Tactics
by jmsetzler

Comment by CreativeFlyPhoto:
hey there from the Critique Club - hehe

this image is excellent .. the clarity and detail in the clear figures is amazing .. i do like the shallow DOF and the play in with the chessboard .. the placement of everything certainly portrays symmetry and the off balance in the background sets the complete composition off nicely ... I also do like the blue tones it gives it a warmer feeling - maybe even a more artsy feel to the photograph than if the shot was done in black and white ... my only thing is that the King looks like its slightly leaning to the right ... maybe it's just an illusion or the piece itself ... either way ... great job .. Ayme

Oasis
by jmsetzler

Comment by justine:
CC Hi JohnBoy!

Fits The Challenge-*Mostly* yes.
Composition-Good except for the bobbed tail.
Background-Good
My Opinion-Technically: score of 90%.. -5 for the tail and -5 a bit dark. Both are minor and easily corrected or changed. Since we don't have something to compare the lizard to it's hard to tell the size and that is why I question the _fits the challenge_. Secondly the mirror. It took me a long time to see it. I will tell you once I did I thought it added to the shot. Last but not least ....the 'Oasis'. I don't see it well enough to recognize it for what it is. Now after reading your note and then later posts I know. I will tell you during the challenge I didn't have a clue what it was. It not a bad shot at all and has appeal.

Symphony In F Major
by jmsetzler

Comment by pinback:
Very nice. Lighting and composition are great. Well done.

Oasis
by jmsetzler

Comment by shareinnc:
I seem to remember giving a lower score on this shot because it seemed to miss the "macro" mark. I like the composition and the focus is brilliant, but It was too wide and too far back to be macro.

Symphony In F Major
by jmsetzler

Comment by kiwiness:
An excellent macro, nothing to criticize on here, I love it - 10.

Oasis
by jmsetzler

Comment by Robro:
The lighting is brilliant but it is not enough of a macro for me...
I expect macro shots to be of something quite small and this is hard to guage the size of.

Symphony In F Major
by jmsetzler

Comment by KarenB:
gorgeous set up! the flower seems to float in space.. and the reflection gives the impression that it is just barely touching another. the lighting is generally good..though seems a bit bright on the left petals near the center of the flower. Not enough to lose detail, but noticeably to the darker petals especially on the bottom. The colors are so warm and impressive.. even the purple toward the center. .. and the drama of the black background and reflection push this over the top. I can't decide if the green stems were necessary. On one hand, they continue the leading line from the center of the flower into the photo along the line of the stem. On the other hand, they sorta just stick out there like they are detached, since the continuation of the line is broken by the petals. In fact, i wonder if the impact would be even greater with a vertical rotation...? Hmmm. In that way it may look like two flowers rather than a reflected flower. This is just musing.. Fine work all around!

Symphony In F Major
by jmsetzler

Comment by webster:
Technically perfect and beautiful. Lighting could be more interesting (highlight/shadow).

Symphony In F Major
by jmsetzler

Comment by scab-lab:
Beautiful color, love the reflection, really gives an added depth to the shot.

Symphony In F Major
by jmsetzler

Comment by Kavey:
Kavey Critique


Initial thoughts
Very striking and interesting light and shadow.

Composition/ Content
I like the simple centred composition – although this can often make a composition seem a bit settled or traditional I think in this case it does look dynamic.
I particularly like the darker curve along the lower edge created by the petals behind.
I find the lighting just a little harsh in that on several petals I can̢۪t really see the texture, though it̢۪s marginal as I can see it in some petals and some petals are reasonably dark.
I love the way the central bit of the flower (don’t know what it’s called – the bit that has the stamens growing from it) mirrors the yellow in black of the larger image.

Background
Nicely and evenly black.

Camera Work - Technical
Looks good – I’d like to see other lighting options – seems a touch harsh on upper left and a touch dark on lower areas.

Fits The Challenge
yes!

My Opinion On The Photo
I like it – though I’m biased – I am a xanthophile!