Cafe Du Monde - A New Orleans tradition
by SEG

Comment:
I just noticed this thread and beings I started a HDR Photo Side Challenge I would like to comment. I never got to vote on this image but if I had, I would have scored it a 6 based on the clarity of the elements and the precision involved. It has nice opposing lines and strong color. There is nothing wrong with this image so the score must have been a result of personal taste. It appears somebody gave it a 1 and somebody a 10 but most scored it 5.
You did an excellent job and it should have scored higher. As for the halos around the chimneys, I barely see them on my new laptop screen and I'm ruinning Vista so I can see most imperfections. I don't think that should have been a problem. I really think it was more esthetics and POV (point of view) than anything else. I think had you perhaps taken another view and played up the florals more it might have attracted more people. I, for one, would like to see more of the wonderful flower baskets and planters that seem to have gotten lost at the bottom of the image, that's just me but I wouldn't be surprised if others felt the same way.
Next time, try your potential entry out in a side challenge first and see what people have to say about it. It's a great borometer for predicting how an image will score.

courtz5_4_3_2_1_tonemapped.jpg
by dougi555

Comment:
The clarity and colors in this are excellent! Very well done!!

Caretaker House
by dswann

Comment:
The blue sky definitely adds something to this!!

Fuchsias-2.jpg
by jomari

Comment:
Great clarity on the droplet! Very nice!!

Fractalius Rose
by GregoryB

Comment:
Wow, this came out great! I love it!!

Flower and Web
by Paul

Comment:
It appears to have a subtle tonage which adds to the softness of the flower. Very nice!!

Descending Aliens
by yakatme

Comment:
Interesting technique! I think it worked extremely well for this, the detail is impeccable. Very good job!!

Venus, Fire
by pixelpig

Comment:
Great DOF and clarity! Very nice!

African Daisy
by stargazer05766

Comment:
Excellent! Love the colors!

May 08 - Bug on white
by hajeka

Comment:
Excellent detail and highlighting!! That little spec of pollen on his wing is so cute!