Detective, 'Pray Continue!'
by espy2

Comment:
Very creative idea and I like the site humor, but I wonder if you'll run afoul of the rule on artwork, "Even your own..."

GTG May 2006 - Cloud Gate
by MayaM

Comment:
Nicely done. The textures on the grass are my favorite. Looks like you used some secret formula to convert to BW.

2
by DigiFotoBuddy

Comment:
Very nice Shailesh!

GTG May 2006 - Everybody but Maya...
by MayaM

Comment:
That's a great pic! I wish I had been there early enough to do the morning with you guys. You should name them left to right....

edited.jpg
by notonline

Comment:
An excellent shot. Would like to see the "before" to see how much you had to correct the perspective.

Over the Fence
by scalvert

Comment:
Shannon, he's getting almost as recognizable as one of Librodo's girls! Another technically excellent and imaginative image. Well done!

jupiter22.jpg
by alien

Comment:
Outstanding shot! (from someone who appreciates how difficult this is!)

Grey Heron with Frog
by riot

Comment:
Unbelievable. Outstanding. Kudos and salutations to you. What a wonderful capture. I'm green with envy. I can't wait to read the details of this shot. How close? What lens. Gosh, this is excellent!

Onwards and upwards
by joynim

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club
by strangeghost

The first three parts of this critique are written based purely on examination of your photo. "Final thoughts" is written after reviewing your score, photographer's comments, and voter comments.

TECHNIQUE
The first thing that strikes me about this image, and it's like an iron upside the head, are the horribly blown out sky highlights. Everything else looks a little underexposed (maybe auto mode?) but the powerfully overexposed whites are just too in-your-face.

COMPOSITION
It's really an odd looking composition, and doesn't come off that well, IMO. Meets the challenge, yes. Footware is prominently featured, but the angle of the tree is very odd, the left shoe is cut off (bad when that shoe is the subject) and we're seeing only the bottoms of the feet. I believe that this idea has some potential. A person - especially a kid - climbing a tree is a very interesting subject, but without more of that person to work with in the image, it's hard to hold the interest. I like the way the legs are evidently wrapped around that branch, because it suggests some tension and drama. However, it's difficult to tell if that's what's going on or not. Most of the frame is dominated by the inert mass of the trunk, which is doing nothing for your composition. Take this composition, and move to the right about two feet so the feet (and maybe a little more of the body) are more centered in the frame, and make it a little easier for us to relate to the climber. Just an idea. Many other possibilities occur to me as I look at this photo.

EMOTIONAL IMPACT
It's very minimal impact results from the technical shortcomings and questionable composition. More attention to those two areas probably would have saved this from being in the sleeper section of a challenge.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Your comments captured some of the things I was getting at, and your final score of 4.47 is about what I would have predicted. I should also add that I found your lack of a photographer's comment or any technical details about your photo frustrating (shutter, aperture, etc.). When you ask for a critique, you should consider sharing some of your own thoughts about your work. What were you aiming for? What did you like or not like about the photo? What were your frustrations with your composition, etc.? It can help your CC'er understand better your intent and purpose in make the image you did.

Litle Red Riding Hood
by toti

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club
by strangeghost

The first three parts of this critique are written based purely on examination of your photo. "Final thoughts" is written after reviewing your score, photographer's comments, and voter comments.

TECHNIQUE
Wow. Technically, I'd have to say this is nearly a tour de force. The red raincoat on a red background could be a prescription for a washed out image but you've somehow managed to capture a palette of red hues that runs the gamut. There's virtually no detail lost anywhere in the sea of red and you've captured mountains of texture, light reflections, and highlights without blowing anything out. Outstanding. The focus is tack sharp throughout and there's not a hint of over-sharpening anywhere. Lighting is outstanding and seems to be very diffuse and balance very well. There's just enough shadow to give some definition but nothing to give it a harsh feel. I just can't say enough about the tonal mastery. A remarkably clean looking image. Very, very well done.

COMPOSITION
I really like the tight crop on her face. Eyes wide open and bright. A hint of a smile (more likely saying "how much longer do I have to wear this thing?). I wonder about the choice to have the camera level a little higher than her face. I'd normally say this is a no-no but it's not too extreme here so it's not bothersome. I love the wisps of light hair coming out of the hood and LOVE her eyes. Looks like a softbox reflection. That little touch is nicely managed. It's an adorable portrait and meets the challenge very well, IMO.

EMOTIONAL IMPACT
It's hard to resist a well done image of a cute kid. This one has good elements of that human touch, coupled with the dramatic red tones, and then the implied humor of the title caps it. It's probably not the punchiest image in the challenge, but it has definite appeal.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Your commenters liked the shot as much as I did, and your final score of nearly 6.0 is pretty good. I wonder what would have pushed it over six and into ribbon territory? I bet a more interesting expression on her face; possibly fear or a big laughing grin. I wish you had added something in your photographer's comment about your post processing. I can't help wondering how much work it was to get those reds so perfect!