riddle me this...
by cbaile02

Comment by CNovack:
There are times that I look at the face and think that it is really a human 'stone' face and then other times (when I look at the hollowed eyes) that I see it is just a statue. While this is just a statue it is one of the sphinx and it IS the choice of composing your main element that lifts this out of what I would normally view as a snapshot. I like how you composed it at an angle to include the road. The story surrounding the sphinx is that she was guarding a 'road' or path. A traveler would have to answer her question in order to pass. So here we have the Sphinx guarding the curved road and 'blocking' our path until we answer correctly. While a good shot (and I might add a slightly above average shot with minimal editing in an expert editing challenge) it could be even better. First off when I think of the sphinx I think of this creature looming over me. I don't get that with the composition as it stands now. The looking down angle makes me think/feel that we are looking down at what is supposed to be a fearsome creature. I think you could have shot this at a lower angle looking up making the the Sphinx seem larger than us. Make us fear her; show us how she can/is bigger than us. If you shot at a lower angle I would still recommend getting the road in the shot for it does complement the image. Black and White tones are good- BUT could be better. The tones on the main subject could be jussst a touch more contrast between shadow and highlights. There are blown highlights in the backdrop. Either or both an adjustment in aperture/ISO and some adjustments to Shadows/Midtones/Highlights in post processing would help.

shades of grey
by cbaile02

Comment by DJWoodward:
Challenge Relevance:6 Impact/Emotion/Mood:5 Technicals:5.5 Processing:5.5 Creativity:5

shades of grey
by cbaile02

Comment by lenia:
A definite contrast both in technique and subject. Well done!

shades of grey
by cbaile02

Comment by GCoppola:
This is an interesting shot, but I think there is too much empty space on the right.

shades of grey
by cbaile02

Comment by jeremygrimm:
too much gray

Do you know the way to San Jose?
by cbaile02

Comment by cbaile02:
I agree with the border comments as well! It is waaay too thick. I could blame it on late nights and too much sun while I was in TX! :) I appreciate the feedback!

Dream Big
by cbaile02

Comment by mbailey82:
very nice!! like the colors and the perspective

Dream Big
by cbaile02

Comment by Kathy:
First steps to his career, eh? Nice choice of subject matter.

Do you know the way to San Jose?
by cbaile02

Comment by BeeCee:
I agree with the border comments and here's why. My eye first goes to the dome, well placed on a third, then travels on the horizontal building line out to the left. When it runs out of building to look at there, it goes back and follows the archways flowing smoothly toward me. Very nice... until suddenly BAM, it runs smack into a black wall. IMO it would be more effective if my eye/imagination were allowed to extrapolate and continue that flow right off the edge of the photo. I do like your choice of perspective and the contrast between the weathered stone and the new foliage.

I hope this helps. I always hate when commenters say they don't like something but don't say why, or give me any tips on improvements :)

Dream Big
by cbaile02

Comment by Emma_Rose:
lol, very nice. I think it would be fantastic if it was just a little brighter (but that might be just me)