Against An Angry Sky
by LadyK

Comment by freakin_hilarious:
**Critique Club**

Well, I think you already know that this is a great image. A well executed silhouette can certainly score highly, and a nice dramatic sky never hurts! I really like the angle from which you were shooting. It helps give a sense of the majesty of the cowboy and horse. I think the emotive quality that this image exudes helped propel it to the top as well. Even in silhouette it's obvious that the cowboy is communing with his steed. The B/W was a great choice and an excellent conversion.

If pressed to try to make the image even better, I would probably change a couple of things. There was certainly a very high dynamic range in the scene, and a bit of HDR or shadow/highlight might have helped even out the darkest darks and the little bit of blown out sky. Also, on the processing side of things, it would be interesting to try warming it up with a touch of sepia (or similar) colored duotone. I think just a hint of that yellow/brown would punch it up a bit.

I see from your comments that there were mixed feelings about the composition. Put me in the camp of the "too much empty space on the right". I think putting the cowboy closer to the thirds line and having a little more horse in the shot would give it more balance.

Congrats on your top 10 and new PB! It's really a great image all around.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to shoot me a PM.
Nathan

Tummy Shot
by LadyK

Comment by BarbB:
Oh thems hard workin' hands! ....I can believe that it's been kicked out of the nude gallery, ....not nearly enough flesh showing. :D IMO, there are head photos and heart photos. Head photos are what we manufacture to get votes, heart photos are the ones we just love, (and sometimes a lot of other do too). I think this is a heart photo for/from you! I think it's a great photo, and obviously others do too! I hope you like it!

.....oh! BTW I just drifted over from a thread to check out the "contraversial" image....which has had over 2000 views.....well ...actually closer to 3000! Well done!

Two of a Kind
by LadyK

Comment by SaraR:
Competently composed - the oblique angle gives an interesting play on scale. Ultimately though, I find the photo rather dull, with nothing making me wish to linger.

Piercing
by LadyK

Comment by david_c:
Full props for going the make-up route, but the lighting needs some work. Based on the reflection in the eyes, it's an 8-dollar Home Depot special.

The Mask I Must Wear
by LadyK

Comment by ganne:
Lovely shot...should deserve more. Wow there are 3 dumb people who rated this photo too (who voted 1 for this).

Piercing
by LadyK

Comment by Lonni:
Scary!

The Mask I Must Wear
by LadyK

Comment by TLL061:
wow , great job

Against An Angry Sky
by LadyK

Comment by cynthiann:
Just saw this... I LOVE IT!! Congrats on a top 10!!!

Against An Angry Sky
by LadyK

Comment by LadyK:
yay for me!!

Against An Angry Sky
by LadyK

Comment by levyj413:
Congrats on your first top 10 and your new personal best! This is a very cool silhouette.