Desert Flower
by aliqui

Comment:
Simply beautiful. Great work, Aliqui, and congratulations on your star!

Ok, But It Makes the Matting All Soggy!
by EBJones

Comment:
Great idea! I think it might have been stronger if it didn't appear that the entire frame held a water level, but I understand (I think) why you did that. Very creative.

Any Given Sunday
by lkn4truth

Comment:
Yay Lee! Nice job on the blue ribbon - I couldn't be happier for you. :)

Celebrate!
by Konador

Comment:
You dog! Top 10! I bow down to the Master. Congratulations, toots. :)

Untitled
by fotomann_forever

Comment:
In response to this thread:

Hi Leroy! I see you've placed this shot in the Fashion category, so I'll assume that's the tack you were trying to take. You've already gotten a lot of comments about "snapshot," armpit showing, and uncomfortable pose which I won't echo here although I'd tend to agree. It seemed like you may have believed that your low score was related shallow voters responding to model attractiveness -- I just don't think that was the case.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm no fashion photographer, but as a viewer this shot does not scream "Fashion" to me, not does it evoke "sexy" or "sultry." This really has less to do with the model and more to do with the choice of pose. The model clearly looks uncomfortable and awkward, and frankly, I just don't see the pose itself working with any model even if the lighting were improved.

With that said, there's nothing specifically unattractive about her, and I'm sure if you worked with her again when she was feeling more comfortable and natural you could get a great shot.

At the end of the day, you have to let your dogs run and your cats purr...meaning the models should be doing what comes naturally to them.

Lastly, with regard to the fashion aspect, this just seems to miss the mark. The hair isn't really "done" - the break in the flow to show the ear isn't right, the coiffure is not smooth and is a bit unkempt for a fashion shoot, she's in what appears to be an inexpensive tank top, and the necklace isn't right. There just isn't much about the outfit that is glamorous, which is another reason why the pose doesn't work.

I truly don't believe that the score was reflective of what voters thought about the model -- given the technical choices regarding lighting the composition revealing the armpit, the juxtaposition between the pose and the outfit I think the score was a little low for a regular challenge and about right for a Free Study.

HTH

Me 2
by tomcat

Comment:
Needs a bit more contrast, toots. :) Oh yes, and btw, goat suits you nicely.

Glow
by typologic

Comment:
Lovely shot. With the advanced editing allowed, I might have cloned out or burned out whatever that is in the lower right hand side of the frame. Otherwise, very well done!

Why ?
by sandeep_tata

Comment:
Brilliant. You got me. I must know the question!

Explosions in the Sky
by Konador

Comment:
One of the better fireworks shots, with the people in the foreground adding visual interest. The microphone stand in the left is a bit distracting, with the advanced editing allowed I'm surprised you didn't take this right out. Excellent colors on the burst and nice job filling the frame with excitement. Nice job!

Short Ride on a Fast Machine
by bvoi

Comment:
Huge impact shot here. The sense of motion through the frame is really well done! I'm looking at it and feeling like I'm moving. Kudos - super nice job.