Please Don't Take my Mousie Again!!
by kandyj

Comment by MattW:
not a very good "despair" picture, but it is still a pretty cool picture

Please Don't Take my Mousie Again!!
by kandyj

Comment by kiwiness:
I've never seen despair in an animal's eyes before but you have brought it out in this photo, good one. This is a unique shot and you captured it well.

Please Don't Take my Mousie Again!!
by kandyj

Comment by csb:
seriously?

Please Don't Take my Mousie Again!!
by kandyj

Comment by OneSweetSin:
very cute just like a kid holding a teddy bear

Bursting with Yellow
by kandyj

Comment by karmat:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

COMPOSITION
You have composed this shot in a very interesting and dynamic way. By having the yellow center part on the intersection of the third lines, it is not static, and allows the eyes to rest on the yellow part then travel "out" by way of the petals. To further add interest, you might even lower it even more so that the yellow part actually rests in a corner, and the petals are only visible on the upper and right parts.

TECHNIQUE
Your colors create a nice contrast here. The focus is a little soft -- the 707's macro capability rocks, so always push yourself for ultra sharp. I would recommend using a higher aperture number and a slower shutter speed. Since you are on a tripod, set the self-time, hit the shutter, then step away. That way you won't get any camera shake at all (unless you have a cat or small child in the room, but htat is another story ).

Good work, and congrats on the 707. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I love mine!!!

Please Don't Take my Mousie Again!!
by kandyj

Comment by Becky:
This photo is cute. The cat's fur gives the photo nice texture.

Nature's Rhythms
by kandyj

Comment by indigo997:
Hmmm. a cabin on the river, huh? Niiiiiiiice.
First off, yes this fits the challenge though I think of it more as a texture shot than a repeating theme. If the leaves were all in a line or going the same direction then it would be more repetitive IMO.
I do like the color, but something about the lighting is bothersome. The leaves are rather shiny to begin with and the little hairs are white so the colors aren't as prominent as they could be. Focus is good, but because of how close you are to the subject - some areas are soft and the lines aren't as distinct as they could be. Those little hairs are a bit like animal fur close-up... very hard to focus on and nearly impossible to sharpen in post processing.
I just think this is a difficult subject to shoot b/c of those hairs. You did a decent job though. There just isn't enough interest to hold someone's attention for long. The colors are a bit of a blur b/c of the glare off the leaves and there aren't strong lines or an obvious focal point.
I don't really like the frame. Unless it can really add to the shot, it's best to just let the picture stand on its own probably.
Overall, decent shot of what may not have been the best subject. I can see what drew you to it but I'm just not sure it makes a strong photograph. Good luck!

Please Don't Take my Mousie Again!!
by kandyj

Comment by cbonsall:
what a beautiful cat. it looks quite contented so it doesn't really say despair to me

Reflected Rose
by kandyj

Comment by DougPaz:
Nice color and clarity, seems like this might have worked better if there was separation between the rose and the reflection.

Please Don't Take my Mousie Again!!
by kandyj

Comment by jerrft:
Wow - what whiskers!