Arch
by Citadel

Comment by Ann:
I've been staring at the shot for the last couple of minutes, trying to form some thoughts about it. There's nothing really wrong with the shot. It meets the challenge, is in focus, properly exposed, the blue sky is nice. Not a killer subject, but not bad either. I think where you could get the most improvement out of this shot would be to shoot or process it in a way where it's not quite so dark. When I took the 5 second "voter view" (I didn't vote on it, but you know what I mean), my first impression was *dark*. I'm not sure you can do this with this subject, especially considering the challenge topic, but maybe shoot from an angle that doesn't leave the arch in total silhouette. The arch looks like it might have some interesting textures. See if you can get an angle that emphasizes the textures with shadow, instead of turning everything black.

Hope this helps.

Arch
by Citadel

Comment by taterbug:
Well, it fits the challenge. I agree, it is not a technically bad shot at all. The subject is alright, not real exciting, but not boring at all either. The lamppost, I don't see it as any kind of major distraction. I don't think it really takes anything away from the image, but at the same time, it feels a little out of place, and I can't help but think maybe the shot would have a miniscule bit more impact without it, if that makes any sense :-) One could wonder about the centered comp, but I think in this case it works alright, maybe getting out of the center would be good, but maybe not, you'd have to explore that. So there are possibly things that could be done different, like composition, fill light, etc, but who knows if it would make a difference? As far as the lack of comments, I think you've just landed in a comment no-man's land. There are no glaring flaws to point out. It is not totally lacking interest or boring. It is not a dnmc. But there is not anything outstanding present. Nothing to really move a viewer, or connect with or engage with them. In other words my friend...You are missing that ever elusive and highly un-definable 'Wow factor'. :-)

Arch
by Citadel

Comment by WriteHeart:
I am not really qualified to comment since I don't really know what I am doing yet. But I will be happy to tell you my impressions.

First, I love the color of the sky and the sun peaking through the walkway. One thing that I noticed right away though was the lamp post to the left of the archway. To me, it seems to distract from the picture. I know that it couldn't really be helped because of the angle that you needed to shoot from to get the sun where you have it, but it was the first thing I saw instead of the arch or the sun.

Don't know that that will help, just what I noticed.

edited: spelling

Message edited by author 2007-04-11 02:21:27.

Arch
by Citadel

Comment by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by Citadel: Just for the record, I don't think the score is bad for the image. I'm just looking for areas in which it could be improved. (Since I had ONE comment during the entire challenge).

I'm just saying that there is nothing wrong with the photo. There's different things you could try, like a little fill lighting if the arch has some interesting detail but I don't think any different editing after the fact would improve things much given the subject.

Arch
by Citadel

Comment by Citadel:
Just for the record, I don't think the score is bad for the image. I'm just looking for areas in which it could be improved. (Since I had ONE comment during the entire challenge).

Message edited by author 2007-04-11 02:13:19.

Arch
by Citadel

Comment by TechnoShroom:
I didn't vote on this one originally but I would say if you are unhappy with your score it is because of the subject rather than the technical. It's just not that interesting of a subject. For another example of a subject that isn't that interesting see my entry in this challenge.

Hands of the Family
by Citadel

Comment by markopella:
would have been a stronger image in color. 5.

Hands of the Family
by Citadel

Comment by Haneck:
A really cool idea for a shot - and pretty good! However, I would suggest putting a little bit more composition into the photo... and maybe trying to get some more details. For example, even though the baby's hand has some good detail, the hand in the back is sort of missing out, making me want to see more of it as well. A sweet photo though! :)

Arch
by Citadel

Comment by RobMcGee:
a little too much contrast i think.

Moment
by Citadel

Comment by Artifacts:
Positives:
Simple, clean image. Simplicity serves to focus attention on the coin. Blue duotone works well to add viewer interest without adding clutter.

Technicals:
Generally OK but need improvements. Clarity/focus is a little soft, possibly due to 1/6th shutter speed. Technical excellence is paramount for an image like this. Though you did cleanup you missed a sensor dust spot at the middle top edge of the image. There is some kind of flaw just above the upper right side of the plate or mirror, could be a refection off something. The round light reflection below to the right of the coin looks overexposed. Viewers can see there is detail on the coin but not really make out what it is and that will act as a distraction.

Though individually these items are minor, combined they will be noticed by viewers and lower the score.

The Challenge:
The coin, though obviously 'still', may be viewed by some voters as stop action and therefore not really 'still' so could get some dnmc backlash.

Suggestions:
Obviously you want to address the overexposed light reflection and the other items mentioned. You want the technicals PERFECT for this image.

This image begs to be a little sharper. If taken hand held you might consider bumping up ISO even more for a faster shutter speed to reduce movement for a sharper plate and increased DOF. If you used a tripod then shoot at a LONGER shutter speed and higher f/stop to try to improve the overall sharpness of the plate. Consider adding some front lighting on the coin for better brightness and definition.

It is a semi-centered composition. Simplistic compositions such as this benefit greatly from offset placement of the main subject.

In 'advanced' editing (and I realize this is not) you can fix and/or reduce the effects of overexposure by cloning nearby detail into the overexposed area with a low opacity brush. The effect is remarkably natural and works like a charm.