The House Special
by juliaperson

Comment:
I like the ring reflections on the wall. It might be a good idea to explore those reflections further (get in closer, remove distracting elements, work on greater contrast). I wonder, do they (the reflections) show up with colours if you don't convert to b/w? Colourful ring reflections could make a neat picture. I'm thinking of a slightly higher up shot, just part of the bottles, lots of reflections, cropped to a square, white mat. Who knows. Might work, then again, maybe not. Something to try :)

The Highlighted Area
by inspzil

Comment:
Good entry! One of my favourites. One tiny nitpick: the small reddish shadow to the top right, it would be great if it weren't there.

Working Clowns
by eweb

Comment:
I like this picture! Like my daughter sais, "The eyes look freaky!". As a photo, I think if you could have gotten rid of the window to the top left (all black background) it would be better (maybe not, who knows). ~8

Pinnacle
by greenem2

Comment:
FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Hello, Matt,

I agree with the commenters below: I like this photo, it's elegant, and the colours are beautiful. I also like the mat/frame, it sets off the photo quite well. In spite of the large amount of blue and grey, the photo has a real warm tone - that is very interesting. The chimney's shadow is beautiful.

There really is little (or nothing) I can think of to improve this picture. It's quite finished the way it is.

As far as the challenge, it meets the theme. The main issue I see with the picture is that even though it might say "Home Sweet Home" to you, that probably is not the first thought that comes to the mind of other viewers. Also, even though it is a good, clean shot, it doesn't really tell a story or invite the viewer to stay and come back to look at it again. But it is a good photo :)

Anyway. I like your work, especially your b/w pictures. Take care,

Ursula (uabresch)
Complaints, comments, questions ... please contact me.

Tiny Heart Beats
by lmhr

Comment:
Luis, felicidades. La foto esta bellísima. Cuándo va a nacer la nenita?

Logitech Abstract
by JPR

Comment:
Lovely border!

Recuerdos de la Alhambra
by jmsetzler

Comment:
John, I love this picture, it's beautiful. I was sure it would win (just because I like it, eh?).

Bucko
by RLS

Comment:
FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Hi, Bob,

"Bucko" is a very good entry into the Duotones challenge. It's one of the better duotoes, and your score reflects that. I think that there are two things that went agains you here: one, the border; two, there were a lot of good entries to the challenge.

About the picture itself: lighting, DOF, colour, all that is very good, as is the crop. The horse itself is a good looking horse. I love the grass in front and behind the horse's head, how it is so clear right around it, light with dark tips, and fades into a blur into the distance - to me the grass is the most beautiful part of the picture. I like the blurred background - works really well here.

The composition is excellent. Probably the most controversial aspect of your entry is the border. It goes well with the colours of the picture, but it attracts too much attention (thus the negative/positive reactions to it). IMO, a border should simply enhance the picture, but not attract so much attention that people focus more on it than on the picture itself.

Oh well. Congratulations on an excellent photo, very good finish, and ... keep up the good work!

Ursula (uabresch)
Complaints, comments, questions ... feel free to contact me.

Where the Earth boils ...
by FranziskaLang

Comment:
Very, very beautiful. My favourite in this challenge. ~10
Question - is this Iceland or Yellowstone?

my home my wall my kids my photos
by jbruno1397

Comment:
So was I!