Pigeon
by Refocused

Comment by karmat:
I really like the contrast between the graceful curves adn the vertical posts. Seems a bit grainy to me though. Was this on purpose?

Pigeon
by Refocused

Comment by casualguy:
Nice composition. Pigeon is a nice touch (trash is distracting). Good job.

Pigeon
by Refocused

Comment by Jacko:
very cool. I like curves and this one is very curvey :) Great composition. Jacko. 7

Pigeon
by Refocused

Comment by DavidLevin:
It's alright, it looks like you took this photo on the spur of the moment and the pigeon doesent appear to be the main subject (if thats what you were trying to do). 4

Pigeon
by Refocused

Comment by sherryk471:
Nice use of flowing lines

The Race
by Refocused

Comment by karmat:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

I have commented previously, though ever so briefly, about my first impression of the picture, so I will try to be a little more specific this time! :-)

I think your focus is right on, and you used the availble lighting well. The overall composition may be a bit busy, though, with so many runners to look it. It does have a good photojournalist/sports photography look to it though. As far as "meeting the challenge," I think your entry could have been strengthened by focusing on the three guys in front and on the right. Since one has an orange jersey, then a yellow one, then a blue/purple one, it may have "highlighted" the colors more, and made them more of a focal point in the picture.

After reading your comments, I see that several stated it had a "snapshot" feeling to it. I imagine the busy composition I mentioned above may lead to that. You have included a lot of "stuff" for the viewer to look at. Also, on either edge are partial people. Especially on the right, where half of the tall guy is cut off. Perhaps if you could have zoomed in/cropped one person, or even two or three, to allow more of a focal point, it wouldn't feel quite so casual. I think a neat picture would have been a super close up of one of the faces (challenge notwithstanding), to really show the intensity.

Hope this helps. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to PM me. Best to you in future challenges.

karmat

Simple Beauty
by Refocused

Comment by kavamama:
Absolutely Lovely. Great balance.

Simple Beauty
by Refocused

Comment by dsidwell:
Wonderful flower arranging!

Simple Beauty
by Refocused

Comment by marbo:
Excellent colours

Simple Beauty
by Refocused

Comment by qachyk:
Far too much green to capture the point elegantly. Better might have been red blooms in that vase, though of course the leaves themselves count -- maybe a neutral vase? But a nice, arty shot, I suppose.