Frozen River
by Refracted

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
I think the strongest part of this composition is the different "layers" of the picture that are so distinct. In the foreground is the snow, then the river then the sky. Also, because they are not straight horizontal or vertical, it gives a sense of "motion" the picture. My only wish is wanting to actually see the bend of the river. I think it would have been an exceptionally strong picture with a horizontal crop/framing that showed the "elbow" that is just out of the frame in this shot. Of course, I don't know what may have been there, etc. but the current framing leaves me trying to lean to the left and right and see more, kind of like looking out of a small window.

TECHNIQUE
The focus and lighting are right on. Exposure is good. You have captured good detail without causing dark spots with no detail, or blowing out the bright parts. I also like the gradiant-like blue sky. It looks natural, and not overly blue.

OVERALL EFFECT
I think that though the portrait perspective adds some interest to this shot, it also leaves the viewer feeling a bit edgy or left out of something. Of course, if this is response you were after, then you did it well. It is an awesome shot, and though you say there is not much interesting there, I think this river was an exellent choice for the challenge. Good work, and I look forward to see more of your stuff.

DUH!
by Mustbelost

Comment:
You reckon???? Good use of depth of field -- the sign is sharp and is accentuated by the background being just slightly blurry. The road entering at the bottom adn curving upwards is also effective. I think if you could have shot/cropped it so that it wasn't so tight on the left, it might have been a little more effective for me. Still an awesome shot.

maximum thirty students
by Parentx

Comment:
I love the contrast and simplicity of the colors in this shot. My only suggestion would be to try NEAT IMAGE or somethng like that as I can see some "noise" in the sky (other than teh plane and contrail).

Loading Only
by Gotcha

Comment:
Normally, I do not care for shots with this much "contrast" (for lack of a more accurate word), but this one appeals to me somehow. The depth of field works well as the sign is focused, bu the truck is just a bit soft. I like the coloring as well.

River Lagan: Frozen
by gerard

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
I think the strength of this composition is due to the placement of the water and the division of the frame. The water enters at the bottom, and gives the eyes a "guide" to follow up and into the frame. This gives the picture some "movement." Also, it is interesting how the river dwindles to a point, then the picture "opens up" again with the sky. The division of the frame in thirds (horizontally -- trees/path, water, trees) makes it interesting to look at, and keeps it from having a focal point. The limb in front helps to add some interest, but I suspect it is liked by some and not by others.

TECHNIQUE
The lighting in this shot is very dramatic and effective. I think, though, the bottom right of the frame is a bit dark, as all details seems to be lost. I think the softer focus on this probably hurt your score. This is a shot that the more it is looked at, the better it is, but many people simply do not have that much time to study the pictures and vote with gut reactions. The gut reaction on this one, for many people, was, "it is out of focus." If you wanted a sharper focus, I would strongly recommend a tripod if you don't have/weren't using one If you were, maybe try a remote control or timer device to activate the shutter. I have found that even the slight movement from pushing the shutter button can cause camera shake blur. If you don't want to carry a tripod, a small bag of sand or flour/sugar can provide a relatively secure and still base on which the camera can set.

OVERALL EFFECT
This is a very relaxing and peaceful photo. It is the kind of place I would like to rest and read a book or have a picnic.
Again, I think the soft focus probably hurts a picture in a contest like this, though it is a very good shot. I have enjoyed studying it, and look forward to seeing more of your work.

walk walk 40 walk no stopping no stopping no stopping no stopping walk no stopping
by spiderman

Comment:
I love the variety and number of signs you were able to capture here I also like how the yellow signs jump out of the picture. As a side note, and not effecting the picture score in any way, I think the red border is a bit much. Maybe a more subdued color would be better, but that is just me.

No Crime Zone
by Diana

Comment:
Here in my area, we would say that "shot gun holler." A neat sign, but it seems that the focus is a bit off, and I am seeing some noise in the sky. You might want to try NEATIMAGE (free download is available) if you have not. It does wonders on pictures.

Duck Crossing
by Wheeler1992

Comment:
Okay, I chuckled, I admit it. It seems a little crooked to me, and a little blown out, but you did a great job of making a common thing funny.

Nailed
by jmsetzler

Comment:
Ouch!! I like the close crop of this, and the colors are really attention grabbers.

As Slow as a Tortoise
by Jean

Comment:
I like the tight crop on this, and this is a truly funny sign!