my choice
by akyros

Comment:
from the Critique Club:
Regardless of the challenge, this remains a strong image and the b/w gives it that vintage feel. There is a little clutter, but no problem in seeing the main subject. The old walls and cracked slabs on the ground with the shirtless figure give it more feeling. I would have prefered a better hand placement for the figure since it is uncertain. The cropping is wonderful. One can argue that the right dark area can be omitted, but this very darkness is in good contrast to the lightness on the left. One of the choices suggested could be, "which grill should I use?", However, are they all really his grills. So, in so far as the challenge goes there is ambiguity. One can even say, that this may be a homeless man, but somehow this suggestion is not complete.
While it is true that the concept is up in the air, the image stands as is: a very good composition and a very interesting image with an old time flavor. Submit more images of this quality to fit a challenge and your scores will rise dramatically. dan

Bad Choices
by knklove

Comment:
from the Critique Club: This subject matter meets the challenge. It could be the result of choices or, "will I shape up or not" ? I would have definetly taken the crop right up to the left hand elbow. Look you have the right instinct to take an interesting picture. This is an interesting picture because of the semi defiant-expression. It is not the typical cute picture, but it is a picture that we can all relate because we have all been there!
Whatever you did in the processing stole the glory of the picture, because viewers begin to focus on its colorize effect. First, the light was there, evident in the over exposed leg, but you needed to have directed the light at an oblique angle to catch the bowed head. Another light source would have helped. However, this is what we have, and I would consider going back and re-adjusting levels and redo the saturation. While you are in levels, if you use PS, adjust each chanell separate. If not, then use your sat adjustment. I suggest you spend time shooting items and then trying to duplicate the colors. Your minor fault is simply that of processing technique, but you are only a couple of nights of study away. The composition was nice and the idea superb.

Choice: Step on Gas or Brake
by Taxlady

Comment:
From the Critique Club:
You have met the challenge for the intended message is here. However, you could have done several more things to help the viewer focus on the source. Remember a cardinal rule, after selecting your main subject do whatever to highlight it and bring the viewer's eyes to it. When the viewer has to wander, consider the attempt wanting in subject focus.
Also, with scenes such as these, feel free to rotate the image to get the buildings and lamp posts perpendicular. Now let us see how we can improve what you have without re-shooting.
A commentator attached the meaning to the white car entering the street. He missed the obvious. You show a car approaching a light which is yellow and here. as per your intention, the decision by the driver is transparant. Okay, you've got the ingredients, so crop right up to the lamp post and immediately the image has more meaning. The eye will be forced to observe the yellow light. It would have been ideal to focus your lens either on the light or the car. Either one would have made this a better picture. With a sharp light, the message is enhanced. With a sharp car, the cropping will aid the viewer to reach the intended aim.
Just remember: once you think up the idea, your homework is clear, how best to represent it. Visualize the picture before you snap the shutter. This will often place you at the correct angle and distance needed to accomplish your aim.
In conclusion, you are a good thinker at creating the concept. This is all important, many fine photographers have a problem conceiving the concept. The next step is well within a thinkers' grasp. Get into the habit of seeing the idea in a mental picture and then do variations.
dan

The Soul of a Woman
by librodo

Comment:
Almost perfect. All is silky smooth, but perhaps lips should have been softer to match the rest. Yet, it is a strong image.

Vanity 5
by bil99

Comment:
from the Critique Club:
Well, here you have managed to create a piece of art work. The decisions you took, like the negative form, is well utilized in this study. The composition is artistic and the play of foreground to background is wonderful. The color has not a beautiful, but haunting feel and it keeps inviting the eye back. When people in general like something which they do not understand, it means that they are receiving coded messages which only subconscious understands. Hey that is art. Go and outdo yourself on the next attempt. I will look forward to it. dan

The Softer Side of Me...
by aaronb532

Comment:
I would have desaturated the lips a bit and would have allowed the light a slight shift to remove the visible part of the left bottom lip. Otherwise, it has a great visual appeal. very good composition.

Anna
by heida

Comment:
Superb lighting and very well composed. The eyes are captivating.

ReflectiveSuds
by unknowndeath

Comment:
From the Critique Club:
This is a beautiful composition with delicate colors and one that has more symbolism than one would expect. However, it is like a lost child in this particular challenge. I am sure, seeing this display of talent that you could find a more apropos image, however, allow me to judge the image instead.
This is a rustic theme presented in wonderful and magical colors. It is earth, water and air. The water is in the form of a transcendental lilac coloration. The earth by the rich greenery of shoots and air by the suds, but they number three or that of the universal triangle. So the image has depth. You do have a very artistic and subtle eye and you have a good sense of color and balance.
A word of humble advise about challenges. Think of a challenge as an assignment from a famous art director. He gives you the theme and it is up to you to spend the time in contiving a special image. You want it to be technically perfect and you want the subject to fit the assignment. At the very end you will benefit greatly because it can only sharpen your creative realm. Again, you have the talent and do not feel that you will be wasting or compromising. Everything we do has a fixed set of limitations and to work and excell with what is available will only help you more with your art. dan

Kate
by BobsterLobster

Comment:
The face is perfect but the blur on shoulders, upper chest and arms is detracting.

A Penny For Your Thoughts
by BooZon

Comment:
Very nice study but the different color between hands and face is distracting.