stronger as an element of focus. The ratio of subject to surroundings is a little off. As mentioned above, a different crop would help this.

Color - very nice palette in this shot that has been retained and developed well. The contrasts are strong and well maintained in the shot. The background allows the colors, particularly the change in color, from the top of the head down the neck to really stand out.

Lighting - excellent use and camera control of natural light. All areas are well lit, no blown out areas or bright/dark distractions. The edge of the beak comes off as a little bright, but I don't find it distracting. Gives it a translucent look that I think saves it.

Challenge requirements - well, I think this is where the image fell short. Camouflage...although the markings on the bird are in fact its camouflage, it is not depicted here very well. They are not strong enough, as they are represented here, to carry the topic by themselves. Being against a green background, although it helps the subject, does not help the image meeting the challenge requirements.

Overall/my opinion - this is a tack sharp image of a beautiful bird. It is very well captured and processing has not degraded any elements at all. The fine detail present in the feathers and on the face is excellent. I think it is stretching it for the challenge it was entered. But it certainly is a beautiful, well done capture.

Remembrance
by sigrun_th

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective - this is a very strong composition. Placement of the two main subjects is very well done and follows nicely the rule of thirds. The feeling of depth/distance is created very nicely with the perspective applied. Although the front subject appears raised higher because of the slope of the building, being dwarfed by the facade is an extremely interesting effect. The image appears a bit oversharpened as evidenced by the apparent halo around the statue on the right side - this could also be facility lighting like appears in the background, hard to tell. The rest of the image does not show this. The shape of the building itself acts like a leading line along the top edge which just draws you across the image.

Color - b/w, accentuated very nicely with the natural textures and smoothness. The stone facade and walls are a strong contrast to the sky which appears to just be sweeping on by. The accents keep them nicely separated and working together.

Lighting - very nice combination of time of day - natural light and facility lights. No blown out or really dark areas to be distracting.

Challenge requirements - this might be where this image fell short. I don't really get a sense of celebration from this. Victory, perhaps. But more of a darker feeling for some reason.

Overall/my opinion - a very strong image with excellent composition. Black and white processing is perfect. Not sure about the connection to the challenge, but still an excellent picture.

EDIT: typos

Message edited by author 2005-11-22 15:22:56.

Valley View, California
by edmeng

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective - visually there is a lot to see in this image without it being busy. The flower on the right would be a much stronger element if not cut off. A slightly different perspective would have left the bright spot on the right out of the shot while allowing the whole flower to be in the shot. The bright spot starts to get blown out as all the detail in that area is lost. I see mainly three areas in the shot and they seem to be well balanced. The fog adds a nice element of serenity to the scene. Perhaps a crop that takes out a bit more of the sky to keep your focus going no higher than the mountains, make the valley of fog stronger without upsetting the balance of the view.

Color - there are a lot of colors in this shot that just don't show through as they might. A boost in contrast, saturation may help this. The soft tones in the fog below the farthest ridge, the reds in the trees off on the left, these being stronger would add more depth to the shot. May also help emphasize the soft yellow glow from the sun.

Lighting - good use of natural light. This appears to be sunrise, a bit longer and the flower on the right may have gotten a dose and would show much brighter. But the soft glow from the sun applies a nice effect to the foreground while the fog is just starting to show the color.

Challenge requirements - this certainly meets the landscape criteria. This is a beautiful location that shows a nice transition from hills, to valley, back to hills. Very nice choice.

Overall/my opinion - I really like the mood in this image. Very peaceful and serene. The flower to the right either should be all the way in the shot or all the way out. Cutting it off makes it a bit if a distraction. The grasses that poke up next to it are a little distracting, but the strength of the scene outweighs that. Overall this is a beautiful capture.

EDIT: Changed left to right in first paragraph.

Message edited by author 2005-11-23 13:44:32.

Kira's Storm
by storm_morris

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club!

I have studied your image and have the following to offer:

Composition/perspective - right off the first thing that strikes me is that the image is small. The crop is ok, but a little more image on the right would help. The focus seems soft - the detail is not visible in the rocks or on the water surface. It might have been nicer to get the waves a little more off the horizon - not sure if that was possible. But they are breaking far out in the scene and some of them get lost in the horizon. They are the only attention getter in that part of the shot and it would be nice if they had a stronger presence.

Color - b/w, lots of shades of gray in this image. Looks like the full scale from black to white. Some of this may be able to be drawn out more with contrast and/or levels adjustment.

Lighting - natural, but appears a little dark. You posted no exposure info so hard to tell what would improve it. Some of this may just be impression since the darkest clouds appear at the top edges.

Challenge requirements - the challenge was to shoot a landscape. What I see here is a sea scape. Maybe picky, but considering the requirements a small distinction I do not think was lost on the voters.

Overall/my opinion - if you couple the fact that it is a seascape with the image size, I think this is where this image fell short. In general it is a powerful scene and I think the image has a lot of potential if processed and cropped slightly differently.