Suburban Reflection
by greenem2

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
You have definitely met the challenge. I think that it is effective how the lines start on the upper and lower left and proceed down and through the frames. It really gives the eyes a nice path to follow.

TECHNIQUE
The picture seems to be a bit hazy to me. Not from lack of focus or anything, just not real clear and distinct. Perhaps it was the time of day that you were shooting?? Also, I think the overexposed parts in at the end of the reflection are a little distracting. Could you have shot from the other end, or at another time of day?

OVERALL EFFECT
You have definitely achieved a symmetrical shot, and one that is very interesting. I found myself looking at both halves to see which was "real" and which was the reflection. Good work.

best to you in future challenges.
karmat

Crackle Glass
by WILDBLUE

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
You have filled the frame with the subject nicely. Also, I like the diagonal movement provided -- it is much more effective than a simple horizontal or vertical framing. Maybe just a touch more space at the top, or a tighter crop at the bottom would give it a more balanced feeling.

TECHNIQUE
Great focus and colors. I like that the cracks are so visible. Also the colored shadow is a great touch. I think that if there was even more of that, it would particularly effective.

OVERALL EFFECT
This is a great abstract. It is "out there" enough to gain the viewers interest and keep it, but not so wild that it totally confounds. The colors are very warm and inviting. I think this would look good on the wall of a modern apartment or townhouse, etc.

best to you in future challenges. karmat

Old Habana Edificio (Building)
by azzemoto

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
I really like the "streetcorner" look of this shot. I think it fills the frame up nicely for the most part, though there doesn't seem to be any one thing to focus on. Instead, the focus for many would probably be wondering how you got it to look so "faded." Perhaps a slightly tighter crop on the sides and top would help to define the picture more.

TECHNIQUE
I found the faded look very interesting, and even more so after seeing that it was a "natural" effect and not achieved in photoshop (or equivalent). Unfortunatly, it does leave the impression of being out of focus, which historically, doesn't do well here. I think the suggestions of sepia may be right on. It would give a more "authentic" look to your shot.

OVERALL EFFECT
I think the "time" element is there, it is just obscure. The picture does look like you are looking backwards in time, but that is probably a further stretch than some viewers wanted to go. Overall, a nice picture, and best to you in future challenges.

Reflections on Time
by Budweezer

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
The composition of this is really strong. You have filled the frame with the main object, and your subject is easily identifiable.

TECHNIQUE
The colors here are wonderful. The orange of the desert scene really complements the brassy/gold of the clock hands. Also, I like that the hands of the clock are so well focused. It gives the eyes something distinguishable to "rest" on. Choosing a desert scene, such as you have, works well because the reflection does not have to be in focus to be identifiable. Being slightly "soft" adds to the overall warmth, I think. My only suggestion would be to reposition the hands. I think the "short" hand needs to be more around the 11 or 12 (a normal 3 o'clock position, but I see your clock is on its side), and the "long" hand around the 6.

OVERALL EFFECT
I did notice the tiled in the background in voting, but it wasn't too distracting. If you wanted to eliminate it, possible laying a similarly colored towel or cloth down may have helped to "disguise" it. Otherwise, it adds some "surrealness" to the shot, and makes the viewer stop and look a little more.


Good work and best wishes in future challenges.

karmat

Say Cheese!
by Sonifo

Comment:
Way to go Sonifo!!!!! Great flash effect!!

The Season
by JMS

Comment:
Great focus and colors!

Spooky
by joebar

Comment:
Great work, and wonderful in black and white.

Melbourne Skyline
by Gordon

Comment:
Beautiful colors -- very rich.

Flame On!
by joebar

Comment:
I would not change a thing. Great capture. Wonderful shot!

Gin and Tonic
by pinback

Comment:
Awesome colors and focus. Did you try flipping it so the lemons were on top and the ice on the bottom?