Hot!
by L2

Comment by rider:
i gave you a 6 cause to me it looks like you have a firefighter at a fire and your trying to do a portrate if it had been some type of action shot i probably would have scored it higher

Hot!
by L2

Comment by KarenNfld:
I gave this a 5. I generally do not like portraits. He doesn't seem quite in focus, or maybe it just needs sharpening. As for your question, it really doesn't tell me a story or convey any emotion. He is smiling and looking off somewhere with a fire raging behind him. It looks fake and setup, it does not look like a real fireman at a fire.

Hot!
by L2

Comment by bassbone:
Laurie

A funny thing about this photo. I almost find it a bit unsettling that he is smiling as if just joking with a buddy, not at all concerned about the fire behind him. Maybe the fire is under control, or it is just a training mission, but the smile really grabbed my attention. I think it is a good shot and does tell an interesting story, but I just worry that this guy actually set the fire so he could put it out...

On the processing side (sorry I could not resist!!!) I see in your description that you purposefully did not sharpen his face - an interesting idea, but not the direction I would have gone. Your title says "Hot!" clearly describing him (and maybe the fire), but since it is likely about him, I think I would have made him jump off the screen a bit more.

Hot!
by L2

Comment by Hipychik:
Very nice capture! I personally like the softness of this shot. I also like the flames behind him.

Hot!
by L2

Comment by BAMartin:
This is one exceptionally well done environmental portrait. I absolutely loved this in voting. I bet he would love to have a copy of this photo.

Balance
by L2

Comment by Melethia:
I gave you an 8 on this one - definitely should have scored higher, but possibly a bit too quiet for the average voter.

Hot!
by L2

Comment by Melethia:
What I liked was the way the flames were framing him so well. I also like the way it's sort of quietly muted, not oversaturated or overbright - very much in keeping with the smokey atmosphere at a fire. The only nit would be the focus on his face. But I still think it's quite a nice environmental portrait and he has a great smile.

Ready to Pounce
by L2

Comment by Melethia:
This is just adorable! Perfect little kitten pose and the backgrounds suits well with the warm colors. Adorable!

Hot!
by L2

Comment by BrianR:
Totally underated for the challenge, I like the tone and color.

Raging Inferno
by L2

Comment by diginut:
Great shot, of a great tragedy..