Just another floral
by rjpat

Comment:
I like this picture, but I don't really see that it fits the challenge. This impression is embraced by your title, which instead of trying to make a tie to "Independence", discard its own relevance. I rate accordingly (5), but it is a wonderful flower photo.

Surfing
by micro

Comment:
Congratulations on breaking into the top ten... with a first place medal. Well done!

Simmer : Ecliptic — 2005
by Bear_Music

Comment:
I completely agree with Olyuzi. I had you pegged for the top ten on this challenge. Congratulations on a great shot regardless of its final standing.

Cookie Splash
by kendall6

Comment:
Wow! Awesome job, and on your first challenge. I really enjoyed this picture during voting. One of my top picks...

P.S. - We don't have Fudgees in the States.

Message edited by author 2005-07-13 00:48:54.

Heroes
by Army of nOne

Comment:
Wow! A top five. I'm honored!

First off thanks to my wife for running to the drugstore to get countless bags of lifesavers. Originally, this was going to be done with all color lifesavers so I have what seems like an endless supply of lifesavers waiting to be eaten here in my apartment.

Thank you for all the comments. I always find it fun to read the comments whether I agree with them or not. The update button was my mistress this past week. To answer some of the comments below...

The color of the red lifesaver was a bit of a problem. I had three different "red" lifesavers to choose from. I decided to shoot two different colors and decide between them. Ultimately, I chose the darker of the two. The lighter red one was translucent and the color bled to the white ones around it to the degree that it was distracting. Plus the text was easier to read and the contrast was greater on the dark one. Hence my decision. The only big problem I had was that the lettering on both was far inferior to the crisp clean lettering on the white lifesavers. In the end it was worth having the dark lifesaver in there despite the drawbacks.

As for lighting shortcomings. I got comments that approved and disapproved of the lighting setup (the way the light falls off towards the bottom of the image). If I had given myself an extra day to shoot I would have probably made it so the lighting was even in the front and back, but I did the best I could with what I had. The setup is the same as Keith Maniac's in the Metal challenge. (Thanks Keith Maniac!!!) I basically ripped off his setup, but my lightsource was not directly overhead, hence the uneven lighting.

Anyway, this is way too long. I am just so happy with the outcome. Thanks again for all who commented, and for those who voted.

Matt

Message edited by author 2005-07-13 00:41:27.

Morning: For Lack of Coffee
by The_Itinerant

Comment:
Great idea, very original.

Duo Maxwell
by AmiYuy

Comment:
I don't see how this meets the challenge, and I must score appropriately, however, I did want to let you know I enjoy this photo.

Green circles
by indy79

Comment:
This is the only CD shot I have seen so far that appeals to me. Nice interesting photo of a rather mundane subject. There are at least a dozen CD photos I think.... this is the best. Well done.

Grooving Van
by TheStick

Comment:
I would like to have seen this be bigger. I think you have a good shot here, but the smaller size almost always hurts the votes you get. I'm not commenting to tell you that though, I am commenting to let you know I like the image. The composition is good. I do wonder whether it would have more impact without the license plate though.... Good luck.

My Shout
by Jade 11

Comment:
Is this type of border allowed? It looks overly complex for an open challenge.