Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by e301:
From Critique Club - hi Barbara

I found this challenge to be ultimately confusing - isn't it the case that every decent photo is some kind of unanswered question? I didn'tt enter, didn't vote, and so perhaps shouldn't be critique-ing.

Technically, I see no issues with this shot. Focus, exposure, lighting are all fine. Compositionally it's also OK: there's enough interest in the water surrounding your subject to make the off-centre placement not seem arbitrary (an often misunderstood element of the thirds 'rule'). I would perhaps have considered cropping a little from the top of frame - just to be less of a computer-screen aspect ratio, which i don't find to be a particularly eye-friendly shape.

Other alternatives that spring to mind: more water, less person (as someone else has commented) - or perhaps even a closer crop in portrait format to emphasise those reflections and the contrast of the orange and the brown/black of the water.

Why didn't it score higher? I would have thought it warranted at least a 5.5 - it lacks some drama to be higher for me, and the comment about the height of the subject out of the water is also valid. I also think that scores in general are lower recently (look at both current winners, just barely making 7).

It's a good photo though - more intersting than most I think, and it's a little hard done by with that score.

Ed

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by peggy:
Nicely focused.

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by Nusbaum:
I like the strong contrast between the life vest and the water. The other technical elements, such as where the subject sits in the frame and the focus are all good. I think a look of panic or concern would have stirred me to worry more about the unanswered question, but it is still a good photo.

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by karmat:
The life jacket is so bright (it definitely catches your attention!), adn the water is so dark, it seems almost inconsistent. I like the reflections in the water, but I'm wondering how bw would look.

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by Gotcha:
Great detail and expression. Nice utilization of the rule of thirds. The very bright orange of the life vest is just a bit over saturated for my taste; it̢۪s pulling my eye away from the face of this perfect subject. The reflection in the water adds an artistic touch and the over-all theme meets the challenge well.
Great work. 9

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by ChrisW123:
Looks like she's probably touching the ground because she isn't low enough in the water. :) Good idea however.

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by sagestudio:
She looks too happy to have been shipwrecked. ; ) Nice vivid colors.

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by autool:
This would have been super if she? were in a larger field of water, to give it more of a stranded look. Nice composition as it is too, and excellent camera work. 8

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by Jak:
Looks like a fun day in the water (her expression is too happy for me to worry). 5 Jak

Shipwreck?
by BAMartin

Comment by Alpine99:
Sorry, lost without the title