Going up
by sns

Comment by LindaLee:
Interesting shot. I like the composition - the crane saves it from being boring, (to me). lhall

Going up
by sns

Comment by camelotnorth:
good composition and hopefull symbolism

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by magnetic9999:
beautiful. i dont mind the shallow dof, either. it gives it an ethereal quality that's very pleasant.

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by Gracious:
Not terribly clear but I like the diagonal.

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by karmat:
I think the soft focus/out of focus works well on this because it is prickly and looks so soft. I really like the contrast between the green and white. I dont like something about how it is framed, but I really can't offer any suggestions. Maybe if the entire picture, or less of the picture was made up of the cactus. Not sure. Sorry, karmat

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by pnicholls:
Would have been better if the frame had been filled with cactus. The lower left area is a bit distracting to me.

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by daysez:
I don't know if they are all that pretty, except after a rain when they are flowering.

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by autool:

Composition9
Originality8
Technical Aspects6
Meets Challenge10
Total Score8

For those that are just learning, like me.

Composition: Scoring in this area is based on basic composition of a picture and includes the rule of thirds, balance, cropping, and curved and diagonal lines. Subject matter that does not lend itself to the picture or otherwise unwanted is also considered here.

Originality: Scoring in this area is based on pictures or concepts that I have seen, as well as how much effort you have invested in the picture. Usually a little something that sets it aside from a snapshot. Does it make me want to come back for another look? You know things like that.

Technical Aspects: Focus, exposure, lighting, and other special effects (done by the camera), and post processing are all considered in this category.

Meets Challenge: This is based on my interpretation of if you, have/have not, met the challenge. This is fairly simple but quite important for this site.

There are many sites that can give you assistance in achieving better skills in photography, but I think the best way to learn is to take pictures and show them to other people. Believe me when it is a good one you will know it.

Good luck!

Autool

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by jmsetzler:
This is definitely a good example of texture... In a closeup like this one, I think more depth of field works well. Your focal plane in this image is moving diagonally across the frame. The lower left and upper rigth are out of focus. This is due to the 3-dimensional aspect of your subject. The pieces that are closer to the lens and farther away from the lens fall outside the focal plane in this shot... = 5 - jmsetzler

pretty but pricklely
by sns

Comment by mormongirl:
i haven't been doing photography very long, so please forgive me if i get the termanology wrong, but i think the main problem is it out focus at bottom and top and iit would have been better if you could increase the depth of feild <i think that is what i'm trying to say