Life Returns!
by Delta_6

Comment by sherpet:
I like this concept but feel your focus has let you down. The thumbnail look realy inviting, but when blown up one find it a little blury. Everytime you try something, look closely andsay to yourself is this the best I can do. Hopefully you will see what needs to be done, by learning from others, who have given you very good advice.

Splashright.JPG
by Delta_6

Comment by sherpet:
I really liked a similar shot in a challenge and I like this one also. I agree with shannylee as I also feel it may be just a tad to strong in sharpening, re the wave splash.
The water splash looks like frozen ice.....

Focused Determination
by Delta_6

Comment by LucidLotus:
I like the way this pops out from the background. I don't know if that's simply because of the brilliant orange of the kayak or also because of your blurring of the background but it works well either way. The natural light is a bit harsh so there are some unflatteringly bright areas that draw the eye away from the youngster a bit, but I don't think that is an overwhelming issue.

I don't know if it'd be possible to give this shot another try at a different time of day (perhaps not in the same race? circumstance) but later or earlier may give a nice soft even light that'd highlight the kayak without being too harsh. It may also hit the water differently so some nice bluish color could occur and add to the contrast - not sure about that though.

I really like the bit of action you caught with the water being flipped up by the paddle, without it, the image would be a little flat and edging towards lifeless even though it is clearly depicting an active event. Its a small thing in general but I think it helps give story and movement to the image.

The title helps give the viewer a direction when looking at this image and I like that the subject's face seems to carry that idea through - definitely see a bit of teeth gritting and effort.

Unfortunately due to the position of the subject the face isn't completely clear, there looks like some softness as well which detracts a bit. I would love to have a nice crisp view of the subject's face so I could see that focus and determination clearly. In images such as these I think the face should be the main focus where clarity is concerned - everything else is of course important but this image seem to be more about what the subject is going through than what vehicle is being used to express that idea.

Once that personal connection has been made the viewer can then sit back and notice the detailing of the kayak and the numbered jersey and soak in (and imagine) the larger scope of the environment of the moment too.

Compositionally I think the centered positioning works as (to me) the photo leans more towards the action and circumstance of the image rather than an abstract or overly artistic bent.

Looks like the going was tough, but I'm sure it was fun!

Resting in The Word
by Delta_6

Comment by GeneralE:
This light looks a little harsh for the subject; I'd be tempted to soften it a bit, and/or add a vignetted border to focus the brightest part of the light on the face and book; easier to do under Advanced rules.

Resting in The Word
by Delta_6

Comment by landcamera:
A pleasure may take for granted.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1-3

Resting in The Word
by Delta_6

Comment by DrAchoo:
"When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight."

Don't let the low score get you down. The composition is a bit lacking here and the lighting is somewhat harsh.

Life Returns!
by Delta_6

Comment by levyj413:
Nice idea. Need to work on your closeup focusing a bit, though.

Life Returns!
by Delta_6

Comment by Brad:
A very unusual entry.
I can see the fit to the title, but overall isn't realy much here in clear focus, or sharp enough to show much detail.

Life Returns!
by Delta_6

Comment by Germaine:
Needs to be in focus.

Resting in The Word
by Delta_6

Comment by klstover:
Yay for this wonderful gift from God. :-D

edit: I have a story to tell you. I viewed this image last night and it remained in my head throughout the evening. When I got into bed I turned to a random Psalm to read before I went to sleep. I found myself reading "The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them". It's 111:2 in the NIV. And I thought it was so neat to read about taking pleasure in God and his works after viewing your photographic depiction of this "simple pleasure".

This photo may not be the most visually impressive, but as for meaning, it is so amazingly wonderful. Thank you for sharing this with us.