Hot Spoon
by peter

Comment:
Cropping a good third off the top of this image would have increased viewer interest due to presenting the viewer with less blank space to distract the eye. A simple composition with subtle DOF effects, it is very effective given that the crop was made. A worthy entry into the challenge.

Work in Progress
by raish

Comment:
A very good look at the process of construction, a little more lighting control would have moved the image from average to outstanding. The washed out and rather flat color and tones are a negative as the details on the fastener boxes and ruler being lost. A little more saturation and proper lighting would have really made this image pop and give it some wow factor. A very good set piece marred by a few minor technical issues.

Her Day
by eyeduphotos

Comment:
The fish eye effect is very effective, but the combination of sharp detail and soft focus causes one to constantly squint and try to clear the eye - it would not be too strong a statement that this effect makes the eyes water from trying to resolve the various elements into a cohesive whole. Additionally, the over done white framing on the wine bottle also creates an unnerving effect and makes the viewer uncomfortable. A better approach might have been to use a mitigating screen on the window such as a light curtain which would have reduced the over done white and reduced the glare to a more managable level for the viewer. From an artistic standpoint, this is a well constructed set piece that fails from some rather severe techical issues.

Table setting
by jettyimages

Comment:
Interesting, unique and different - an inspired set piece perfectly executed. The very sutble treatment and excellant grayscale conversion enhances the soft focus creating a very empyrean effect. This image compares favorably with some of the more classical romantic period painters and in some ways could be considered a homage to their style and technique. An outstanding image that is very unique in this challenge. A standing ovation would be in order for submitting such an excellant image.

sun sets over table & fork
by cutout

Comment:
One of the more interesting aspects of reviewing imagery is determining what works and what doesn't. In this instance, the woulda, shoulda, coulda is that an outstanding image presentif the top third had been cropped out eliminating the over done sun bloom and background hill profile. With that crop, this becomes an outstanding photo in the style of Rennasiance genre romanticism. With the bloom cut out, the effect is ethereal with the subtle and gentle brown tones. The image immediately becomes successful in both a technical and artistic sense being very pleasing to the eye due to the subtle touches of complimentary color and white space. The author may want to attempt this and make a photo on canvas print for entry into print competitions as the printing technique along with the excellant composition would be a winner in any setting.

Hide & Seek
by hesitant

Comment:
Whimsey and humor is always appreciated after viewing 70 odd images - it provides a break and refreshes the mind. This is a great construction and set piece image - very clever and inventive with all the technicals in place and properly executed. From an artistic standpoint, it demonstates a different way of looking at the challenge which is a huge positive. If there was one complaint, it would be that a little better DOF control would have been a slightly better choice, but that is a completely minor issue - so minor, it's barely worth mentioning. Well deserved kudos for being creative and clever - this image deserves high placement for being a demonstration of having fun with a camera. Well done.

Table Shot III
by whiterook

Comment:
The temptation to view this as a "throw in" image to the challenge was significant. When faced with this impression, the correct choice was to back off and take a longer look. There are several positive aspects to this image begining with the wonderful wood table and board - there is lots of character there and interesting details properly exposed. The intricate detail of the tan chess pieces is a plus. The subtle background is also a huge plus being very neutral in tone and texture. Unfortunately, the odd lighting angle didn't do this image any favors creating highlights that wash out the interesting tones and colors of the table. Additionally, the black chess pieces lost all the intricate detail present on the tan pieces. Taking a piece of blank paper, one can see the difference by isolating the tan pieces and viewing them seperatly from the entire construction. More thought into how this set piece was lighted would have helped it tremendously and made it a potential ribbon winner - there is a lot of positive potential in this image and the author should be encouraged to revisit this scene keeping in mind the lighting problems.

Sibling Thievery
by bspurgeon

Comment:
A very candid moment in time, the excellant conversion to black and white makes for a very effective presentation. The temptation to over use the table reflection was avoided and the subtle treatment of that aspect is a huge positive. Richly detailed with no major technical issues to distract the eye, the entire effect is pleasing and notable. A very good entry into the challenge from both an artistic and technical standpoint.

You are now entering the backspace - please stand by
by cjoconn22

Comment:
When faced with an out of the ordinary concept, the temptation is to immediately react to the image during review. In this case, the immediate reaction was not completely positive, but after sitting back and taking in the whole gestalt of this particular image the idea came into context. Very scifi, the clever combination of Enter and Backspace in addition to the blue sine wave ties the whole title/image combination together although it isn't immediately apparent. Probably not to general taste, this reviewer has a certain affection for scifi constructions - well done.

I warn you, don't push it
by Titia

Comment:
It took a while to understand the title/image combination concept, but eventually light dawned on Marblehead. A clever title and image that just falls short of being completely successful. Technically competant with proper exposure and good DOF control, it's artistic impact, while there, is very subtle and could have used a more in your face treatment. Still, a very good entry into the challenge meeting the challenge criteria.