Observed
by colorcarnival

Comment by Monique64:
I think that the subject, being the squirrel, Should stand out a bit more.

A Point to be Made
by colorcarnival

Comment by jonfrommk:
Jeez...where the heck was everyones Christmas spirit...I thought this was a wonderful shot for the challenge and hit the idea of perspective perfectly (it transported me back to a time when I was 5 years old and I was being told that I had to be good if I wanted presents)

As for the comments about overdoing the NN...Well I think this may be true for a 'normal' portrait but I thought given the subject it added to the slight magical other worldly feel about father christmas

A Point to be Made
by colorcarnival

Comment by SoulMan1978:
LOl I hope he gave you everything you wanted.

hatsu yuki
by colorcarnival

Comment by JuliBoc:
Love this. Beautiful colors and great DOF.

hatsu yuki
by colorcarnival

Comment by jaysonmc:
So close to a six. Very nice dichotomous type shot. Lucky you and your new lens. I'm jealous!

A Star is Born
by colorcarnival

Comment by lissylou:
I like the star, I don't care so much for the background.

hatsu yuki
by colorcarnival

Comment by jonfrommk:
well I am a bit grumpy as the first time I went to comment on this shot just as I finished the DPC server went down for maintenance (9am UK time)

Anyhoooo to reprise...

This is a fantastic shot with so many things to like about it. The focus and sharpness on the deadhead is perfect (and the added snow is a wonderful touch). Given the subject of the challenge I thought it was brilliant that the deadhead was really the thing of beauty and the new bud relegated to the background.

The DOF on the new lens really gives the image pop and I love the fact that it made the green garage door look like a bokeh lawn.

Great image, and desreved to score even higher than it did

hatsu yuki
by colorcarnival

Comment by SandyP:
Wow! That new lens sure did its job for ya! This is beautiful. I love that shallow depth of field. 50-200, huh? I am doing some serious coveting here :)

hatsu yuki
by colorcarnival

Comment by Melethia:
The contrast of the old deadheaded flower and the new growth is awesome. The "just thrown on there" snow is perfect! Love how just a few crystals are hanging off the one petal.

hatsu yuki
by colorcarnival

Comment by Charlene:
Great set up. You totally fooled me! I love the colors and texture. Nice use of the new lens... and for inevitably understanding "wabi sabi" or whatever you like to call it! (I must admit to appreciating your version better, lol)