Vine Lady
by jnenvir

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
Hmm.. good potential, but snapshottish feel to it and blur issues. I gave this a 2 during voting.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
Tough - with the image as is, I'd hazard a guess that either going for a very surreal and 'out there' kind of image: blurred up and processed heavily, or otherwise, maybe toning adjustments, as the greens clash. A shutter speed of 1/50 for street photography, is an unusual choice, unless you were aiming for some motion effect, in which case I think this needed more/slower shutter speed. But with an ISO of 500, it doesn't seem that that is the case.

Compositionally, I'm not sure what to suggest. I think definitely a big trim off the top would help, otherwise depends what you had to work with originally.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
403/418 - is low down, and your score of 4.47 is also telling of the reception of the image. I think it was both the subject matter, but also the way it has been portrayed (not focussed). As mentioned above, I think there is potential, but the model is not able to be directed by you and you take your time capturing an image, so you're left with trying to capture a street candid that requires a faster shutter speed and/or a variation in context/framing/etc.

You received two helpful comments, one of which extremely so.

Summary
Possibly good potential, but you need to be quick in these situations. Portraying your vision in an image is sometimes very difficult to do. Your viewers weren't there and all they see is a 'fresh take' on the 'frozen moment'.

Dorothy the Wizard
by posthumous

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
Didn't get the connection with Oz when I voted this but did see it when I saw this image PC. I gave this a 5 during voting. First impressions, as best I recall were: regarding the title - Dorothy must have been a 'wiz' getting into a tangle with the balloon (yes, I know).

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
Nice composition and good moment capture. The b&w works quite well but there is some depth/drama lacking, in my opinion - just seems a little 'flat'. A more refined crop in a few places, albeit minor, would just 'finish' this off a little nicer.

I didn't 'notice' the ankles until I just read your comments.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
355/418 is lower down the pack than I would have guessed this would place. The image is quite sound in my opinion, perhaps just the subject matter didn't interest people that much, who knows. A score of 5.06 - well at least you made it over the 5 line..

Your one comment in Challenge likes the b&w processing.

Summary
A somewhat amusing capture, converted into an effective b&w image - for me, just a little more crazy processing, but that's just me - would have given it more of an edge, that I think would work well, given the situation.

Chinese Take Out
by JoanieP

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
Ah - I remember this during voting. I wondered how many got the connection of asiatic lily (assuming that is deliberate). I gave this image a 4 during voting.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
I don't mind the concept, but it is a bit 'naff' for me - might work for stock photography, but needs better technicals and a better composition. There is movement issues and while you have done well to get the anthers and stigma in focus, the dof isn't shallow enough to give the added missing element to make this image stand out. It could still work with a deeper dof, but, as is the case even with shallow, the angle and in-situ composition and arrangement needs refining.

The centered composition isn't working - the chopsticks are quite well placed, but the handle on the basket/box is detracting and the way the flower is positioned in the box isn't making it 'the star'. A different angle, perhaps not so 'straight on', would have also allowed some added interest. Lastly, the colors, while similar, are not that complementary and create more of a 'busy' and loud feel in the image.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
358/419 is quite low down the pack, however you made it over 5 with a score of 5.04, which is a small milestone in DPC land. I suspect that the blur/focal issues, lack of presentation and possibly also subject matter, caused the lower votes (including # of (140)) and didn't invite the viewers to stop and linger.

Your one comment you got is very helpful...

Summary
Creative concept that just needs refining. Keep experimenting and practice, practice, practice.

Nightime Over the Ohio
by jpochard

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
Quite a nice night shot, needs a slight perspective correction. I gave this image a 6 during voting.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
With some of the lights starting to blend in together, I wonder whether you could have afforded to have a lower ISO, which would also have given a slightly softer feel. Although having said that, the processing has produced a fairly smooth feel. I don't know if you used a tripod or not, but there does appear to be some slight movement in the image - but that may be accentuated by some focal issues (difficult to judge). Perhaps also a slightly faster shutter speed... only by a few seconds.

Compositionally, because the image is weighted on the right hand side, there seems to be a lack of balance. The top area of the bridge so close to the top of the frame also enhances this, as does your framing. With a perspective correction and more finely tuned crop (difficult to make suggestions with the image as is), I think this would have produced a stronger image. Perhaps a square or even vertical framing might have worked for this shot, not sure.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
176/419 is a fairly good placing and the score of 5.77 is above middle of the road and for a Free Study, you are perhaps quite pleased with that. I guess the technicals and lack of 'drama' may have caused voters to move on fairly quickly from this 'scene'.

Two comments, one admiring the view/perspective and the other liking the capture. One mentions the border, which I tend to agree with - not sure it suits this image, but fairly minor.

