Brand new puppy!!
by Cboydrun

Comment:
Nice perspective!

New Toe Shoes
by vtruan

Comment:
Okay, I really like where you are going with this shot.

Couple of things that I feel might help out here. First, get lower to the ground, show me life at the shoes perspective. The angles you've chosen here help the composition IMHO but again, a lower angle would create a more dramatic effect.

Secondly, I'd opt for a b/w version of this shot, it's begging for deep rich tones that would really work nicely with the ribbons and reflections on the shoes.

Great work and I wish you luck in the challenge.

New York City
by AP

Comment:
Great tones and perspective.

The Lighthouse Keeper's Walk
by jrtodd

Comment:
Nice work my friend! Long over due but better late than never hu?

An Illusory Hope
by jenesis

Comment:
NICE work Jen; and a new third on your profile page! YAHOOO!

"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment:
Sometimes I'm taken aback by how many people in this world just don't want to believe that there is a dark side lurking just around the corner, next door, or even behind a closed door in their own home. This image is VERY powerful in so many ways, technically spot on IMHO and a very emotional subject matter that is unfortunately becoming more than uncommon in this day and age.

I'm really not surprised by most of the reactions you received on this image; a capture like this will stir the soul of the viewer and make them question their own surroundings and the grasp they have on their little slice of life. As I stated before I find this image powerfully moving and thought provoking. A real slap in the face back to a sometimes unpleasing reality that ought not be ignored. I would hope that the few who view this photo, regardless if they like it or not, would take the time to ask themselves if they've spoken to their children, nephews or nieces, even cousins about the effect drugs can have in their lives; and the lives of the people who love them.

This image stirred the soul of this one viewer and I can tell you in all confidence that I will be talking about the effect of drugs with my boys earlier than expected. They are the most precious things in my life and I will do everything in my power as a parent to educate them and pray they make the right decision on their own when the times comes, because the time WILL come in this day and age.

I applaud you for your courage in creating this image as well as entering it into a challenge that yes, was a "light hearted challenge about pencils" sometimes just when you think that life is all warm and fuzzy it rears its ugly head. It's not a matter of always looking at the negative side but rather addressing the dark in order to walk a little more peacefully in the light.

Well done,
Steve

Message edited by author 2007-10-25 11:34:51.

Under the rainbow
by MacDonald

Comment:
Beautiful image!

Taste The Rainbow
by BHuseman

Comment:
Great setup and DOF. The only thing this shot is missing is a bit of curves to really make this shot explode at the viewer IMHO. Well done.

Cast of Colors
by escapetooz

Comment:
Hey I recognize this motley crew from a beach somewhere! Fun shot that meets the challenge well. :D

people & pelicans
by charliebaker

Comment:
Beautiful landscape and it would score with high marks with me if it were in a landscape themed challenge. I really want to vote this high but I'm just not seeing the connection to group portrait... sorry.