Tag! You're it.
by Dez

Comment by PTLParsons:
I sure wouldn't know what to do here. I'd give way to everyone I guess and not move until I was the last one left. Love the angle you took it at. That adds at least 2 to 3 more points. Good focus and crop. Real nice job. It's a 8 from me.

Tag! You're it.
by Dez

Comment by zadore:
interesting angle. a bit dark. wish the graffitti wasn't there.

Not a drop
by Dez

Comment by Turbotech:
No more Milk. :-(

Suburbia in the Snow
by Dez

Comment by stephan:
Good composition. I like how you conveyred the tightness of the building of the city. Creative take on the challenge subject!

It's spelt humour!
by Dez

Comment by bod:
LOL. You tell 'em : )
Nice lighting on this makes it more than just a 'photo of a book', well done.

Suburbia in the Snow
by Dez

Comment by Jacko:
Houses as far as the eye can see:) Isn't that sad. Since the sky is overcast, it would be better to show less sky, and more buildings. Nice vantage point. Jacko.

Yes, we have no bananas
by Dez

Comment by muckpond:
CRITIQUE CLUB!

Hi Dez. Contrary to what a lot of people have said in your comments, I do know this song and I think it's a great topic for the challenge. Too bad it was an obscure reference.

As for the picture, here's what I like: The lines of the basket are well-defined, and the focus is excellent. The background is also undetectable, which is very good.

Suggestions:
Compositionally the photo is lacking. There is too much of the basket showing, as the fruit is really the focus of the picture. Also, adding some fruits with more distinct colors (red apples and green apples instead of the ones you've got) would make the colors more vibrant and help them pop out from the dark background. I would maybe have tried to shoot this from a higher angle so that you can see the basket somewhat, but the fruit becomes the focus of the photo.

Lighting is quite dark. Part of this is due to the muddled colors of the fruits you've chosen, but it still could be brighter. If you have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, try adjusting the levels upward. I took the liberty of adjusting the levels to show you what a difference it can make: //www.relliott.net/10577.jpg . (Side note: using a solid colored background will allow you to have stronger lighting without trying to wash it out so much.) (Side note #2: If you don't have Photoshop, search on the web for THE GIMP, which is a free alternative and is rumored to be pretty good.) The levels on this new image are 0,1.39,175. I'm not saying this is a better image (it's not), but this was done to illustrate how adjusting the levels can bring out the nuances in a photo.

You could also try diffusing your main light source (I just use a few sheets of typing paper over my lamp -- don't set it on fire, though LOL) to eliminate the hotspots on the fruit. Lighting from above would allow the fruit to be even brighter as well.

Good luck. Rob

"We have no bananas today...."

Suburbia in the Snow
by Dez

Comment by inspzil:
The colors of this photo are really bland and flat. A better day would've helped a lot to bring colors out. The roof that you took this from should've been cropped out IMO. I think I'm interested in the buidings right in front of you more than anything else in the pic. - Inspzil

It's spelt humour!
by Dez

Comment by GeneralE:
If only we were so consistent in abusing the language...

It's spelt humour!
by Dez

Comment by TOLady:
Oh WOW, you really know how to open a big can o' worms, don't you!!! *LOL* Cheers, from Toronto, Canada