guilt on a stick
by MichaelC

Comment by bsluijk:
I'm not a fan of this processing, I feel it tears apart the image.

guilt on a stick
by MichaelC

Comment by Skip:
This is a tough challenge to vote. I'm torn between "what are you trying to do here" and "what do I expect here". Further complicating matters is the question "what would I do here".

What I would expect would be a technically strong piece of eye-candy that would present the dessert in a way that I would want to at least sample it, if not order it. Along these lines I'm looking at technicals: backgrounds, distracting elements, exposure, sharpness. I'm also looking for creativity, imagination, and originality, which can make up for less than perfect technicals.

So, where does this leave me with your image?

Love the shot. Love the image, love the processing.

As for your take on the challenge, though, it's not getting the idea of "dessert" across to me at all. Maybe if you'd gotten up close and personal with someone either creating, serving, sampling, or devouring a dessert. Just my opinion.

guilt on a stick
by MichaelC

Comment by Kelli:
What is fairy floss? Cotton candy maybe? LOL!

guilt on a stick
by MichaelC

Comment by caba:
Nice photo, does it really say "desserts"? I'm having trouble finding it.

guilt on a stick
by MichaelC

Comment by CNovack:
Voted earlier coming back to comment.

Ah the sights and sounds of a county fair. Treats and games and many fond memories; as a street shot photograph that is what it invokes with me. For a dessert shot photograph, I have to honestly say not so much. There is just too much to look at for it to be labeled as a 100 % shot of a dessert. However, I *do* look at this and see potential for this to become a shot that showcases a dessert. For example: I see those big words at the base of the stand that states "Takeaway Food". At the end of the "d" in 'Food' it can be a spot where a child stands holding a large ice cream cone or funnel cake or cotton candy - gleeful for what tasty delight they hold in their hand. The child model would completely fill the right 1/3 of the frame while the stand would be in soft focus/bokeh (but not too soft so that you cannot read those words "takeaway food" for that would be a subtle path the eye travels to when looking at the stand). I realize that waiting for a shot like that would be challenging on several fronts or that you may not have a child/relative that could pose for the shot in the example but that is just one way that this could become an effective shot to showcase a dessert.

guilt on a stick
by MichaelC

Comment by unbreakable:
Most HDRs turn me off. This however is the type of thing that is honestly best served by HDR processing. love the vintage appearance and depth of color. I know how hard it is to pull this off without blowing out the well lit interior of the booth (been at fair all week and have tried to get this type or shot with minimal success) Possibly one of my favorite HDR-type ever. 9

guilt on a stick
by MichaelC

Comment by FlexPix:
Good... too bad those blasted power lines were in the background.

Art Deco Rules
by MichaelC

Comment by blindjustice:
One of my favorites for sure. Super well done.

Art Deco Rules
by MichaelC

Comment by Tiny:
Congrats on the top ten.

Art Deco Rules
by MichaelC

Comment by tanguera:
The creaminess of this just kills me. Would love to know how you achieved it. Congrats on the front page.