Sin City
by Mephisto

Comment by Mephisto:
well, i did'nt know i requested a critique but thanks anyways! ;)
yeah the bird boo bothers me, but since this was under basic editing rules i could hardly do anything against it.

actually it's interesting what you mention about the african child portrait. if you look at the ribbon winners in this challenge you will notice they're so different from each other in appearance, post processing and content and i think that's what makes this site and the challenges so interesting. everything's possible. and btw i think "i dreamed of africa" really deserves to be in first spot, like i said it's the most powerful and provoking image i've seen here for a long time. so cudos to the voters who, to my surprise, agreed with me to chose this not-so-dpc-friendly image for the blue!

again thanks for the kind words everyone, i really appriciate it! :)

Her hood
by Mephisto

Comment by mellyleah:
Great location. I just don't care for this model's positioning. This feels more like an ad for clothing or perfume.

Sin City
by Mephisto

Comment by truogre:
*Critique Club*
Hi, my name is Russell and I am doing the critique that you requested!!

First off, let me say, this is REALLY a tough one!! Not only did you ribbon, I thought (personally) that it should have been first place.

What I liked - The idea and title is truly "nailed" (I too, am a big fan of the movie), so the composition is great. Your background is a perfect fit. Overall, it not only matches the challenge but exceeds it (again GREAT call on the movie)

What I didn't like - Now is where the critique gets tough - it is such a great shot, that anything mentioned here are strictly personal thoughts, so please take it for what it is worth.

The lighting above and to the right of the model lightens that section of wall making it a part of her vs a part of the setting.
The bird "pooh" could have been taken out or darkened a bit.

Overall, there is VERY little NOT to like here, the likely reason you came in second instead of first was due to the African child portrait, not overly creative, but very powerful in it's vision - I see alot of ribbons coming your way in the future!!

Russ

psycho
by Mephisto

Comment by jackal9:
Very intense...the eyes are haunting...I love it!!

psycho
by Mephisto

Comment by dafletchr:
All you need is a little bit of a knife blade showing. Nice processing.

Her hood
by Mephisto

Comment by F-StopBlues:
neck is awkward, pose doesn't seem natural. Other than that its is a nice shot 7

Her hood
by Mephisto

Comment by mitalapo:
Not sure about the technicalities (the legs skin tone, and sharpening is a little overdone) but the picture itself is just great. To name a few in no particular order: The colors, the background, the wall she leans on, the pose, the hood - it all looks like it is taken by an Italian renaissance painter. Great job (not voting though)

Sin City
by Mephisto

Comment by Ivory:
Congratulations on your red, very well done!

Her hood
by Mephisto

Comment by hotpasta:
great light and lighting...another great image from you

Her hood
by Mephisto

Comment by Jedusi:
Hmm could this be mephisto again ?

Looks like the same girl and the same city :- )

Nice control of the lighting, wit delightful tones and colours in the background.