a pair
by skewsme

Comment:
This is a beautiful eye, and I really like the PP. I like the way the outline of the eye and the lashes look sketched. I guess it is a little too artistic for this crowd. And I bet some of the people didn't see it as fitting the challenge, although I see a double fit -- half a pair and half an iris.

Old Beauty
by Bruce_the_Robert

Comment:
This is interesting, and the reflection has some pretty colors. I think a strong color background would beef this up.

Half Alive
by colorcarnival

Comment:
Michelle, I really like everything about this image: the composition, the light, the focus, the subtle complementary background, and the colors. This is the sort of picture I could hang on my wall and never never get tired of seeing.

Tu Autem
by xianart

Comment:
Was it a May/September wedding? This would be especially appropriate for that.

I love shadows, and this if fabulous with the little splash of red and green.

Half a Hummer
by Melethia

Comment:
I really like the gritty low-color effect of this shot. It gives me a feel of what life must be like in that hot place. I can almost see the heat rising in the background. I also like the sharp focus and the rhythms of the tire, the grille, and the lights ... three separate rhythms playing together. I like the contrast in the long shadows on the ground too.

P.S. I just noticed the spring adding yet another rhythm to this composition.

Message edited by author 2007-10-10 21:46:25.

Portrait of a Lady
by BAMartin

Comment:
This probably would have scored better in the Soft Focus challenge, but I think the composition is excellent for Half. Most of the Half shots looked chopped in half, but this looks complete. I love the colors and the curves, but I must admit, I would really like to see at least one element (preferable the closest tassels) in clear focus.

Be & Flow
by posthumous

Comment:
I think this truly deserved a higher score. The detail in the bee is excellent, and I love the blue against the yellow background. The focus is lovely with the hint of a flower and the sharp yet very soft fur of the bee. I like your half title too.

Half the Story
by raish

Comment:
Very interesting OOB entry. You definitely met the challenge, IMO, and did it in a totally unique way. It demands more attention than the 2 seconds many people allow for each vote.

Mother's Curves
by LeeD

Comment:
This is very beautiful. The high score and blue ribbon are well deserved. Congratulations.

Elphin
by noraneko

Comment:
This shot has so much potential. The focus and exposure are great. I love the nice relaxed expression you captured. I like the crop too. I hope you won't mind my sharing a few ideas of what I would like to do with it.

In an extreme close up of a girl this age, I would do a significant amount of retouching. I find the darkness and texture around the nose, and the specks on the lips distracting. I would use the healing brush to clear up any blemishes, and a very slight surface blur to smooth any roughness in the skin. I would also remove the hair covering her eyebrow. The eye is a beautiful feature, and I think it could be enhanced by slightly burning the edge of the eyelashes like eyeliner. The white of the eye almost looks painted. I might use the healing brush to remove the worst of the red lines, but I'd leave enough detail to keep it real.

I don't know if these "enhancements" would make it a better photo, but I think the girl would enjoy it more.