Martini
by JoanieP

Comment by KarenNfld:
Flowers in the background are not in focus, this is shallow DOF, not deep.

Martini
by JoanieP

Comment by phase3:
9
:)

Martini
by JoanieP

Comment by Lutchenko:
Looks like shallow DOF to me sorry

Martini
by JoanieP

Comment by dougi555:
Shallow DOF.....

Martini
by JoanieP

Comment by RianBotes:
I really believe you need more depth to be in line with the theme. Still nice comp and lighting.

Martini
by JoanieP

Comment by seebrown:
Really like the shot but it would have been nice if the DOF was a little wider!

Martini
by JoanieP

Comment by ASTONishing:
shallow DoF

Chinese Take Out
by JoanieP

Comment by macrothing:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
Ah - I remember this during voting. I wondered how many got the connection of asiatic lily (assuming that is deliberate). I gave this image a 4 during voting.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
I don't mind the concept, but it is a bit 'naff' for me - might work for stock photography, but needs better technicals and a better composition. There is movement issues and while you have done well to get the anthers and stigma in focus, the dof isn't shallow enough to give the added missing element to make this image stand out. It could still work with a deeper dof, but, as is the case even with shallow, the angle and in-situ composition and arrangement needs refining.

The centered composition isn't working - the chopsticks are quite well placed, but the handle on the basket/box is detracting and the way the flower is positioned in the box isn't making it 'the star'. A different angle, perhaps not so 'straight on', would have also allowed some added interest. Lastly, the colors, while similar, are not that complementary and create more of a 'busy' and loud feel in the image.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
358/419 is quite low down the pack, however you made it over 5 with a score of 5.04, which is a small milestone in DPC land. I suspect that the blur/focal issues, lack of presentation and possibly also subject matter, caused the lower votes (including # of (140)) and didn't invite the viewers to stop and linger.

Your one comment you got is very helpful...

Summary
Creative concept that just needs refining. Keep experimenting and practice, practice, practice.

Chinese Take Out
by JoanieP

Comment by Sirashley:
The colors and composition are nice, but the subject really isn't that sharp. I think a wider DoF would have greatly benefitted this shot. Overall an interesting shot, keep thinking outside the box, because it keeps us voters interested :)

Peacock
by JoanieP

Comment by macrothing:


Critique Club Critique

First Impressions
The outline of the model's hair seems harsh giving an almost spriteish feel to the image.

Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review
The lighting is generally quite nice and looks like you've used natural light, with possibly some fill flash (apologies if wrong). However, there are some flash/light reflections which again, contribute towards a harsh feel to the portrait.

The composition doesn't suit the image, in my opinion. You mention the shirt and I wonder whether you went for this almost extreme composition to accommodate the shirt, which I can understand, given your intent, however the face and shirt are at either end of the frame and it just seems too squashed into the frame. The main part of the frame, where the eyes fall to first, are the neck and shoulders. While the woman has a nice neck and shoulders, a different angle would have made this more about her face - which is what I would like to have seen for a portrait image.

Comments, Score & Placement Review
106/159 and a score of 5.24 makes me wonder whether the voters were not captured enough by the beauty, framed as it is with this composition, to stop and linger a while.

Just read all your comments and all are very helpful and provide both good pointers as well as make very good points about why they have voted you an average of 4.5.

Summary
With the model as is, with this make up and the same clothing, either use of a studio or else, some props or a scene, variations in lighting - probably best to soften the feel, would likely have given this image an edge and perhaps realized your intent better than has been achieved. edit: typo

Message edited by author 2009-07-29 14:19:23.