Soft Bride
by idnic

Comment:
OK, Cindi...I'm expecting that whipped cream and cherries now...I gave this an 8 ;) good photo

Self - cognizant
by snowleopard10101

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

Congrats on a great shot. I really like this one. I think it was one of the most innovative in the challenge.

I don't think there's much that I can say that hasn't already been said.

I agree that something other than the carpet should have been used, but the soft texture of it does add to the hardness of the doorknob.

Also, having something behind the camera would have helped immensely. The other commenters mentioned a black or white background. I'd suggest a medium blue to contrast the silver. And also, as you mentioned, the scars on the doorknob aren't the best idea, but I don't think they distract too much.

If you'd like, PM me about this critique. Also, please be sure to mark that it was helpful, if, in fact, it is.

--Mike

What a sight !!
by phayanak

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

I guess I don't really see this as being stupid. I'm sure if I was there, I'd think it was.

To make this photo better, I would like to see the subjects looking toward the camera instead of off to the right like they are.

Also, I find the people in the background to be a bit distracting. This has a big snapshot feel to it.

The colors are pretty good, but I'd like to see the whites be really white.

Hope this helps you in some way.

--Mike

The Dreaded 3-Way Mirror
by andrea22_als

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

This is a very well done shot. I would say that I would have cropped it just a little differently to get the whole camera in the scene on the right hand side.

Also, there is quite a bit of glare on the lens on the right hand side.

The sheet used for a backdrop is too wrinkled and doesn't cover the entire BG. Also, it shows where the harsher lighting is coming from, so there is an unevenness about the lighting.

Otherwise, I like the shot and think it was quite well done.

--Mike

nikon at work
by ananddp

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

This is a very interesting photograph. I like the B&W conversion, it works very well. Also, this is completely out of the box and works well. From the perspective, it seems almost like Chaplin is holding the camera.

My only complaint is that the bulb is very, very white and draws most of the attention.

Once again, love the shot.

Keep shooting.

--Mike

The XT Illusion
by drewyramone

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

I like the intent of this shot. It's different, but has appeal. I agree that it is quite grainy. Perhaps if you shot this at a lower ISO.

Also, this is a very dark photo. I think if it were lightened up a bit so we could see more of the camera, it would have done better.

Overall, I'd have to say that this is a very creative shot, but could have been processed/shot a bit better.

--Mike

Peas in the Middle East
by Rebecca

Comment:
Greets from the Critiqe Club

I like the message you are portraying in this photo. And I think it's one of the best "Peas on earth" photos in the challenge as far as setup goes.

I'm going to have to agree that a different perspective would have brought the peace sign out. And geographically, if you would have moved it to the right some, to cover Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan instead of parts of Europe, it would fit the title more.

The background is a little too much texturized. I like the blue, but a lighter shade might have worked better. Also, there is still a major glare on the left hand side of the peas and the shadow is a bit harsh around them as well. Perhaps a soft light from the front would have worked better.

I do think this was an underrated photo in the challenge.

--Mike

Black Eyed Peas
by mssnare

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

I don't know exactly what to say about this. It's a good play of words on the Black Eyed Peas and I like how you portrayed it.

As was mentioned, the lighting isn't the best. If you would have lit this from overhead, it might have been more even. As it is, the top left is lit well and the rest of it is kind of dark and flat.

Also, the face is a bit distorted. Yes, it's a comical face and not an exact depiction, but I feel it's missing just a little something. Another kind of nitpicky thing, the shriveled peas don't really mix well with the round ones. I'd go with either one or the other, or have them separate for different parts, but not mixed together like they are.

Also, the color is a bit flat and it doesn't quite pop out at you.

Hope this helps.

--Mike

Delays possible, fire appliance in attendance
by julesski

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

First off, I have to say that this is a very creative photo. I like the effort put forth into doing it.

I agree that the hand drawn road would have looked better on black with yellow lines. And that the tight focus on the accident "victims" is very good.

However, I believe this would have scored better if more of it were in focus, especially the pepper. The red pepper should stand out more (I figure that's why you put it in there). Also, the shadows tend to take just a little away from this shot. I would have bounced the light more off of both sides of the light box to try to soften the shadows.

The colors seem to be just right, so you did a good job of making them true.

I'm also thinking about how well this would have stood out without the title. People might have just thought this was some peas, broken up, add a pepper, and toss them onto a sheet of paper with dashed lines.

Overall, very creative and humorous.

Keep shooting and making folks think and laugh.

--Mike

mmmm.....PEAS!
by AppleFunk

Comment:
Greets from the Critique Club

I didn't vote in this challenge, because basically, it didn't interest me. However, to critique isn't just on my interest.

Your photo has potential to be a very good one. As you mentioned there is a lot of graininess. Yes, shooting at 3200 ISO is probably the cause. Drop it to 100 or 200 for still shots. Also, in the post processing phase, you could use NeatImage or another program to get rid of the noise. Also a good Unsharp mask wouldn't hurt either.

The borders make this look like a polaroid. And that just isn't appealing.

The photo is also very flat. The colors seem to run together. If you used curves, this would really pop and the greens would really show and separate.

The composition of this is really good and I just love the idea. You have a good eye as to what can capture interest. You just need a bit more to make the images pop and capture the attention and imagination of others.

Hope this helps.

--Mike