Inside...The Matrixby
DougPazComment by CLarson557: Greetings From the Critique Club:
by CLarson557
Hello again, Doug
I was pleasently surprised to see one of your images come up again for me to critique. This is the first time that I've had the same person come up, so since I've already done the photographer study, this is not taking as long for me.
Once again, you have submitted an origional, thought out photo for a challenge. Although I must admit that I wouldn't choose this one as a favorite photo of your work, I appreciate the use of color in constructing it.
Challenge: When this challenge came up on DPC, I was at a total loss because I had not seen the movie. Thank goodness a friend of mine had the DVD to the first movie. I borrowed it and watched, but I must admit that I wasn't a big fan of it. Therefore, unfortunately, I must also admit that I'm not a good judge as to whether your photo fits the challenge. So, here is my weak attempt...it seemed that the movie portrayed an eerie computer domination of the world. Your photo, with the green hue and boxed in feeling, allows the viewer to see from inside how mankind has been trapped inside a electronic environment. Although I don't know what the blocks represent I still would agree that your picture meets the challenge.
Composition: During the voting phase of the challenge, I wasn't sure what I was seeing when I came to this photo. Even after seeing your explaination, as I said above, I'm not sure what the blocks represent. However, I do like the idea of using the green plastic to not entirely block out the outside world, but still give the boxed in feeling. I'm not sure what caused the reflection...perhaps a mirror or other shiny surface, but it does make for an interesting effect.
I was paying close attention to one comment you recieve during the challenge that suggested cropping the top portion of the photo. I might agree with this. On my computer screen, I'm not able to see the whole picture without scrolling. When veiwing it, I have concentrated on the bottom portion with the shapes and have not felt the need to scroll up to see the rest. Although I don't find it so awfully distracting, I do feel it could easily be cropped without taking away from the meaning of your picture.
Technical: My loose defination of the challenge mean't taking risks with the technical aspect of our photos. Depending on the subject, I felt that some graininess or blurr would proabably be acceptable as well as pushing the limits of some of the post-production software. All the pictures I have seen from you have been technically sound in my opinion with this one included. Yes, if I wanted to be nit picky, I could find flaws, but I think they go well with the theme.
Overall: In all actuality, I'm really finding it hard to critique this challenge. During the voting phase, I scored your photo a 6 because of the color and feel of it.
I would have liked to critique your Duotone photo which was very nice, I might add.
Photographer found comment helpful.