Happiness is an Action word
by amsmyth

Comment by wingy:
Maybe not always, but if you need a title that trys to convince your audience that your shot fits the challenge, it probably doesn't fit the challenge. I think this shot is pushing the criteria of an action shot. That aside, my natural reaction to this shot meant to represent happiness is mild disgust. The dog might be enjoying that bone greatly, but it just looks a little bit nasty to me.

I think I can...
by amsmyth

Comment by tfaust:
Not a bad idea here. I think this would look much better with a solid background and tabletop. The patterns and colors of your tablecloth and drapes are too distracting. With the wood guys holding up and showcasing the book, it might be better if the other one wasn't in the picture. Good luck with your resolution! :-)

Happiness is an Action word
by amsmyth

Comment by Dave Gordon:
The dog certainly looks happy. The crop seems too tight on his eye; a little of his head above the eye would have madfe this perfect.

I think I can...
by amsmyth

Comment by relgraphics:
Maybe a black backdrop would make this picture better.

I think I can...
by amsmyth

Comment by jonpink:
ah the dummies books... nice idea, but more thought to the floor and background.

Happiness is an Action word
by amsmyth

Comment by Coley:
Nice take on the subject

Exhuberance
by amsmyth

Comment by dsa157:
I lreally like the angle of the background objects. It frames nicely against the flower bloom.

Apple Boxes
by amsmyth

Comment by Harz_Joerg:
Hi Anne;

This image is amazing for its shape and texture and of course due to the great choise of color. As some other did already point out, the ladder disturbes the natural structure of the wood of the boxes. I think this too.
An old wooden ladder would have been great her: it would not disturb, because it would be of the same material as the boxes, but would bring in a dynamic, living element. Otherwise it would look to artificial.

Jörg

Still Waters
by amsmyth

Comment by Harz_Joerg:
Hi Anne;

Wonderful picture of a truly sacred natural place. One can hear the silence and feel the refreshing, calm morning.

A slight issue is of course the foreground bush: cropping it away wouldn't work here. The symmetry would get broken and most important the lake would get too narrow. But it needs to be enough distance between the lower border and the rock to make the rock "fly" in the sky.
So you did choose it just right.

Congrats afterwards for your 4th place,

Jörg

Happiness is an Action word
by amsmyth

Comment by justine:
The bone/tongue is really not very attractive or appealing to look at. Maybe a different crop would of improved this shot some. Sorry.