"Surprise from a Penny Jar"
by tfarrell23

Comment:
FYI: If there is a V.D.B. on the reverse side of that coin (bottom edge), you've basically got yourself enough for a new camera. As far as the picture is concerned, I really like the composition and the ighting is perfect. Nothing is overexposed and there are no distracting shadows. Nice idea.

Wheel sculpture / waterfountain
by RUEDISCHMUTZ

Comment:
I find that silhouettes work well with simple shapes where the outline is key and the lighting method adds some drama to the photo. In this case, however, I feel that the sculpture has an element of depth that is lost by using this method. Given its complexity, I think that using front lighting would have given clues to where everything fits together in the sculpture. Then again, I am an engineer, not an artist, so how I look at this may be biased by my own interests. On a brighter note, the sky looks spectacular and the texture of the water is very well captured. If the subject was less intricate, it would have been perfect.

wheels at rest/wheels in motion
by schurg

Comment:
The balance between the lighting of the parked car works well with the delayed exposure lighting of the moving car. The only exception is the headlights visible to the right. They are just too bright and take the attention away from the rest of the focus. Without that, it would have really strengthened the photo. As far as meeting the challenge, well, there are wheels visible but the photo doesn't really say "wheels". They are basically incidental to the photo, not the theme. No deduction, just an observation.

Retired
by grdSavant

Comment:
Cute title. I like the play between light and shadow going on in this picture. Assuming this was actually a retired tire, breaking a spoke or two could have strenghtened the theme. As far as composition, I find the tight crop on the left to be the only negative. I would have prefered the entire tire included, but that may just be me. Nice job.

Kimi Raikkonen
by catalinmv

Comment:
I am especially impressed that you managed to get this picture in the short amount of time before he blew his engine. As far the image, very well captured. I espiecually like the heat induced blur on the Marlboro sign. The only downside is the reflection on the rear wing obscuring the text and the bright spot on the rear left tire wind deflector. But given the circumstances, it's quite spectacular.

Go Fly a Kite
by ClubJuggle

Comment:
Oh man!!!! I woke up that morning and decided not to go to the Kite Festival since it was raining. I really wish I had gone in the afternoon. Nice capture of the sunset.

Got Milk?
by eostyles

Comment:
I really like the effect of having the spotlight miss the glass. I should try that myself. It adds a sense of mystery to the subject.

Foot Bridge
by Olyuzi

Comment:
This composition would be spectacular had the water been mirror smooth. With the wavy water, however, I would consider placing the bridge on the bottom third rather than the top third. Personally, I would rather see more of the snow covered trees than the water.

Grand Union Canal
by e301

Comment:
There is too much of an extreme in lighting. The combination of the dark shades under the bridge and the bright direct light is too much for cameras to handle properly. As a result, the bright area is blown out. The subject itself is quite nice as an urban theme. Consider reshooting it on an overcast day.

Calla Lily
by edmundtanso

Comment:
If this is inspired by Mapplethorpe, I am glad you chose to Calla Lily collection. ;)

I really like the lighting in this. It's subtle but does a very nice job at defining the depth and contours of the flower. I am guessing some may comment that it is too dark. If so, don't listen to them. They are misguided.