You Could h-EAR a Pin Drop
by Blue Moon

Comment by Melethia:
A bit contrived. Does meet the challenge, though.

Freedom
by Blue Moon

Comment by posthumous:
nothing terribly new here, just simple visual splendour. I like how the top line of the dog merges into the bottom line of the foam, and I like the hourglass shape formed by dog and shadow. 8

Seductive Contrast
by Blue Moon

Comment by Bosborne:
Good one! But it would have been DQ'd anyway for the using the litho effect, so come out of your corner and quit sulkin'...Nice try tho.

Here are the only filters you can legally use in basic editing anyway....

Filters: The use of filters (or non-Photoshop equivalent) is strictly limited. Any filter or stand-alone utility designed and used to preserve the integrity of the image and/or reduce the effects of noise, scratches, etc, are permitted. These include but are not limited to the Sharpen, Unsharp Mask, and Dust & Scratches filters, and standalone image cleanup utilities such as NeatImage. However, no effects filters may be applied to your image, with the exception of Noise and Gaussian Blur, which are allowed. Any filter permitted by this rule must be applied uniformly to the entire image. Selective application of any filter is prohibited.

You Could h-EAR a Pin Drop
by Blue Moon

Comment by yanko:
Like the concept and this meets the challenge perfectly. Some noise reduction would have help especially since there are no fine details to worry about damaging.

Seductive Contrast
by Blue Moon

Comment by Jutilda:
Yep, that's high contrast. At least you get it. about 80% of the entries did not! I disagree about high key. To me high key has highlights and mid tones, not the sharp contrast of the high and shadows. This is cool.

Seductive Contrast
by Blue Moon

Comment by love:
Yes, this is high contrast but more high key (white board mode?) and probably would have gotten a low score in the contest because this kind of image always does... if you want to win a contest, look at the past winners - it sometimes helps (though I am not here to win, but improve myself as a photographer).. good luck!!

Seductive Contrast
by Blue Moon

Comment by David.C:
I would be interested in hearing how you did this. Your left forarm is what I end up with when uping the contrast to extremes like this -- loss of pieces of the image.

With just he one side of the one arm, it's just part of the what helps keep the image balanced. With the side of the arm there the whole image would seem unbalanced. But as it is, the blend with the background creates the impression of added weight to offset your torso.

The lack of detail, and yet retaining the recognizability of your face is the part I like the best. Well done.

Since you asked specifically how it would have done if entered -- I don't think it would have done well. I'm often wrong in how I think things will place, but I have a feeling there will be far too many voting down for it not 'looking' like a photograph anymore.

David

Textures in Black and White
by Blue Moon

Comment by David.C:
I love the tones and textures of this (except for the grid). I have to disagree with a lot of your commenters though -- I don't think the image would work near as well without the sand.

The eye is pulled to strong contrasts, first to the bright area of the wings against the deep black of the background, but then following the lines and textures of the wings and legs down to your thumb. Here my eye is pulled toward the dark area between light thumb and fingers -- but is kept from going in by the barrier line of sand that gently lifts my eyes back up to the butterfly. Intentional or not, the sand works for me.

David

I 'm Naturally 'Gold'
by Blue Moon

Comment by David.C:
For the record -- No, you do not need to cut it. There, got that off my chest. :D

I realize you were shooting for a close-up to show focus on the texture and color, but I have to agree with your original idea. The first thing I thought of when I saw the picture was 'Beautiful hair', but then I was following the line of the strands down out of the frame. Like I said, I agree with your original idea; including all of your hair in the shot would have been great.

David

Seductive Contrast
by Blue Moon

Comment by Art Roflmao:
Oh, this woulda ribboned for sure! :) Just kidding - how would I know. It sucks not making the deadline but... that's what it is - a deadline. It's happened to me and others as well.

Regarding the pic - very appealing image. I don't know if the Litho filter is legal but you mighta got ding'd by the folks who think "High Key" not "High Contrast" - who knows. Be happy with it regardless. :)