Solitude
by stephan

Comment:
I think the negative space on the right really gives it a feeling of solitude. the bw works well too.

Beach Boys - Surfin' USA
by byetko

Comment:
Awesome colors. My only nit, and I understand you probably couldn't control it is the location of the surfer. If he/she had been on the right, you would have one "kick butt" shot here. As it is, it taps butt really hard. Score bump to 10.

"On the road again" - back to the 80's
by jimsapp

Comment:
Typically, I do not like shots that look to have been post processed this heavily. BUT, this one struck me differently. I like the composition and the stark colors. Would make a good cover for the album, I think

Lead Me Upstairs -- David Gray
by Dallas_TX

Comment:
The simple composition and bright colors make this an awesome shot. I also like the strong pattern of the vertical lines.

"Break the Blue" - Dime Store Prophets
by brandonarbini

Comment:
This is one of those shots that I didn't particularly care for one the first go 'round, but on subsequent looks, I like the texture, color, and lighting. Very nicely done abstract, I think.

Ice Shell Mining
by amonteforte

Comment:
I am looking at this for the second time to leave the comment, and the more I look at it, the more I like it. I like the colors and composition, and the sense of humor is great. Score bump to 10!

Stranger In A Strange Land
by goodtempo

Comment:
This is an awesome shot and I like the contrast of the two buildings. Good composition and lighting as well.

An Imposter!
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
I really like the lighting on this -- it is dark and mysterious, but a touch blown out on the right. Still an awesome shot. karmat

$1.29 lb.....WOW!
by Onie

Comment:
My first impression was "an apple???????? so what?" but then I noticed the diamond! I hope people don't overlook that. Good composition, and the dof works well here, I think. Good colors.

White Knuckle Express
by inspzil

Comment:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
I think the composition of this picture is probably its strongest point. The placement of the sled on the left gives the viewer the feeling that it has somewhere to go, and the choice of subjects is priceless. There is nothing compositionally I would change about this picture!

TECHNIQUE
At first glance the picture looks out of focus. Upon closer examination, I see that the sled and kids are very much in focus, it is just the ground around them and the background that is blurry. I think this would be more effective if it had been possible to use a faster shutter speed to have everything focused (effective as far as dpc voters) but a slower shutter speed, if possible, to show tracking would have been cool. Also, there is some detail lost in the bright clothes of the kids. It looks kinda like my pictures when I underexpose them and then try to adjust the brightness/contrast in PaintShop. I have found that adding a touch of saturation adds some depth back to it. OR, instead of adjusting brightness, try adjusting white balance if possible. That will lighten them up sometimes as well. The blue snow gives it a early morning or just before dusk feeling, but being a touch blown out indicates there was probably a fair amount of light. I am no good at photographing snow, but I would suggest the thread somewhere in the forums that discussed it. Apparently, it is a bit tricky to pull off well.

OVERALL EFFECT
At first, the picture did not strike me as anything special, but as I looked closer, I could truly enjoy it because of the wonderful expressions on the face of the youngsters. I think this picture, despite some "problems" mentioned above, would be a wonderful addition to any family's collection, and can be enjoyed for years to come. They are really cute kids, by the way!