Think It's Stupid? Cigarettes Are Just As Bad
by Ubersteiny

Comment by Commando303:
A photo with a message, eh...

I love the technical aspects of the shot, and even find the concept quite clever. Nevertheless, it somewhat troubles me that, were it not for the title of the challenge, I'd probably have no idea what you're smoking. I'm not sure just how you could have worked through this problem, but, irrespective, it's one that I see. Great job taking the picture, even if it is somewhat an oddity to try to rate.

Hands of a Gravedigger
by Ubersteiny

Comment by kausikmpi:
From the Critique club.
Hi,
I like the composition of this image. The diagonal lines made by the fingers are nicely balanced by the antidiagonal made by the two nails which happen to be the center of interest. The focus on the dirty fingers are clear and the dirt does justice to the challenge title. The overall image is nice but as a critique I would like to add somethings just to make it perfect maybe. There is a little harsh shadow cast on the ring finger which might be removed by a reflector or by repositioning the finger. This would add to the information of the image. This would also cause both the nails to be prominent to the same degree maybe creating a tension in the pic which has to be modulated then so that one of them is brighter or has more contrast than the other. After I have seen these two fingers my eyes travel to the palm which goes nicely out of focus to indicate depth and then to the index finger. Here I do not see any dirt, which might be interesting (if it was in focus, then it would be a theme) but it would also be important to have specks on them to make the pic harmonious.
Just a note on the concept, how about positioning the hand so that it is holding something (this pose looks and feels a bit tedious) and is at rest. This would most probably indicate the profession as well as the tired nature of the hands after the work. There is nothing in the technical side that I can think of.
This is a critique which is based on my meagre knowledge of composition and photography and would like to have feedback if you have ways to improve this cririque.
With regards
Kausik

Hands of a Gravedigger
by Ubersteiny

Comment by carleighnicole:
Nice work Dustin, not a bad ranking.

Deadly Stare
by Ubersteiny

Comment by MaryO:
Great texture!

Hands of a Gravedigger
by Ubersteiny

Comment by Bernard_Marx:
Nice job here - I think this is a well crafted image.

Deadly Stare
by Ubersteiny

Comment by macrothing:
6 - Nice clarity and detail. Perhaps the claws in focus too, but your call, obviously. Background works, but wonder about a contrasting color, but again, your call. Minor, but looks like a little sensor dust just above the right nostril. Also like to have seen a name in the title to 'personalize' this for this Challenge.

Deadly Stare
by Ubersteiny

Comment by m_sarzynski:
Love the details in the scales.

Hands of a Gravedigger
by Ubersteiny

Comment by owen:
I like your composition here. The tones and lighting is great. The DOF is spot on too. This is a great for such for this challenge.

Deadly Stare
by Ubersteiny

Comment by johnsgirl8383:
what will it do if i dont vote 10?

Hands of a Gravedigger
by Ubersteiny

Comment by ursula:
They dig by hand? :) Good shot. I like the diagonal. ~7