Summary
If you get an opportunity to shoot this scene again, try experimenting with different technical settings, using a tripod and also trying to compose the scene in a balanced way - will help make life easier for you in pp.

Love the light at sunset....
by StormyWeathers

Comment:

Originally posted by StormyWeathers: Thank you for taking the time to provide me with some very valuable feedback on my photo of my son.

You're welcome.

Originally posted by StormyWeathers: I am trying to learn as much as possible about this so please let me ask you a few additional questions...

sure

Originally posted by StormyWeathers: 1. The crop comment also didn't seam to work for me either but I think the composition could have been stronger and I only did the best with the background given. That being said I will look for better composition when framing the the shot next time.

Here's the one I started playing with, just fyi (but remember, I wasn't happy with the crop):


With children, my preference is to catch them unaware - their character usually shines through best then. Also, firing off a whole sequence of frames can be beneficial at times (especially when they tune out to the shutter sound).

Originally posted by StormyWeathers: 2. He is very hot in the face and I am wondering what kind of sequence you would use when shooting a shot like this?? I am using a very fast f2 lense and by default usually shoot wide open, especially with my wide angles because DPF isn't really an issue. I see in this case I notice the blur in the face and would correct for this next shot. My question is would you use a spot metering for his face and let the other light levels fall where they may?? What are your thougths?

First and foremost - I'm more of an 'art appreciater', than a technical & 'orthodox' photographer - although I often admire (and aspire to) the technicals. Ask in the forums, there are a lot of excellent portrait photographers here, many of whom specialize in natural lighting.

Having said that, in this situation, spot metering likely isn't a real option - you'd lose the moment. But, if you were wanting to set the scene up and then, eg: 'naturally' allow / direct your child into the frame - then yes, I guess the full set up might be in order. I know a little of spot metering/light metering, but because digital photography does it auto for you these days, the need to learn more, hasn't been there for me - yet (but I'll get there). I can't sufficiently answer your question on light metering, again, ask in the forums - or view some portfolios and ask directly - you might luck out, but you might get some help.

If it was me, and I was intentionally going for light metering, yes, I would on his face, but also being mindful of the reflective surfaces in the surrounds. More than likely (and this is just my current 'style'), I'd be focussed on the DOF and focal points and let the camera do the rest (usually always have it on the Manual setting). Lighting is not something I have ventured far into, I am more interested in composition and 'moment' and unique perspectives, captures and views.

Originally posted by StormyWeathers: PS - I notice that you have a Fujifilm FinePix 2800Z. This is a fairly entry level camera but you have a really good understanding of photography? Do you have other cameras or how did you gain your knowledge of photography?

Some of my favorite images were taken with my little Fuji. Alas it sits quietly on the shelf these days, partly because of intermittent technical issues (age), but mostly because I 'grew to' Nikon & lenses a few years ago. Most of my images these days are taken with a D90. My profile lists my humble list of cameras & lenses. I intentionally keep the Fuji as my default - because in my opinion, whilst the camera (& lens) is important and give a quality and effect not found in a P&S, it is what is 'captured onto the sensor' that is the main thing - I leave the Fuji there primarily for the 'book/cover' clan.

My knowledge of photography, especially the technicals is very limited. My knowledge of what makes a good picture - at least in my mind, is quite fine tuned. I am still and always will be learning. Commenting on 4000+ images and voting on 50,000+ has helped in more ways than one.

Heritage
by DigiFotoBuddy

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
I remember this one during voting. I liked the potential and the scene, I voted this a 6.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
With an exposure of 1/25, I can see how the light would be overexposed in the windows, but you likely had the dilemma of poor lighting within the building. Maybe a deeper dof may have helped there, although having said that, the windows 'bright' do kind of add to the image - but I think it might be more interesting with some color there. Maybe a filter... not sure.

Composition wise: the tilt is unsettling but it looks like there may not have been much to work with to straighten - however perhaps a perspective correction may have been usable. the main dome at the top of the image is unbalanced and there are the tops of the columns poking in at the top of frame. One of those columns is missing and, while that is an interesting element of itself (and I did ponder it during voting), I think it is a detraction rather than an added element of interest, with the way the image is composed as is.

It is a fairly decent capture of the artwork and architecture, but it is seemingly all about the ceiling, but that is 'tilted' from the angle/perspective.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
300/419 is fairly low down the pack, although your score of 5.33 is not bad for a Free Study.

All of your comments are helpful and many provide some good honest feedback.

Summary
Good scene, variation in composition - possibly even with a really bold crop, if the quality was there, likely have produced a more interesting study into the interesting architecture.

