Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by jtf6agent:
Thanks everybody for your comments. I really appreciate them. Although I never expected a ribbon with this shot I did however expect a much better placing. My score was much higher than I expected and I am greatful for that also. I'm a bit frustrated with DPC right now and I hope my venting doesn't ruffle any feathers out there. If I offend anyone with my straight forward comments then I am truly sorry but, I don't spend a lot of time candy coating my feelings for someone elses benefit. Those that know me will agree to this. I'm usually very out spoken and right now my frustrations aren't directed toward anyone particular so please don't get your G-string in a bunch. My last challenge I felt the same way I entered a shot that damn well should have ribboned and there were some absolutely shit photos that were placed better than mine. Now I'm feeling a bit jilted again and I'm sorry but WTF? I find this site to be VERY educational, supportive and fun and I'll continue to visit and occasionally post but, as far as entering challenges... not until something better can be done with voting. I think voting should be out in the open and you should be held accountable for your votes instead of annoymous hiding. If you vote you explain why. There would be a much better quality of voting if this were the norm. I'm not afraid of telling anyone why I gave them a 2 or a 10. That's the way it should be. Until then the chickens shall rule the roost.

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by K3Master:
Following up on my comment.

I thought this would place higher too, and when I got to page 2 and still didn't see this, I was a little shocked. It was an 8 from me, but I guess you can't win them all.

Brad has some interesting points. I didn't notice the finger creases myself, but it seems a couple of people did. He's right though, now that I see them, it's almost all I see.

Anway, I like this shot, and it was one of my highest scoring, so be proud, no matter where it ended up.

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by Brad:
One of the first things I noticed here that looked odd was how the creases in her finger joints looked dark/dirty. Once I saw that, my eyes kept going back to them and kind of spoils the shot for me in many ways. Cloning in lighten mode would have done wonders here. I also think a bit tighter in the crop would make her hand look less dangling out in nowhere, and with adding a bit of presentation, would have bumped this up a few notches in the ladder. Love the softness of the shot by the way.

Here's my take on it,
editing what your entry:


I also think that baby pictures, religious pictures and wedding pictures generally score a bit on the low side. Had you been a botanist and put up a stunning flower picture, it too would have scored low. Voters seem to love wow, not so much the real world. I proved it in my entry.

I would have been proud to have entered that shot, and I'm sure ANY Bride would be ecstatic at having a shot like this.

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by jtf6agent:
Pffft

Message edited by author 2008-08-22 01:41:43.

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by Mark-A:
Wonderful image! As I guess you would expect from a wedding photographer :)

I can't think why the knuckle lines would be so dark though, looks almost like bruising

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by K3Master:
The soft focus effect is what puts this photo up above others like it that I've seen. It's done very well, subtle, yet plays a vital role. I don't know if you used a filter, or if you used something like a soft-focus lens (or pantyhose stretched over the lens), but I do know that I like it.

Actually, on a deeper look, I'm going to say filter, as the ring has been brought back into very sharp focus, which would be impossible to do if it was a hardware filter/device/method.

Anyway, nicely composed, well lit, and a nice showcase of her bling.

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by Lelez:
beautiful!!

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by bassbone:
beautiful shot - wonderful soft dreamlike approach

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by dsterner:
nice capture

Wedding Photographer
by jtf6agent

Comment by snaffles:
OMG she could take out someone's eye with that rock! Love the comp and lighting esp., too easy to get tons of glare with so much white but you didn't. 9. Bet a top 10 finish.