Sorbet
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Comment by Teafran:
A good image which could be viewed as a technical failure. From an artistic standpoint, it is an intersting image with a dream like quality that is very effective - perhaps not of universal appeal - but that's how is seems to be presented. This isn't an abstract as much as it is more an impressionist concept in the mold of a classical period Claude Monet or modern era Thomas Dewing. If viewed by someone with an art background, this should place high.

Sorbet
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Comment by Farmr:
in my opinion, needs a bit more detail, but too much soft focus.

In hot water
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Comment by tanguera:
Clever!

Grayscale Family Portrait
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Comment by snaffles:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

Initial impression: A very simple, cleanly executed shot of a 'family' of pencils that cover most of the bases on the grayscale. I would've given this an 8.

Technical: The composition is great, all the varying heights of the pencils adds flow and interest to the shot; the lighting is wonderful and offsets the pencils to advantage. No pencil is lost against the b/g. I would have liked to see more dof. That f1.8 is a great lens; I love it because it makes me to work so hard to get a good shot.

Artistic: Love the idea of a family portrait, the clean lines and flow here, such a simple idea and very well done. Obviously the dpc crowd agrees. Can't argue with a top-20 finish!

FWIW: Apart from the dof, I wouldn't change a thing. A perfect example of a shot showing the KISS principle at work. Well done!

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Susan

In hot water
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Comment by Teafran:
A sense of humor goes a long way towards making a pleasant viewing experience. A clearly effective and humorous way to meet the challenge criteria, this clearly is Not Quite Right. The use of bokeh and the back lighting is very good and gives the image some pop and impact. Well done.

In hot water
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Comment by retiredPhil:
Must be something "not quite right" about this, but it escapes me.

DSC_5128-Edit.jpg
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Comment by posthumous:
ah... beautiful!

Water Car - SPMW 5890
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Comment by smudgeSMJ:
I don't think the tilt does anything to add to the photo here. Everything is just kind of drab. Might do well in black and white to get rid of some of the dirty feel of it. Or perhaps that's what you were going for and I'm missing the point completely?

Grayscale Family Portrait
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Comment by LadyK:
since this a so-called family portrait, i might have prefered that all of the pencils be in focus. nice range of grays

Water Car - SPMW 5890
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Comment by Teafran:
Occasionally, a photographer has a great idea and just takes it ever so slightly over the edge which flaws an otherwise good effort. This is a good example of that - the shot angle is way too sharp to be effective in an artistic sense - less of an angle would have been very helpful and taken it from an also ran into ribbon contention. From a technical standpoint, this is perfect and a complete success - crisp and sharp with excellant DOF control.