eau de toilette
by grigrigirl

Comment:
A technically accomplished photo with a successfully dynamic composition.

Given the balance of light and dark achieved in this image, the expected contrast is softened wonderfully by an incredible tonal range. I think it could also be considered aesthetically interesting, because of the apparently deliberate association of subjects. The contrast between the feminine form and the stark sterility of the room is boldy emphasized by the artificiality of the models pose and position.

It is the association of feminine form with a toilet, which I consider unfortunate. The title itself lends itself to an interpretation which closely ties the French meaning with an English one. This faux-pas, IMO, could have been avoided by a greater distance between the subject and the focal plane, which, in effect, would have made the bathroom the primary subject.

The title (which, by the way, is rightly rendered in unobtrusive lower case for a minimal and generic reading) could then suggest an absence of scents without the expressed connotations present in this presentation.

Blue And White
by zeuszen

Comment:
It's straightforward: Neg Art (in camera), light or no crop (I don't remember), no excessive sharpening (I swear! ;-).

The final effect is, IMO, a result of what was there at the time (I isolated this cloud, because it struck me as unusual) and the NEG mode. The image marked the beginning of a series of cloud/sky shots taken on the same day and in the same manner.

As anyone can see from my portfolio, I have little interest or affection for what we call 'digital art' or extensive processing that alters the natural image. On the other hand, there are some subjects which, at times, strike me as 'dramatic' when viewed with the naked eye but less so when banned by the camera. It is then that I've been known to 'fumble' a little with whatever I can think of to get something that can at least match my interest.

I realize that the colours and hues in this shot are less natural than they appear 'artificial' due to the chosen mode, but I accept this (here), since it is so obviously a negative. When this is not or less the case, I'd prefer to convert to grayscale.

Cross into the blue
by Jason

Comment:
It makes good sense to post this info, Jason. Like you, I'm hoping that some of those who voted negatively on topicality (53 votes, 4 to 1!), will draw something from this thread.

It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
by heida

Comment:
The -darkness- of this image is tenuously complimented by a quietly interpretive title. The intimacy communicated by this juxtaposition as well as the close perspective appear to attract the viewer to a very private realm.

The only area of interest, to me, is the grassy foreground and everything to the left of the church. While the church with its rudimentary, barn-like construction is not without interest, I feel, that the drama addressed with this capture would have been more purely and effectively presented without its presence in such proximity.

Particularly striking is the indeterminability of a specific visual point of interest. The subject, instead, is all-encompassing. The ambiguous evidence of 'something unfinished' (just beyond the grass, to both the left and right of the mourner) is especially convincing, since it suggests either 'things left undone' or a freshly dug grave.

To me, this is a powerful and moving photograph with a considerable 'human' range - and one not needing much (editing) to rank among the greats.

Message edited by author 2003-11-24 00:12:37.

Autumn in the Park
by TerryGee

Comment:
Magic.

And I agree with Jon on 'taste' and editing, a rarity in this environment. A subtle beauty.

Tighten Your Belt
by sher

Comment:
Straightforward macro (?) of a very straightforward interpretation of the challenge topic, immaculately rendered, especially with regards to light and emphasis (via texture and composition). The near-central position of the belt seems entirely sensible to me, given subject and title.

Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow
by amsmyth

Comment:
Straightforward macro revealing sufficient clear detail to sustain a longer interest than one required to view most competing entries. :-)

Even though the lighting appears lighter than necessary to do the job, and the depth of field is large enough to deliver good focus throughout, I feel, the image could have benefitted from a selective emphasis.

Despite this and, perhaps, because of the apparent honesty of manner, the photo remains one of my chosen top three for the challenge.

Handbag
by Shelley

Comment:
For a challenge, which did not seem to inspire much that I'd consider 'remarkable', this image stands out as a straightforward literal interpretation, convincingly rendered. The strong side light together with the b and w mode adds a near-surreal impression to what could have easily been a duller take. While the inclusion of the two straps in the foreground appear to be redundant and, to my senses, the image is too tightly cropped at the top, the photo, as a whole, retains its integrity as an artistically interesting capture with very good technical merits.

Your Mileage May Vary
by ellamay

Comment:
One of few entries in this challenge which consider an aesthetic measure of a photo above a 'clever interpretation of trivial matters'. The title, nevertheless, proves that a challenge can be met and met well on more than one front.

Good, natural rendering and apt composition of an interesting subject. If the pelican's beak were a little crisper, the image could be breath-taking. The evenly dark sky (?) is ominous and complimentary.

To spike a drink
by kosmikkreeper

Comment:
While this technically accomplished photo may provide considerable delight for those with a particular interest, both the emotional appeal and sensory range may be considered too limited for the generalist. The central composition, IMHO, contributes staticity.