Beauty and the Beast
by yakatme

Comment by Brad:
Most unusual with the cloud reflection the way it is.
So which one is the beauty? ;)

Beauty and the Beast
by yakatme

Comment by angela_packard:
almost invisibly...great shot! 10

Stormy Waters
by yakatme

Comment by tinky2:
Congrats on 5th! Beautiful image.

Then Out Came the Sun...
by yakatme

Comment by ericwoo:
Hey there from the Critique Club

Camera Work/Technical: Great color and very nice focus. While I can see the effects of the diffuser in comparison, the image looks pretty sharp as a stand alone.

Lighting: Very nice and very even lighting. There are no overpowering highlights and no deep shadows to compete for attention. With a flower this color, achieving a balance like this is not always easy.

Composition/Content: I like your choice of composition for this image. Off-centering and loosely following the rule of thirds adds interest and allows the eye to wander through the frame.

My Opinion: I think that you have a fabulous image that is technically well done. I also think that it is a bit too crisp to compete in a soft focus challenge. I do see a very distinct difference in the two different versions, and that would have been helpful in voting. Unfortunately, we can only see the single image. Still, very nice work and a strong, well-deserved score.

Eric

Stormy Waters
by yakatme

Comment by Structor:
Congrats on the 5th place, beautiful shot!

Stormy Waters
by yakatme

Comment by lynnesite:
This is beyond excellent. Lots of arcs and lines and yep, the blue/green/white really pops. Congrats on your top ten!

Beauty and the Beast
by yakatme

Comment by nfessel:
The cloud makes it look like the gator's head is smoldering or something.

Beauty and the Beast
by yakatme

Comment by ShannonLee:
-LOVE the title!!!
-Amazing capture!!!
-I like the reflection of the cloud and the ripple too
-Score: 9

Stormy Waters
by yakatme

Comment by admart01:
one of my favorites this challenge - nice blend of several elements so that none becomes the main subject

Stormy Waters
by yakatme

Comment by emayner:
I like the image, but not the title.