Vigilance
by JamesKW

Comment by atupdate:
I gave this image a 5. Basically, the image met the challenge and you accomplished what you intended for the image but there are issues with composition and quality. The primary issue is the picture looks out of focus. This is most likely due to your post processing steps. I not sure if Microsoft Office Picture Manager has the ability to sharpen images but most images look blurry after resizing. As for the composition, I'm not sure if shooting this in portrait would have helped any. The issue is that the dogs looking in opposite directions, which confuses the focus point for this image (do your eyes follow their stare towards the left or towards the right). I would suggest that next time you have someone hold a treat so that they both look in the same direction and also have them sit so they aren't stacked one on top of the other.

Enlightenment
by JamesKW

Comment by Titia:
Worshipping the light? Putting the statues like you did, makes my eyes switch constantly between the two. I think you put in too much. The candle in itself would've been better, or the left statue with the candle. Now it seems a bit restless. 5

Enlightenment
by JamesKW

Comment by Loki:
Nice. Great use of available light.

Vigilance
by JamesKW

Comment by cryan:
I like the idea of this shot but, IMO i would have left all the the front dog in the image and shot vertical.

Enlightenment
by JamesKW

Comment by Melethia:
The figurines seem kinda evil-looking, which doesn't seem conducive to zen. The photo is a bit too centered. Perhaps have both figures on one side of the candle and leave a bit of negative space?

Perfect Motion, Frozen in Time
by JamesKW

Comment by starrlite:
nice use of "object" placement

Enlightenment
by JamesKW

Comment by jah_luv:
This is the first shot that I've seen in this challenge that has any humor to it. How can one NOT smile when seeing these Buddhas. Although I love this shot, and in another challenge, I'd vote it an 8 or 9, the buddhas in this are distracting to the calmness of the candle, which should be the only subject matter. The glass of the blue dish blends in harmony with the black background. As does the candle itself, which hints at an inner glow, and the light from the candle is superb in creating a sense of stillness. I'm giving you a 7, only because of the buddhas' distraction to the overall zen. Great job from the 'Great Job Baggie'!

Enlightenment
by JamesKW

Comment by talj:
Nice idea, would like the little 'buddhas' to be completely in focus or possibly a little more OOF.

Enlightenment
by JamesKW

Comment by posthumous:
the hungry buddha
does not waste his mouth
laughing. 4

Enlightenment
by JamesKW

Comment by briantammy:
I really don't know that much about zen but I think the two figures are distracting. I think zen should not be like this. I'm not sure. I think the image has interesting qualities though like the dark background and the composition is good.