What The...
by Covert_Oddity

Comment:
Congrats on your first ribbon, I called it :P

Footloose
by SJCarter

Comment:
oh boy what did you get nabbed for?

This image looks really good, was it against a computer screen or poster?

Foot Where?
by cjgorman

Comment:
Haha, well let's see here...

Greetings from the Critique Club, to start.

I will begin by stating the obvious - this is a strange image! You will find that on this site, depicting gross things like the inside of a urinal will not get you much acclaim. Just take a look at the top images, you will almost always find subjects that are generally agreed to be more traditionally 'photo-worthy'. But your subject matter is your choice, I'm not hear to criticize it. I'll only say that photographs need to have a 'point' to them - ask yourself why a viewer should care about what you are showing them.

From a technical standpoint, this photo has some flaws that should be addressed:

1) People have mentioned the lack of any area of focus. There simply is no excuse for lack of focus. Your image will be panned by voters every time for lack of focus. Exception: You can forgo having focus if it is for artistic purposes/improves the image/is intentional. The exception does not apply here. You may have certain areas out of focus for effect, and use depth of field to your advantage, but when you have absolutely nothing in focus, it not only makes it difficult to see/maintain interest in the image b/c your eye is not grounded.

Perhaps more importantly, it also smacks of sloppiness, and you lose credibility with the viewer who is taking the time to look at your image and will be put off that you yourself didn't take the time to focus properly.

2) Center composition can work sometimes, especially if the image can stand on its own otherwise, but as a rule, a centered or symmetrical composition will be boring and should be avoided unless you have good reason to use it. See the Rule of Thirds for more info.

3) Lighting is harsh and blown out. Direct, flat lighting like this makes you think of 'snapshot', not artistic creation. The urinal itself is blown out white and the reflections on the shoes are distracting.

4) The panaramic crop is generally not the best way to convey your work. It is an awkward framing, and really only works in select situations where the subject matter really calls for it. At the very least, it makes the image very small on your screen when viewed on this site and voters instinctively are turned off by it.

Don't mean to be harsh but you did ask for a critique! Hope some it helps and good luck!

Bench sledge
by shetland

Comment:
amazing digital artwork, really well done

Valley falls
by Maverick

Comment:
this one i think slightly oversaturated on my monitor, at least with respect to the magentas and i think the greens

Water steps
by Maverick

Comment:
processing really worked well man

orchids
by millsa

Comment:
You've been on a real hot streak!!! Awesome work, keep it up, and congrats on the PB & first ribbon

Due South
by Dudski

Comment:
this picture should have more than 6 faves

Through the Rain Forrest
by Zeus

Comment:
looks like a magical place

The Alley Out Back
by surlybiff

Comment:
Crazy Jeger was able to identify the location of this shot! Looks like any other alley, that's pretty perceptive of him.

Anyway I mentioned in the thread but will mention again:

Your shot needs a subject. Katherine said it right, this shot would be benefited by a person walking through, that would add a 'story'. Not that people are always necessary, they're not, but there still needs to be something to ground the eye and hold interest or otherwise evidence of a thoughtful, contemplated composition that subsequently gives reason to keep looking at the image.