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goinskiingComment by photom: * Greetings from the Critique Club *
You are very fortunate - receiving 20 comments already! But, as is often the case, they don't necessarily agree. Since this is your second best finish to date - you are probably happy, but would still like to determine why it didn't finish higher.
The really strong points of your image:
a) The diagonal composition is superb.
b) Textures in the areas of sharp focus are both interesting and colorful.
c) It cetianly meets the challenge.
There are just 2 areas that I see that could have moved your image up in the standings; one of them has been mentioned in other critiques. That is your Depth of Field. Since this is a "macro" shot, you were fairly close to the subject. That in itself leads to a shallow DOF. But, you elected to shoot wide open (f 2.8) and used a shutter speed of 1/20th second. You could have increased the depth of field by shooting at any correct exposure (f 4 at 1/10, f 5.6 at 1/5, up to f32 at just over 6 seconds.) If the chain was not moving - and you have a steady tripod - try the shot again to see how you like it with more area in focus.
My other area of concern is that the viewer's eye tends to head for the area with the greatest contrast. In your image - that's the 5 white areas next to the dark colors. Two of them (the one on the top left and the right edge) are right on the border. These would tend to lead the viewer right out of the picture. Your border helps mitigate that, but ideally - you could just crop them out.
The othet two - the ones under the main chain need to be toned down somehow. Perhaps you could figure out a way to place that area in shadow somehow. (Since this was an open submission - you couldn't tone it down during post-processing.)
Having said all that - remember these comments are my opinion only - and are NOT saying your image isn't a great one already. These are just my thoughts on how you could make it even better yet.
Keep up the good work!
edit for spelling
Message edited by author 2004-05-12 18:37:37. 
Photographer found comment helpful.