Welcome to Palm Strings
by GeneralE

Comment:
That's very funny, and I like your title as-is (though I didn't catch the T at first). Other possibilities: "Trunk Lines," "Cocoknots," "The Vegetation Superhighway," "Palm Pilot," or simply "Palm Strings."

Yellow Search Engine
by RayEthier

Comment:
Good idea to use the yellow pages, but you didn't go far enough with it. I know this was your first entry, but it's an excellent case study. If you browse through the high scoring photos, you'll find that identifying a good subject is only part of the equation. One thing that struck me early on is that the winning shots often meet the challenge almost as a side effect on the way to something more. It's kinda' hard to explain, but I think of it like this: "OK, this object alone is enough to meet the challenge, so now I can forget about that aspect and just concentrate on a context or "story" with this object that would make an interesting photo." Always strive for simplicity. Anything that isn't necessary to communicate the situation should be eliminated.

Example: Open the yellow pages to the camera section (or something else appropriate) and position your fingers like the "walking" icon on the cover. Take a closeup with dramatic (or otherwise interesting) lighting, and title it, "Early Search Engine." Try to avoid repeating the challenge name in your title. Depending upon your lighting, that would probably score over 6.

Now apply that to your other entries- good subjects, but no story. You have no problem meeting the challenges, but if you can simplify your scenes and create a visual story, you'll never dip below 5 again. Good luck!

Picture 028 (Large) (Small).jpg
by RayEthier

Comment:
Terrific exposure on this one. The deep color all the way back really gives you a sense of how clear and crisp the air is (we usually have some haziness). Pity you didn't take a vertical shot to capture more of the reflection. Remember to straighten your horizons before posting- tilted horizons (unless obviously intentional) are a big "Kick Me" sign on this site.

Mount Rainier.1 (Small).JPG
by RayEthier

Comment:
Great pic of Mt. Rainier- the foreground houses provide a good sense of scale, making this mountain all the more impressive.

The Janitor
by tyt2000

Comment:
Man, you sure do have a handle on B&W images! Congrats on yet another top 10. ;-)

War Paint
by grigrigirl

Comment:
Dang, Julia! Fifth and sixth in the last two challenges- have mercy on us! Wonderful shot, as always.

EDIT- now make that back 2 back 5th places!

Message edited by author 2005-01-10 17:25:35.

Choose a different angle, meet new goals.
by jjbeguin

Comment:
I'm not surprised that this was yours JJ. I'm shocked that it didn't make the top 10. :-(

Eat Smaller Portions
by scalvert

Comment:
I actually tried to unsubmit this shot about 8 times, but the server just wouldn't let it go. Hmm... new resolution...

Take Time to Watch the Sunset
by charmayne

Comment:
Beautiful! Congrats on your top 10, a personal best, and a thorough spanking of my entry. ;-)

Try to think more outside the box
by EddyG

Comment:
I shoulda' known this was yours, Eddy. Call the police, 'cause you wuz robbed!