Straws
by aurora

Comment by sylandrix:
Greetings from the Critique Club!...

COMPOSITION... Overall, the photo lacks a bit of that elusive "wow" factor that the winning images have. The composition is strong however, by having a very simple, uncluttered subject, strong lines, and repeating patterns. I like the break in the diagnonal pattern - the foldable parts of the straws are not perfectly aligned but symettrical - upsetting the balance of the shot. Adds a bit of interest.

TECHNICAL ... There is a slight overall feeling of unsharpness and undexposure.. run unsharp mask and see if it helps the sharpness issue. Use a level adjustment to correct for any exposure problems. Whenever I do a critique at a computer other than my own, it could be possible that the uncalibrated monitor gives me a very wrong impression of color in an image... but when you do a levels adjustment, you will see from the histogram if there are any problems that need fixing.

OVERALL... My overall impression is that the photo is a great underlying backdrop for something else ... some small element is missing to give the photo that extra "edge". Stands enough stronly on its own though and its an interesting abstract.

Road To Nowhere
by aurora

Comment by dsidwell:
Maybe I'm just a sucker for duotone path shots, but your tones here are marvelous and make me want to walk down that path. Looks soft and inviting with your use of light and focus.

Road To Nowhere
by aurora

Comment by eloise:
The focus is ... weird, in this. I wanted to say it was blurry, but it isn't - maybe it WAS blurry, and then was sharpened enough so that the odd flat bright areas (leaves) were simply given sharp edges? It feels strange, as if some of the pebbles on the road were closerto the camera than the grass that's even with them in the frame.

Neo's Choice
by aurora

Comment by Amiee:
Good image. Good layout. I like how the lighting effects the image as well. Good job.

Road To Nowhere
by aurora

Comment by dacrazyrn:
SOme great contrasts here. Love the shadows up the trail. would like a bit more detail to maybe bring out more texture in the leaves, may bgring a touch more depth to the shot (?)

Road To Nowhere
by aurora

Comment by ruthiek:
I love the photo of path here -- it's a great subject for a duotone photo, but to me, the lighting on the shrubs/trees in the foreground is so harsh that it steals focus from the winding path itself.

Straws
by aurora

Comment by dsidwell:
Engaging and ineresting patterns make this work well.

Neo's Choice
by aurora

Comment by Anachronite:
turning the blue pill so we can not read "starburst" would help.. lol good concept though

Straws
by aurora

Comment by qachyk:
Ow, my eyes.

Okay, let's try that again. Yes, yes that would fit the topic quite well. And they're BENDY straws, which is not something I would have ever thought to photograph myself. Very bright, very intense. I think I kinda like it.

Straws
by aurora

Comment by karmat:
Reminded me of red and green earthworms. Good composition. Lining up the bendable area gives a line for the eyes to follow.