Wild Flowers
by rcrawford

Comment:
I think the contrast between the blue and yellow is extrememly effective here. I alo like how the first few flowers are very sharp, adn there are spots of yellow in the background.

3-D Botany
by dsidwell

Comment:
Oh duh, now that I am looking at this on a better monitor, I see how it was done. Neat trick.

Pizza Pi
by ladpupmoe

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

You have met the challenge in a creative and humorous (and probably tasty) way. Though your subject is a good choice, there are some points in the execution of it that hurts the overall effectiveness, I believe. The straight down angle (or close to it) gives the shot a static look. The eyes rest on the center of the pizza, and then have no where else to go. Also, there is some glare on the pan, indicating that the lights were a little strong. I think playing around with the angle of shooting here would have added some interest. Perhaps a low angle, shooting across the top of the pizza. And I know it is picky, but the pepperonis would have been a more effective pi if they were "neater" or more symmetrical.

Best to you in future challenges.

karmat

Limited Edition (Renewed rivalry)
by zerocusa

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
I really like the way you have positioned the cans. It adds interest to the shot, as well as balance. Nice sized crop as well.

TECHNIQUE
Great focus. The cans are very clear, and the details on them are outstanding. This was a neat effect with the colors, adn definitely made me do a take a second look. I do think a smooth background would have been less distracting, though the white was an excellent choice. If you could have somehow prevented the "reflection" of color on the cloth, which probably became more noticeable after post-processing, I think it would have been even more effective. The light spots are a bit distracting, as they make the cans look "hot" in some spots. If you do not have lights with a diffuser, sometimes a thin piece of paper (tissue, papertowel, etc.) can work, or perhaps moving the lights further back.

OVERALL EFFECT
A great idea, executed nicely. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Best to you in future challenges.
karmat

Carnations
by PHOTOCHlX

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
The triangular arrangement of these flowers helps to add strength and stability to this composition. I think a broader or larger crop would have helped in that you could have then placed the flowers somewhere in the frame than just barely off of center. That may have helped to give a more dynamic, balanced feeling to the shot.

TECHNIQUE
The colors in this are wonderful. I love the deep hues of the purplish-pink flowers. I also think the green is a deep, rich color. I am undecided on the background color. Part of me likes it because it is different, and provides an interesting contrast with the leaves and color. The other part thinks it might cause just a bit too much "clash" with the purple hues. Also, the shadows are very distracting. I think a slower shutter speed, with the camera on a tripod, may have helped you . Or, perhaps you could have moved the subject away from the background.

OVERALL EFFECT
I think you have chosen a good subject for this challenge, but the areas mentioned above help chisel the effectiveness away from the shot.

Best to you in future challenges.

"Sunset Blvd."
by KIKI

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

This shot, though not a portrait, obviously, is a great example of catching a "slice of life" so to speak. It is a picture that speaks volumes. It meets the challenge, and is very interesting besides. I like the expression on the boys' faces. It is like they are saying, "Whoa, what is that?" And the fellow in the middle provides such a neat contrast -- he is older, of a different ethnic/racial origin, and looks more traditional in a way. His shirt is also a nice touch as it is what drew me into the picture.

My only suggestions would have been a sharper focus. I don't know what your settings were, so if the lighting would have allowed it, a faster shutter speed may have help prevent some of the softness. Also, the background is a little busy, but it fits with the tone of the picture, I think.

Nice work, and best to you in future challenges.

Storm Closing In
by arnit

Comment:
The foreground is a bit dark, I think, but I also think it adds to the drama of this shot. Very interesting

Flowers In The Rain
by pinback

Comment:
I lvoe the effect of the rain. Great work

Cumulus Congestus in San Francisco Bay
by Pep Ventosa

Comment:
I think a little more of the bridge would be effective as I almost missed it the first time. I like the clouds, though. Very dramatic

Alone In The Snow
by Mona

Comment:
Nice composition, and I like the blue against the white