At the Lake
by howardj

Comment by sfalice:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Good clear picture of a goodlooking model. I like the blurred background. It gives a sense of place without intruding. The yellow reeds and purple sweater work well, as they are complimentary colors. The colors from the sunset are great.

The only thing I see detracting from this very nice image is the expression on your model's face. The painful look (from sun in the eyes) doesn't work well for a portrait. If you have the chance to do this again, I'd suggest having your model face slightly away from the sun and if necessary, use a bit of aluminum foil or a diffuser to direct reflected sunlight to any ensuing shadows.

I wish you well in future Challenges.

Hotwater Stream, Yellowstone
by howardj

Comment by jpeters:
This photo really draws me in. I can't really compain about too much.

Hotwater Stream, Yellowstone
by howardj

Comment by aaronb532:
What makes it that yellow color? Sulfer? Anyway nice shot. Maybe try some at sunrise or sunset.

Hotwater Stream, Yellowstone
by howardj

Comment by TheresaA:
Nice clean image with lots of good perspective. Good Job! I want to run striaght down the path into the water.

Sea Breeze
by howardj

Comment by karmat:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

First off, I just want to note that I did not vote in this challenge (or enter), and that I really like this picture (I probably would have given it a 7 or higher).

COMPOSITION
I really like how you have chosen to have her in the right side of the frame looking back into the picture. To me, it creates a strong dynamic sense in that the eyes have some where to go, but they don't just wonder around the picture aimlessly. Also, the dof works well here because if the background was in focus, it would be way too busy and cluttered.

TECHNIQUE
The focus, lighting, postprocessing work is all fine. There is a slight grain to the picture, expecially in the sky, but nothing that detracts or distracts majorly.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE
To me, it is high contrast, and you have a good range of black and white (though most of the shot is varying degrees of gray).

INSIDE THE HEAD OF THE DPC VOTER
I really have no idea why this only scored a 5.2ish. In my experience, a lot of voters tend to like "portraits" where subject is looking at the camera, and perhaps her standoffish expression wasn't appealing. Maybe, if the background could have been a bit darker, adn the contrast adjusted a bit more on the model, it would have been even more contrasty.

Overall, it is a nice shot, and I'm sorry it didn't score higher. Good luck in future challenges.

karmat

Hotwater Stream, Yellowstone
by howardj

Comment by sanx:
Nice colors and textures. I think it'd be better if some of the grass were cropped out, or something.

At the Lake
by howardj

Comment by Tammer:
Her skin tones look a bit on the red side, but I like the lighting and the naturalness of your shot.

Hotwater Stream, Yellowstone
by howardj

Comment by jseyerle:
I would have gotten down on the ground and tried to make that stream look like a sulfer river.. the scenary in the distance takes away from that cool yellow water.

Hotwater Stream, Yellowstone
by howardj

Comment by SandyP:
That's awesome! It reminds me of a photo in a coffee table book. Great job!!!

At the Lake
by howardj

Comment by davmct:
too soft, not sharp enough. background colours are a bit muddy.