Power And Strength
by Covert_Oddity

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
I remember voting on this (gave this a 4). I remember wishing that the fore statue was in focus which I think would have created a stronger image.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
Whilst the blue of the sky is quite nice, I think it causes the statues (and 'theme' of your image) to be less dominant, so I can't help but wonder about a toning applied and whether that would have created more drama in the image.

Perhaps a slightly deeper dof, or at least the fore statue the dominant focus - and perhaps also a slower shutter speed, to get the movement and shape and flow in the water, may have achieved more of what you seem to have been aspiring to (from your comments).

The tilt - yes, it works, it is 'ok', in my opinion, but I don't know that it is enhancing the image so much. I'd imagine that this straight but with an interesting angle, would perhaps be better - but of course, this tilt may be part of what you were aspiring to.

The contrasting overexposed areas of the water with the oof fore on the dark statue, are a little detracting and not working together that well.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
257/419 is fairly mid ground and not bad for a Free Study. Your score of 5.53 is quite good.

Most of your commenters really liked it, but with an average score from them of 6.5, makes me wonder where their scoring was.

Summary
I like the vision and think that a few more attempts at the scene may prove a challenge for you and allow you to 'achieve' what you have in your mind. Having said that, if this is your vision, then good - that's the main thing.

The Sparkling Palm Tree
by phiggins24

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
I got/get the palm tree and gave this image a 6 during voting. Fireworks images are tough and this one is a fairly good capture, but the 'chop' at the top brings it down a few notches from where it needs to be.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
Compositionally, the placement within the frame isn't accentuating the capture, in my opinion. I can see the crop dilemma and indeed any rotate to straighten dilemma. Depends what you had to work with. At the end of the day, this will still be an image of fireworks, so will not hold many peoples attention too much, unless it really captures the 'art' of the display created by fireworks, which I think this one is on the right track to do.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
332/419 is fairly low down the pack, again, I presume because people are not that interested in seeing an image of fireworks, unless it really packs a punch and makes them stop and linger at the 'art' of it. 5.19 is a fairly good score for a Free Study.

Your one commenter also saw your vision.

Summary
I wonder whether a bolder crop and trying to create more of an artwork from the display, may have given this a little extra - alas you'd still be left with the chop dilemma.

forest stream | San Gorgonio Wilderness
by ErikTurner

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
The big log. Nice water, color and scene, but the big log dominates too much. I gave this a 6 during voting.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
On reading your processing, I can't help but wonder if the elements that you have enhanced are perhaps the elements that needed toned down. There does seem to be a touch too much contrast in places.

Composition wise: tough - the image is very busy, so much so that the more interesting elements, such as the stream, the flow and shape of the foliage on the slope and the interesting forest in the rear, all get lost. With the image as is, it is tough to suggest a crop, maybe going for a very bold crop on the right to bring just the stream and 'log' into play, not sure. There's no getting away from the big log and exposed root that dominate the image and compete with all the other elements.

More attention paid when 'in-situ' to angle and composition will make things a lot easier for you when it comes time to process the image and choose a crop and frame.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
Your one comment is helpful and perhaps reflects similar thoughts to what I was saying above.

A score of 5.26 is quite good for a Free Study and a placing of 318/419 is admittedly fairly low down the pack, but as mentioned above, there was probably nothing to hold the voters long enough to be drawn into the image and wander around.

Summary
A nice scene, but needs simplifying or otherwise a different vantage point to capture the feel a little more overall.

Disco Fever!
by aliqui

Comment:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
Ah, look at that. You know I liked this and gave it a 7 during voting. First impressions, as best I recall, were: what is going on here.. where, what, how. Nice movement capture and the lighting really took this image to another level.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
Reading your Photographer's Comments: "Slight rotate (by that I mean I flipped it over) " - funny - so he was upside down, ahh, it all makes a little more sense now.

Composition wise, I think the composition is strong and well placed, I like that you've flipped it and it does kind of go with your unique title. I really like the profile of his/her face and the lighting on it and the way that has caught the eye. The minor distractions in the rear, perhaps cloning out. Maybe, maybe a slight rotate to get the fore bar 'straight', but depends of course if you had the room to work with.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
199/419, tough one - I'm guessing you know this is a slightly 'out there' image, so would likely have never placed too high. It is disappointing, and I'm making a presumption, that most didn't stop to linger and appreciate what they were looking at. Which you certainly don't see often. A score of 5.69 - hm, a little low perhaps, but again, for a semi out of the box kind of image, that is probably pretty good.

Your commenters: all really liked it, hence your 7.42 score on average from them. No 'improvement' feedback - but it is tough with an image like this.

Summary
It's unique - I wonder about a print of this on a wall - but he/she would then need a name. That's just my warped mind. And what is he looking at... (don't answer, that's part of the interest in the image).