Up in the trees
by alpharich

Comment by Blackbox:
Is that a Palo Verde?

English Heritage
by alpharich

Comment by ladyhawk22:
You've done well stopping the motion of the flag, but I feel that something which might show more motion may make a stronger subject.

English Heritage
by alpharich

Comment by Skip:
if you are going to get so far out of the box that people aren't sure how you're meeting the challenge, you really need to have an outstanding shot. sorry, but this isn't one of them. it's not that sharp, your horizon is off, and the composition doesn't really offer much.

if you want better scores, maybe check out this thread.

English Heritage
by alpharich

Comment by Melethia:
I guess the stopped motion is the flag, since I'm thinking the buildings aren't going anywhere. A bit plain for this challenge.

IMG_4838.JPG
by alpharich

Comment by DevonT:
very nice picture i love streams and water fall pictures the always seem so calm untill your there then there really loud but they can still be peacful anyways great work love it going in favorites

Up in the trees
by alpharich

Comment by mayonesa:
Very elfish, I like all the green

nut and bolts
by alpharich

Comment by muckpond:
i'd like to see more contrast in this. it's washed out and could be a lot cooler.

nut and bolts
by alpharich

Comment by BHuseman:
This is a great picture with so much detail. I think it really fits the theme of this challenge. Great job!

nut and bolts
by alpharich

Comment by jjstager2:
You're losing focus toward the top of the photograh.I like your interpretation of the theme.

golden sunflower
by alpharich

Comment by loseme:
*Greetings from the critique club*

First impression

"Golden sunflower" is a great entry into the Gold challenge. I love how bright the colors are, that was the first thing that grabbed my attention.

Subject

Great subject, the choice of a flower is always hard because we see so many flowers. I think you did an excellent job having the subject really stand out from many other general flower shots.

Composition/Technical

I love how full the frame is. It really allows the gold of the petals to enhance the center of the flower. You have defiantly meet the gold aspect of the challenge. From the technical aspect the only thing that is taking away from the overall image is that layer that is created around the outside of the petals on the top. Maybe this occurred during the processing because it only appears around the top. The clarity/focus and placement of the subject are all excellent.

Overall

Wow you grew these yourself, that is awesome! I have the same problem of my plants not normally growing, so big congrats on the flower. Good job, this is an excellent gold and flower piece. I look forward to more entries from you.

If you have any questions about the critique ... feel free to drop me a PM.
Chelsea