Hello from Belize
by RLS

Comment by ursula:
FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB

Hello, Bob,

I get to comment on another one of your beautiful pictures. And, be warned, I love colour!

First impression: good, clear, colourful shot, excellent entry for "Off-Center". Love the background.

Light: Excellent. I often find it difficult to work in bright light such as in this picture, but in this case I think the light is wonderful. I love the way it filters through the branches in the background. The only place where arguably it might be a bit harsh is on the branch and claw.

Focus: No problems. The bird is nicely in focus, the background is beautifully out of focus, and the leaves (bottom part of picture) connect the two.

Composition: I like it very much. I disagree with your commenters that would like to see the whole bird - IMO, showing part of the bird, kind of looking into the picture (tilt to the head), emphasizes the "off-center" aspect of the picture. I like the length of the image. The border complements the image and is very appropriate.

Overall: I don't see much wrong with the shot as it is, possibly a slightly softer sharpening wold be better? I'm not sure, as it is, it doesn't bother me, but it does look just a tad over-sharpened.

Congratulations on an excellent entry and a very good finish (although I think it should have finished higher ...). Take care,

Ursula (uabresch)

Artisan - Wood Carver
by RLS

Comment by FranziskaLang:
Great subject for this challenge. I like how the artist is nice and focused and the background out of focus but still recognizable. I guess a tree is very appropriate. The angle of the photo is good for showing the artist. Two thing that would enhance the photo for me are (1) to position yourself such that the white pole isn't in the photo, it's very distracting (of course, I don't know what the rest of the surroundings looks like and whether that was possible) and (2) to somehow show a different angle of the carving ... w/out the title I would've had a hard time figuring out that he was doing woodcarvings.

Artisan - Wood Carver
by RLS

Comment by Gracious:
Nice one

Artisan - Wood Carver
by RLS

Comment by kiwiness:
Fantastic capture, I love the concentration - 9.

Artisan - Wood Carver
by RLS

Comment by casualguy:
Love this capture, good job! (It would have been nice if you could have orientated yourself as to exclude the post from the shot - takes away from the image)

Artisan - Wood Carver
by RLS

Comment by hughletheren:
Wothout the white pole, this would have been brilliant - nice photo.

Hello from Belize
by RLS

Comment by Gracious:
Geeee this is beautiful! Toucans always remind me of my Dad, who died 6 years ago. He used to tell us that he carved his initials into the beak of one at the Bronx Zoo. For years we believed him, when we were children.
You captured a nice, curious expression. Your dof is good too. Nice work.

Hello from Belize
by RLS

Comment by Shadow Eagle:
cool pic would have like to see all of bird 6

Hello from Belize
by RLS

Comment by inspzil:
This one looks a little oversharpened. I like your subject and the head tilt is adorable.

Hello from Belize
by RLS

Comment by ChrisW123:
Awesome shot I love the lighting and colorful subject. The border takes away from the pic however I think. I really like the texture of the background also.