Tin Soldiers
by Zigomar

Comment by Louis:
You were wondering "wtf" with the reasons for your 1x rejection. Here's my take. I think the motif is a bit of a clichéd one, particularly for non-US [see my "ah-ha" edit below ;)], and especially European people (1x is operated by a couple of Swedish guys, and theirs is the ultimate decision as far as I understand it). This would have the most impact mostly for people with a stake in the subject matter, and would leave others cold. The lower photo may have been more successful with a crop to remove the bystanders to the left. The upper photo is a nicely done portrait with interesting depth of field, and your choice of duotone and grain is very well done. However, I don't really get a sense of the individual in the portrait, her motivations, her personality, or anything else. It's technically okay, but not impactful for me. I think you are essentially hurt by a subject that is a uniquely American subject, and you presented it to an audience comprised mostly of Europeans.

Edit: Of course, they're probably English soldiers, judging from your location, so I'll eat my words now. ;) I think the military subject, though, is what detracts for the average 1x Euro-photog.

Message edited by author 2009-12-07 12:25:06.

Fireman
by Zigomar

Comment by pineapple:
Your name suggested another destination other than fair Dorset, one of the nicest counties in The Green and Pleasant Land. Certainly a characterful mien.

Fireman
by Zigomar

Comment by merjadok:
Best photo ever. Would like to meet this chap.

Journey to the Sun
by Zigomar

Comment by Jedusi:
Nice feeling of movement

The Guardian of the Lost Time
by Zigomar

Comment by Jedusi:
This is excellant.

The composition and title work perfectly together here with the focal point being on the lady standing in a doorway, a portal if you will, like a guardian, while everything apart from her and the door behind are out of focus, almost unimportant compared to the scene immediately before you. It's almost as if you are being challenged by the stare.

Journey to the Sun
by Zigomar

Comment by Melethia:
This is probably the highest commenter average on a photograph with more than 5 in-challenge comments that I have ever seen. This would be one of my two choices for the Lensbaby contest EXCEPT that they want a very clear in-focus sweet spot (which I don't necessarily agree with, but it is their contest!) This is, however, an EXCELLENT example of how well a Lensbaby can add feeling to an already great scene.

Chasing a dream
by Zigomar

Comment by cynthiann:
Very stunning!

The Guardian of the Lost Time
by Zigomar

Comment by love:
This is fabulous!

Yulia
by Zigomar

Comment by glad2badad:
Between this photo and the one Deb (melethia) posted, I'm seeing how the LB could be used quite well as a fun portrait tool. This shot is right on the money!

Iva Q
by Zigomar

Comment by datcat:
Very, very cool.