Our nativity scene
by Beetle

Comment by brianlh:
Hello from the Critique Club

Looks like I got you again! Or you got me.. one or the other, anyways. Anyway, this is certainly a Classy Holiday Decoration - I like the angle you have chosen and it's certainly a great little set up (very impressive construction of the fireplace and pots!). I think that I agree somewhat with bear on the wings - that I wish they weren't cut off. It doesn't change too much, since the focus is obviously on baby Christ. I like your choice to include the whole scene rather than just the place of focus. It's possible that maybe some selective lighting on this area might have emphasized/dramatized the situation, but that's a matter of decision/taste that varies from person to person. You should be prooud of this, as is obvious by your placement and surrounding by other great pictures. Keep it up!

STILL his turn! (Indecision)
by Beetle

Comment by brianlh:
This one comes courtesy of the Critique Club :)

In a way, it's a little weird to critique an image that placed 77 out of 106, yet still received a solid 5.6684 (which, for reference sake, would have placed you 15 out of 108 in the challenge that this mimics).

When I compare it to the original (which may not be the best way to judge it technically, but probably the best way for this challenge), I notice the perspective is slightly different. Yours places slightly more emphasis on the skeleton (at its eye level) as opposed to the indecisive move itself (the original at the 'eye level' of the chess board). The image, while sharp, does not bring the eyes to rest as well - perhaps due to the extreme opposite locations in the image of the two places of interest (far bottom right for the hand, far upper left for the head).

The black clothing also tends to blend in with the table and background, which may or may not create a sense of confusion. Obviously, the voters liked this image and you would've done much better had you not been up against the extremely stiff competition in this challenge. Hope my comments help - just tried to find some things that may shed some light here. Let me know if you have any thoughts/questions. :)

Message edited by author 2004-12-30 01:41:22.

STILL his turn! (Indecision)
by Beetle

Comment by Turtle:
Great idea

STILL his turn! (Indecision)
by Beetle

Comment by Art Roflmao:
Composition: 7, Technical: 6, Appeal: 5, Challenge: 8, Overall Calculated Average Score: 7

Washington Pass
by Beetle

Comment by Beetle:
Thanks for the comments, guys. This was taken with my Canon powershot G5. No lenses, no filters, very little postprocessing. Simply a fabulous place and great weather. Dumb luck, in other words *s*

Our nativity scene
by Beetle

Comment by snackwells:
Image tastefully sharpened and scene is very aesthetically pleasing. I suggest increasing the black point to black out the curtain in the backdrop. Otherwise, this is a very strong contender in this challenge.

Washington Pass
by Beetle

Comment by jpochard:
This is breathtaking! I really like the colors and perspective. Did you use a wide angle on this? It looks just a little distorted, but that could be an illusion from the slopes of the hills. Other than that, I can find no fault! You should also make this available for print.

Our nativity scene
by Beetle

Comment by Bear_Music:
a little too literal in the rendition to convey any mood to me. I wish I could see all of the wings, also

STILL his turn! (Indecision)
by Beetle

Comment by jpochard:
How cheesy....I love it! Nicely done technically as well.

STILL his turn! (Indecision)
by Beetle

Comment by Bear_Music:
that black baffle center right bugs me no end