The things that define us
by DogAngel

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club Guðbjörg!

Composition:

I like the position of the 'model' in the frame and your choice of location is intriguing. I would agree with some of your commenters that the cross needs to be more defined, as it is now it blends in with the trees too much and isn't as noticable as it could be. It also looks to me as if the 'model' is wearing pyjamas (bed clothes?) which seems out of place and is confusing me a little. The railings on the very edge of the right handside of the frame are a little distracting too.

Technicals:

I think B&W suits the subject and adds to the mood of the image. I am no photoshop expert so can not offer serious technical advice all I would suggest is as above, if its possible to use photoshop to bring out the cross a little more from the background this would really help.

My Personal thoughts:

This image has so much potential, it is already a powerful shot but I feel isolating the 'model' and cross a little would add even more strength and emotion to the overall image.

I would love to know your thinking behind this shot and its title if you get time to explain I would really appreciate it :o)

If you've got any questions about this critique, please feel free to contact me via the PM system.

- Natalya :o)

Free and hiding
by Bolti

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club Hjalti!

Firstly, congratulations on your 14th place finish! :o)

Composition:

I really like your choice of a more square crop to this shot, the models position in the frame is excellent and you have a good use of negative space above her. I would agree with one of your commenters, I am not sure that the ribbons help this shot, but then other commenters have said they like them. I suppose its personal taste, but to me the ribbons say 'party' yet the title tells me something different. Maybe I am not really getting the 'essence' of the person?

Technicals:

The high key effect works extremely well with the models tones and the minimalist look you have going on in your overall image. I think your lighting is excellent and there is some good detail in the models skin.

Overall an excellent image and great finish, well done :o)

If you've got any questions about this critique, please feel free to contact me via the PM system.

- Natalya :o)

welcome
by boysetsfire

Comment:
I think you could be right Crystal, on looking at this image again I feel if the interest was mainly on the light areas (cropping the dark left side out) then the trash cans wouldnt actually look out of place...definitely an interesting area and somwhere you could find lots of interesting subjects!

norseman customer
by jdannels

Comment:
Great use of DOF and again your subject is so sharp! A few things distract me in this image though, firstly the napkin in the lower right hand corner of the shot. Secondly, there is a slight lean which because you can see the edge of the table its quite noticable and thirdly the lines of light on the persons back detract away from the main subjects very interesting face (IMHO) :o)

Stephanie and Steve
by jdannels

Comment:
Another lovely sharp image with editing that suits the subject well. I also like your use of DOF and on reading your description its even better knowing this is teacher looking on at pupil. Great stuff :o)

mahon
by jdannels

Comment:
Great 'action' shot. I like your editing here, the image is nice and sharp and you have managed to isolate the subject from what is a fairly busy background. Nice one :o)

welcome
by boysetsfire

Comment:
Lovely light on the graffiti. I would have taken at least a couple of steps forward here so that the foreground was not all shadow and you lost the uninteresting bins (trash cans?) on the right handside. I think the doorway with the graffiti surrounding it makes a fantastic subject on its own and I'd like to see it a little closer up :o) Is this a place you can revisit?

bleeding beauty
by boysetsfire

Comment:
WOW! what a cool image! Great background you have found here, your editing is really nice and the movement of lady walking past helps add a sense of the old and the new to this shot. Only thing I am not too sure about is if you could have got more straight on with the background, you appear to be at a very slight angle and although not really off putting it is slightly noticable. Where abouts is this? :o)

MWS sketch.jpg
by jpochard

Comment:
Great composition and your editing really works well with the subject. The only thing I find slightly distracting is the white (light?) on the left by the guys neck, for me its just a little too bright and draws attention away from the subject. Again, cool editing though :o)

Skyline Silhouette web.jpg
by jpochard

Comment:
Definitely agree with your commenters suggestion, a little less water makes this image that much better. I like the colours in the sky and water. I am a little distracted by the 'stadium' on the left handside of the frame, just by cropping half of it out I find the silhouette is more pleasing to the eye (just my humble opinion) :o)