The Barber of Wards Corner
by irishempress

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge (I consider hands in this trade a 'tool', thus I see 2 toolS). This photograph has the potential of being very unique. Criticism; I would like to have seen you really 'capture' that 'flying hair' (though I am sure it would be difficult if not impossible, camera dependent). I think a tighter crop at the bottom and perhaps even a touch on the right, primarily to 'erase' the dark mark on the man's ear. That does add some to the character, but in my opinion this would be a 'cleaner' photograph without it. I like how you captured the barber but I think too much of his fingers are in the frame, perhaps even blurring the background more may make the clippers and 'customer' more prevalent. Original.

Hard Metal.....Soft Heart
by hdogg4u

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. Well captured use of tools. Good character here. Black and white works well, perhaps sepia may have had more 'effect', not sure. Criticism; a tighter crop, or just losing that background left 'something'. A different angle (though I know you would sacrifice the 'character') but incorporating/emphasizing the tools (including his hands - especially at rear) would make this a better photograph in my opinion. Original and a good capture of a true skilled trade(sman).

Blacksmith Shop
by ace flyman

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. I like this shot and think it captures the character and feel of a blacksmith's shop well. Criticism; I would like to see richer colors (the fire, the red brick, the black etc). I would like to see more definition on the metal tools. I just noticed the reflection/sparkle on the water in the barrel far left - 'if only' you could have incorporated that more as that is good, but I am sure that would be difficult. It made me think about the water (which could also be classed as a tool in this trade) and for me, adds more character to this shot. Very original. Good capture of a now rare trade. Challenge well met.

Sticks that make paintings--my tools
by VanGogh

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge. I like the concept of this shot. Criticism; for me, it is too 'raw'. More detail paid to aspects such as the backdrop(?) far right (including the color and ironing creases), the 'cloth' left fore, placement of the painting, etc. A sharper angle and a key point of focus (perhaps on the brushes?) and a different choice of fabrics would make this a better photograph for me.

ready for sucks
by bamihoo

Comment:
6 - Met the Challenge - just. I perceive this as A tool of the trade, but the jury is out on the display clothing, as they could be a tool too. Criticism; should have utilized the title to emphasize what you are trying to convey here as the 'tools' - dummies (not that I think titles need to explain a photograph necessarily, I just think you 'wasted' yours). Angle could be better and the colors richer and a different crop, would all make this a better photograph in my opinion.

A Dental Drill And Bit
by GolferDDS

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge. I like the capture of the spray coupled with the light. Criticism; I would like to see said capture in more detail. I do not know if you have adjusted the color of the little light , but if you have, in my opinion I think a different color would have worked better to highlight the metal, perhaps blue. I would like to see a sharper focus on the drill?, and as I said more detail on the spray. The background is bland, and in my opinion needs 'something' to lift the subject up, but you may not have had any choice there. Original.

The Poet
by rlpenman1

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge. The jury is still out on the 'viability' of this 'trade' however for now it is a 'pass'. Good attention to detail save for one thing (and I may be mistaken) but the last word written would be 'mood' and thus the pen there. Criticism; given that, and for other reasons, in my opinion this would be a better photograph if the angle were a lot sharper, from the page 'up'. A crisper focus on the pen/calligraphy would be better for me.

Fishing
by aeli2468

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. I like the feel of this shot and the colors. Criticism; In my opinion, it is perhaps a little too dark - especially at the top. I would like to see a finer focus on the hook(s - almost missed the other one) and perhaps a tighter crop (bottom). Nice and simple though.

"Clowning Around"
by tmorninglory96

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. This is a busy photograph but has a lot of character and the colors are bold and apt. Criticism; Perhaps a little less 'clutter', maybe more of a focus on the clown, yet still incorporating some more of the 'tools'. The dog is a good character 'edge' and the angle and pose of it I like. The flowers also add to the character. I think a differet crop, slightly sharper angle (closer to the mirror) - not sure. I have to assume this is fairly 'candid' but if it is not, then more attention to the arrangement of the 'tools' would have made this a better photograph in my opinion. Original.

360
by dw_photo

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. I like this shot it is very clean and captures the 'feel' of the compass well. The colors are simple and there is no clashing and given the subject I do not think anything bolder is required as it would make the silver 'metal' of the compass 'fade'. Criticism; I would like to see even more sharpness on the compass, more emphasis somehow on it. Maybe a tighter crop taking out more of the top, but I realise you would then lose the rule there. Maybe turning that upside down to have the numbers and lines, as that would still fit in with the style/angles of the others. Perhaps more play on the shadow, not sure.