First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by photom:
Great idea and great use of the DoF. My only problems are the strong bright areas on the front row of kisses and the table (or whatever) you have used for the base.

First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by strangeghost:
Background seems a bit too blurred. Somewhat distracting and uncomfortable on the eye.

First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by menardmam:
nice DOF, nice crowd a8

First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by Kavey:
Nice image - I like the way the shallow DOF turns the massed Kisses into a sparkling background. Not enough chocolate actually on display in it's nekkid glory for my tastes but a nice image. Would it have been more appealing with a plain coloured surface rather than the slightly dull marble?

First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by pottersclay75:
great composition. the lighting is a bit dull, however

First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by sspin:
the title makes the image ...

First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by ToxicRoxie:
Cute

First Kisses Are Special
by BikeRacer

Comment by Allyrellia:
Awww! I like the DOF here, just not the background surface.

Ornament on Pottery
by BikeRacer

Comment by L1:
Howdy from the Critique Club!

I was surpised to get a photo that upon which I had previously left a comment...so I will start from there.

"I think I would like it more without the pottery...just the purples together would be pretty. :o)" I still believe that. I think that in this shot, the grey of the pottery overpowers the subtle purples of the yoga mat and the ornament itself. The splash of red on the tassel is also competing for attention from my eyes, drawing it away from the purple as well.

The tilted horizon, which is effective in some instances, seems to throw the image off balance. The ornament is sitting on a flat plane, but it appears just a bit awkward with the unlevel background "horizon." There is a bit of light in the top right that is going in a completely different angle, which adds to the imbalance, IMHO. Perhaps a more solid, subtle background would allow the beautiful purples and golds of the ornament to really show off.

The ornament itself, with its rich jewel tones, has a glossy surface that has created a hot spot reflection. Since I'm no lighting guru, I would only suggest less direct light or backing the light source away a tad. I do like the light and the patterns on the yoga mat. That's a creative and beautiful choice. The focus is good on the ornament and part of the tassel, but the shallow DOF, I'm guessing, left the red tassel end out of focus, which makes it more of a distraction.

Compositionally, I would suggest a tighter crop on the right side, creating less of a centered look.

Overall, it's a nice picture with several positive attributes, some upone which improvements could be made, and if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me...I'm learning too!! :o)

Laurie/CC

Dusty Super Record
by BikeRacer

Comment by menardmam:
Nice picture but not screeming WORDS... a6