Troy
by Mick

Comment:
Lighting: Good and generally well balanced, with a nice catchlight in the eyes. However, there are a couple of small hot spots (left elbow and upper ear, and a rather harsh shadow under the chin.
Pose: The expression conveys a bit about his character, which is a good thing; but spreading his legs around an open-backed chair was probably not the best choice for a formal portrait. Cropping just above the waist would have removed this problem.
Background: The black works well with this subject, with the exception of the hair on his head. The head needs a strong separation from the background and could have been achieved with a small wattage backlight aimed at his head.

Alone
by bongo

Comment:
Congrats on the ribbon, it is well deserved.

I did not get a chance to even look at the entries in this challenge, but I wanted to comment on this one.

Technically; having not read the rest of the comments, I imagine others have pointed out the lack of contrast and tilt. But these imperfections did not matter much once my eyes found your daughter. The poise with which she holds the pose carries the message past any technical barriers. Whomever is responsible for the pose, your coaching or her contribution, it worked very well.

I added you (and the picture) to my favorites because you have accomplished the conveyance of a strong emotional charge that I have been studying to be able to even attempt. That is an ability that I certainly want to keep an eye on.

As a final note; well done on the courage to attempt an image representing such a strongly charged subject that it is nearly guaranteed to create conflict. Not to mention to pull it off so well that you are able to ribbon with it. I have had an image that, like this one for you, simply will not leave me alone; but I have been unwilling to attempt it as I know I lack the skill to do it justice just yet. Having the image stuck in my head gives me a goal to work toward, and you have (unknowingly perhaps, but none the less) given me a needed push to stop stalling so much.

David

Climbing
by David.C

Comment:
Thanks for the comments. I must have been dead on for a completely average, boring photo with this one as I received fewer comments than any of my other entries. I appreciate those that took the time. Thanks.

David

1952 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team
by fluxn

Comment:
Good photo, just a bit of a highlight blown out at the wrist of the lower glove.

Nothin' But Net
by lizzyc3

Comment:
Good subject for the challenge.
However, you underexposed it a bit.

birdie
by kirtiebu

Comment:
How is golf a team sport? Other than that, the sky is blown out and a tighter crop on the bottom would have helped (just below the near-white object -- apple core?).

Net
by tmb1070

Comment:
Good take on the challenge, but the implementation is overexposed; and having the entire rim in focus would have helped.

Calm after the storm
by Jean

Comment:
Love the reflections and the calm rippling of the water. The sky is a bit too white, but it works with the general tone of the image, and the reflections of that white make the boat appear to be floating out of the water.

Your Path
by antimethod

Comment:
Add me to the list of those that keep coming back for another look. It is an amazing photo. Are you planning on making a print available?

On Mother's Day
by David.C

Comment:
Thanks to those who commented, I appreciate them.

David