The Calling
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Comment by KaDi:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

The color in this image is striking! I love the way the background shapes, lines and colors bring so much energy to this. The expression on the woman's face is interesting and has that candid feel as she seems to be present only in her own moment and thoughts. What lovely contrast between the detail of her face and the blurring of the background! The image seems to demand that the viewer ask who is she and where is she going?

Clearly an urban setting, the inclusion of other people further helps to define the place. But I still find myself wishing that the person to the left of the frame were not quite so prominent since it draws the eye away from the subject.

I see that some of your commentators interpreted the blue object at her neck as a water bottle...but it's not entirely clear to me that it is. It seems possible that it is, instead, a breathing device for a tracheotomy patient. The ambiguity is at first intriguing...then annoying since I can't really tell. It seems that what that is would make a huge difference in interpretation of this subject. So, too, would knowing if she's responding to a "call" or just checking traffic before she crosses the street...but that matters less to me and your title makes me willing to accept her expression as one of response to something other than a passing bus.

Overall, a compelling image because the subject is so strong and presented so well.

peaches
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Comment by levyj413:
I like the arrangement very much. My main suggestion would be to increase the contrast to reduce what seems to be a very yellowish tint, but might just be the real colors all being toward yellow. In particular, I'd try to lighten the background a bit so the basket stands out more.

The Calling
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Comment by Jutilda:
Man you can see her blue eyes from here. Killer bokeh.

Out of Tears
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Comment by JohnLampkin:
If you had given us at least a hint of what she was crying about....
Engagement ring?
Crackerjack ring?
Cubic Zirconian?
Bowling trophy second place?

The Calling
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Comment by posthumous:
It really does look like she is hearing a call. She looks almost saintly.

peaches
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Comment by krnodil:
Great job Alan - this is really a lively composition for a still life. Well done.

Out of Tears
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Comment by riversong:
Love your DOF and the use of b/w. Great detail!

Out of Tears
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Comment by basssman7:
Great emotion, but in a very busy picture.

The Calling
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Comment by weisz:
is that a bottle of water in her shirt? Strange. love the color sat.

Out of Tears
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Comment by urnotworthit123:
this could have had moer emotion to it...but then it wouldnt be for this challenge i like how its in B&W.