Abandoned Brothel - Nevada's Ghost Towns
by KDO

Comment by LKRowell:
Very cool. Is that a ghost in the window?

Abandoned Brothel - Nevada's Ghost Towns
by KDO

Comment by Bud:
I do not know if it intentional, but the face in the window ruins the "abandoned" effect. Very nice foto.

Abandoned Brothel - Nevada's Ghost Towns
by KDO

Comment by judibrenstein:
If it did not have the child's face in the window, I think it would be better but a good shot!

Seven Barbs
by KDO

Comment by alien2thisworld:
I like the way all the main lines converge on the top right corner. Good detail on the rusted barbs too. Background weeds are a tiny bit distracting, but bluring them out too much may loose the furthest barbs too.

silenced by any means
by KDO

Comment by markmulkerin:
I would echo some scalvert's concerns about the communication of the specifics. Though I likely would guess that your model was Native American, I couldn't be sure (perhaps, Native American or Mexican American or even Arab American). While I don't think the ambiguity takes away from the emotional impact of the photo, I think the overall political impact would have been stronger with more specificity (a lesson I learned with my entry).

I'd would want to be careful about avoiding stereotype while giving the viewer enough information to get the visual metaphor. Perhaps a more targetted title would help or perhaps incorportating some of the tools of oppression (treaties, casino gambling, beer, the Lone Ranger, etc.) into the photo could also help. Adding the emblems of oppression I think avoid some of the stereotyping that making your model look more "Indian" would create.

I like the intent of you and your students to try to disembody the hand. I wonder if the same effect could have been achieved with a headless person (in perhaps a suit) standing behind your model. It could still convey the anonimity of power/authority while giving more visual cues about who is who in the photo.

But all of these are just thoughts on how a good photo might be further strengthened and focused - well done to you and your students.

Abandoned Brothel - Nevada's Ghost Towns
by KDO

Comment by Damian:
Really gives the you the feel of an old wester. Is that a person in that window or a ghost? Freaky.

Abandoned Brothel - Nevada's Ghost Towns
by KDO

Comment by Kylie:
This just shines. I can't get enough of it. One of my 10's in the challenge and a great interpretation for landmark. This would also make a wonderful print.

Seven Barbs
by KDO

Comment by Art Roflmao:
Must be my eyes - I'm only seeing six
update: you must be a democrat - asking for a recount ;-)
I struggled, but managed to count seven. Bumped the score up a notch. :-)

The Disqualified "Old School - Actual Reality"
by KDO

Comment by whatdewuc:
That's too bad, the AE rules can be bit confusing. I recall this image as a favorite of mine. I believe I mentioned what I felt was to much effect over the tennis shoe. I would have liked to have seen a football in there too. Good shot though. I also liked your pooch in the Humorous challenge. The great thing here at DPC is there's always another challenge. ;-)

Two Roads Diverged
by KDO

Comment by dpdave:
I like this picture also. The colors have an almost surreal quality to them, particularly in contrast to the desaturated clouds and road. Nice effort.