At the freezing point
by quiet_observation

Comment:
Wonderful picture Mary, I didn't get the chance to vote in the challenge, too bad because it is very good and I am surprised it didn't do better. What makes it work I think is the textures in the ice, where you managed to cut off the trees (was that planned?), and the line you created between the two surfaces. Amazing job.

On a side note: you probably need more contrast to give it more "pop" for the DPC voters, but I think that would have taken away from the mood. I love it the way it is.

A Man
by bucket

Comment:
This is one of those refreshing portraits. Simple, not typical, well exposed. It is a vote stopper, and as such highly rated.

Hello Yellow
by Artan

Comment:
I'm not a selective saturation kind of person, but it works here. I really like the simplicity of the picture, with the slight mess on the wall. Everything is wonderful, including the light and lines. Wonderful balance to the photo and good use of the frame. Highly rated.

Unmade
by quiet_observation

Comment:
I'm not sure what the black strap is... I think a piece of lingerie or something similar might have appealed to me more as I don't get the context. However, it is still a wonderful picture. Love the textures here with the use of different types of blankets. The lines you created in the folds of the blankets are superb. The wonderful soft light coming adds a nice touch, makes me want to jump in and take a nap.

well balanced chair
by Simpa

Comment:
What I really like about the picture is not so much the action, which is pretty funny, but actually the shadows on the wall. Generally flash/light shadows are a bad thing, but I think it really give a lot of interest to the photo. The only shadow I don't like is the one on in the bottom left corner.

If you could have fixed the White balance on this photo (make the whites really white) and have a bit more contrast you would have a stunner. Still above average rating.

The Hand In The Piano
by Crafty

Comment:
Not sure about this one, Judi (?). I'm not a fan of back shots, light seems a little harsh, not sure about the crop/frame. I like the idea though and the colors really pop. Just not the execution on this one.

Untitled
by bmartuch

Comment:
I love the processing on this one. It has a really nice mood to the photo. Technically it is well done. The composition is a little one dimensional though, what I mean is everything is more or less on the same plane. Maybe getting close to those reeds on the right and using a wider angle to keep the same perspective? Dunno, I really like the photo though (especially that barn). Should have scored much higher at any rate. I don't know how people can vote 2's in a Free Study, it's not like a DNMC...

Be Prepared
by bmartuch

Comment:
Wonderful low key shot. You managed to retain tons of detail. I really like the lighting technique involved here. Not sure why it didn't do better, maybe still life isn't in right now on DPC? Good capture.

COBOL
by bmartuch

Comment:
This is a strange one. Stuff like this is always hard. I love the idea though, just when it comes to photography it is a bit strange. I think it just needs some context. Technically it is terrific.

reflection of the palms
by bryantbus

Comment:
Well, I gave you a 6. I think it is a pretty strong image overall. A couple of things I would change, time of day would be the most significant. I think the lighting is a bit too harsh, but beyond that there is something that gives a simple simplicity to the shot that works well with the entire frame.