Holiday Trimmings
by OneSweetSin

Comment by jjbeguin:
Critique Club intervention coming up:

Shapes galore in this composition, many of them would, alone, have been a fine candidate for this challenge.
The basket is the one object that really stands out. The Christmas decorations would stand out better if the background were much darker. Mixing highly reflective objects with others always creates insoluble lighting problems.
I just noticed the background must be snow, too bad the grain of it is not more perceptible; this would change the feel of this image a lot. The dull white setting really contrast violently with your festive accessories, gives it static look and fails to contextually enhance the subject. Perhaps unevenly sinking this basket in the snow would have given a better sense of where it was. Shooting in a warmer “living room“ kind of environment would also contribute to help people relate emotionally to this kind of shot.
Technically it seems that the composition̢۪s focus was not spot on and then was over-sharpened a bit.

Hope this helps,
All the best, JJ

Safe Winter Travel
by OneSweetSin

Comment by lilnukee:
This is an absolutely beautiful shot. If you don't get a blue ribbon with this, I will be shocked. The color is great, the look on his face captures such emotion, I just love it. Probably the most deserved 10 I have ever given.

Safe Winter Travel
by OneSweetSin

Comment by justine:
He'll be playing for Paterno because he'll never age or retire!! Okay now the shot: It has a bit of a nostalgic feel. I'm not sure if it's the old sled, the boys expression, or the b&w, but a good feel. It's a little soft of focus, but strong on character.

Safe Winter Travel
by OneSweetSin

Comment by xcharrier:
Nice use of black and white. Good shot.

Safe Winter Travel
by OneSweetSin

Comment by Natator:
Very nicely taken indeed.

Safe Winter Travel
by OneSweetSin

Comment by kinks:
cute

Safe Winter Travel
by OneSweetSin

Comment by mattcschneider:
Nice high contrast.

Nestled
by OneSweetSin

Comment by Jason:
I love pictures like this. Giving it a 9, 10 if the black and white was a bit 'richer'. Deeper black...know what I mean?

Holiday Trimmings
by OneSweetSin

Comment by buzzrock:
Nice shapes, and Well chosen background-- putting the basket on the snow

Holiday Trimmings
by OneSweetSin

Comment by cbeller:
Looks oversharpened.