Stranger to the Ground
by JPR

Comment:
Since I have not had a chance to comment on this before, and it seems to be the topic for the day, let me do so now. I gave this an above average score for a photo that meets the challenge (I think scores should be anonymous, with maybe exception of those giving 1s, so I try not to tell). I do like the capture of the diver, and the composition and crop is good. I also like the texture given by the noise, and the colors of the sky.

However, the flare doesn't work at all for me. I think it works for some people because they see it as an "object", as if this was the moon with the diver just below. That would indeed be very nice! But it's flare. ;-) There's also some other small defects which detract and influenced my scoring (which was still pretty good): a large white spot or something like that just above it, and the fact that the diver is oversharpened, which is what makes him stand out with contrast (but unnaturally IMHO).

Stephen King- Firestarter
by neenee1999

Comment:
I think this was a very good attempt to illustrate the book. But you set your JPEG compression ratio too high, and that has degraded the photo. Also, while the effect is nice, the close up, just off center composition isn't as interesting as I think other versions might be. (Actually, it works well as a thumbnail).

The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer
by OneSweetSin

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club:

I really liked this image from book titles, and scored it higher than most if not all other images I scored, so there's not a lot I can say to explain why it didn't place higher. I think the composition is excellent, the choice of B&W as well. Though now, thinking about it, it might have worked even better in sepia for an old fashioned look. Other minor details for perfection: the coveralls could have been a bit rattier, or maybe at least "shorter fitting" and the paint brush could have been visible. Of course, at the risk of ruining a good fence, technically, he should have been whitewashing the fence, so a white pain on the brush might have been a good start, and then just show the bristles.

Lastly, the technical capture is excellent, but maybe some directional lighting and shadows might have given it more pop.

But these are just thoughts to improve an already EXCELLENT photo.

A Proper Gander ....
by tonyw

Comment:
Funny, I had a friend suggest a similar idea -- but didn't have the goose! I was going to prop a stuffed gander against a wall. Very good capture of this goose. Good background but perhaps too centric.

Spreading of Roots
by Cathy

Comment:
Not sure I see propaganda here.

trees: harmless?
by Miah

Comment:
Funny title. Well composed but too contrasty and overexposed.

Why start smoking when you can take the easy way out!
by Dufus

Comment:
Good message and composition. I assume you planned the overexposure there, and I think that works too. I wanted to do an antismoking one myself, but didn't want to contribute and buy any cigarettes.

Random Thoughts..
by buzzrock

Comment:
Well that's certainly controversial and somewhat entertaining! And I guess it's propaganda. It's well taken, but these kind of shots to make the challenge to me (at least personally) are a little shallow in concept.

true example of propaganda in Appalachia
by wkmen

Comment:
Hmm, that's someone elses propaganda.

The Power and Beauty of a Woman
by Emeraulde

Comment:
Well, I am not sure if your title was to evoke a response. While this woman has a great powerful look, the cigarette to me is a weakness. And a cigarette makes one anything but beautiful. So I am not sure what to make of this topically, though it is very well taken. The bit of smoke to the right center is a distraction (as is the whole cigarette).