Sunset of your Life
by darnok

Comment by GKPhotos:
I dont know about your life, but a great sunset capture, colors are awesome.

Sunset of your Life
by darnok

Comment by atomicpixel:
great sunset

Veteran
by darnok

Comment by loseme:
*Critique Club*

"Veteran" in my opinion was a prefect subject for the Something Old Challenge. This challenge was tough because everyone has a very different opinion of something old.

Looking at the image I was very happy with your work. I think black and white was a very appropriate choice based on your subject and the challenge. I also like the position on the camera off to the side and not centered. I wonder if it would have scored a bit higher if you had turned it slightly so that we (the voters) could see a little more of the lens. The lighting almost looks likes a flash which tend to take away from the shot. You might just try to add some fill light and or some reflectors. I really do like the shot and look forward to more entries from you!

Veteran
by darnok

Comment by Ken:
I have this same camera - I bought it used many, many years ago.

Veteran
by darnok

Comment by yantski:
Excellent composition.

Veteran
by darnok

Comment by loseme:
Prefect for the DP environment.

Last Chance
by darnok

Comment by trnqlty:
Perhaps having the match in someone's hand like they just broke would improve the shot. Instead of just having it lying still.

Buttons
by darnok

Comment by KarenNfld:
Definitely a macro but I don't think it is abstract enough.

Buttons
by darnok

Comment by bod:
First glance: Keypad

Lacks any kind of excitement or energy. It just is.

Textbook Example
by darnok

Comment by theSaj:
::: Critique Club ::: [The Saj]

First Impressions: My first impression was that I was going to like this photo followed by a growing lessening of my liking. Will endeavor to pin point what detracted me from liking this shot as much as I wanted to.

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Composition: The composition is decent, but I think a few aspects hurt the shot. You've captured a great background in total blackness and strong white of the textbook. However, the placement of the pen, and more so it's shadow creates a minor distracting element for me. You see, the equations and diagrams are the interesting parts of the page. The shadow and pen overlay these. So that I find my eye trying out of curiousity to follow/read said diagrams only to be affronted with a shadow and totally blocked by a pen. Creating frustration to the curiosity of this viewer, namely me.

This may not be an issue to all viewers. But it will be to many. I hope I've conveyed this concept of "Obstruction to Curiosity" and how it can hurt the appreciation of a photo?

Subject: I like the choice of the book, and thing it is well chosen. The pen I am less inclined to like. The metallicness of the pen is not captured well (and is challenging to do so), and results in a feel of blurriness and loss of focus. I know that pen has fine grooved, brushed metal. But I can't see it. Once again my mind is frustrated, this time by the fact of it's knowledge of what is their and the lack of ability to see what the mind knows. Does that make any sense?

Technical (Colour, focus, and light): Focus could have really strengthened this shot. My eye is really craving a more focused pen and I think the transition of focus could fade out more toward the top.

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Summary: See if you can correct some of the focus issues, perhaps try some different subjects. My final thought is that this is a fairly common shot. So, it's a very good study subject. But try to think of how you can make this shot more unique.

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It is my hope that these insights are helpful, and constructive. If you have any questions regarding this critique, please feel free to PM me. Also feel free to PM me with any feedback on this critique. And please remember to mark it "Helpful" if you found it so.

- Jason "The Saj"