The Three Sides of Square
by Annida

Comment by Cub:
Nice job. It shows up a little too dark on my screen.. Cub

The Fire Engine Sign
by Annida

Comment by KickDrum5150:
Nice finish! :P Not too shabby at all. I concede to you or great one.

Jason

The Fire Engine Sign
by Annida

Comment by Gracious:
Wonderful contrasting colors...good clear focus. Nice!

Stenocereus Thurberi
by Annida

Comment by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Annida: Hehe, thanks everybody! I am my biggest critic! I have flogged myself over and over for posting an inferior (in my eyes) shot.

Gee Annida, I really don't think self-flagellation is warranted. I will without hesitation submit a "far less than perfect" photo for a three main reasons.

If people recognize and comment on the same flaws I find, it validates (somewhat) my ability to evaluate my own photos. Likewise, if they find new flaws, it will point out how/where I need to look more carefully at my own work.

Finally, people will sometimes find something wonderful, interesting, or unusual which I didn't notice myself, or offer a suggestion for reworking and improving the photo.

I try and submit something every week. Many photos are not technically perfect, but I try and make them all interesting, creative, or meaningful if not stunning.

Stenocereus Thurberi
by Annida

Comment by Annida:
Hehe, thanks everybody!
I'd like to say the most important reason why this shot didn't really work, and well, it might sound like whining.. but...
It had rained recently, and the ground was really soft, and every step I took closer to the cactii, I sunk deeper and deeper into the ground! So, I just took three or four shots of what I thought would work, and ran! As soon as I got into the car, the second storm started, and driving home was interesting in that we could hardly see 10 feet in front of the car! It was insane :)
I am my biggest critic! I have flogged myself over and over for posting an inferior (in my eyes) shot.

Stenocereus Thurberi
by Annida

Comment by GeneralE:
I agree with the suggestions to try shooting from another perspective, either lying on the ground or up on a ladder/box/car.
When I shoot into a bright sky (with auto-exposure), I usually take my light reading from the brightest spot, then re-frame. I've found that in most cases I can bring out detail in underexposed areas, but once the area is blown out to white (or a large flat-toned area) there's nothing you can do, except maybe use it as a base to create a composited image.

Stenocereus Thurberi
by Annida

Comment by redfig:
This is so good for your first photo,very good B+W well done

The Fire Engine Sign
by Annida

Comment by inspzil:
Great framing. Awesome color. Subject is not terribly appealing but the quality of this photo is. Great shot. - Inspzil

The Fire Engine Sign
by Annida

Comment by Turbotech:
This is Cute. Nice Colors.

The Fire Engine Sign
by Annida

Comment by Ruchart:
cropped just a little too close. would have liked to see a bit of the vibrant blue to the left and top of sign.