Mystical Creek
by tsheets

Comment:
Hi Tsheets, I enjoyed this entry very much and scored it a 6. If it helps, I'll share how I broke it down.

With regard to technical issues: With regard to composition, I thought the leading lines of the creek were good - they definitely drew my eye through the frame. Unfortunately, when I got to the end, there was nothing really there that was different from the rest of the scene. (Like a tree, a stump, a person, etc.) This would be OK for a vanishing point, but IMHO there is too much space left after the lines end to be a true vanishing point. I also really liked how the lines begin on a diagonal from the bottom right of the frame.

With regard to exposure: the sky looks a touch blown out - see the difference in coloration at the tops of the trees? Otherwise, the scene appears properly exposed (no loss of shadow detail under the trees.)

With regard to overall clarity: There isn't one element that really stands out here, other than the lines of the creek. Someone else mentioned it felt a little foreground heavy, and I agree with that in part. The foreground is heavy, but not necessarily with a true foreground element. What I mean here is a set of leaves or branches that might have provided a natural frame to the scene. Alternately, a lower point of view might have brought more visual drama to the overall scene. Here the point the view is pretty standard.

With regard to lighting/colors: this looks good. There are lots of warm tones that add a pleasing and soothing feel to the image, which I liked very much.

With regard to emotional appeal: The image did hold my visual attention. With that said, nothing about it really jumped off the screen and made me want to go there and see it for myself. I was left with the feeling that it was very pretty, but lacked a "wow" factor.

Overall, for each of the elements described above something was done well, yet something was also just a tiny bit off. I can see that you are definitely on the right track here both creatively and technically. This is image is certainly worthy of hanging on the wall. I find myself suprised by it's final score.

Hope this helps,

Laurie

Bowtie
by Tranquil

Comment:
This is really quite good. With regard to composition, it's very strong. Focus is tack-sharp and shows off architectural detail well. I also really liked the implied oval with the reflection of the bridge in the water. Black and white treatment works well.

It looks like there is a teeny bit of vertical skew on the left side of the frame. The contrast in the scene appears to have exceeded the dynamic range of your camera: the sky looks like it was blown out, and there is a loss of shadow detail in the water under the bridge. With all of these items, they were not noticeable at first glance. I really had to look hard to find them... :)

Overall, this is very compelling, and well worth hanging on the wall.

Mazatlan Corner
by Elemmennope

Comment:
Good composition and even though I'm not a big fan of borders, I think it works well here. Focal point has visual interest, but suffers a bit from vertical skew (lines on the front of the building aren't straight).

Unfortunately, the harsh shadows on the building are killing this shot. I see some shadow detail in the tree, but the loss is severe. The more modern buildings in the left side might show contrast between have/have not, but I'm not sure they add as much to the image as you might have hoped.

If you could re-shoot this when the lighting is better, I think it would make an interesting subject for exploration. If not, well, I hate to say it, but I don't know of a way to save this from looking like a travel snapshot of a cool building.

The fashionism of...
by Aron5109

Comment:
Returning for comment: love the reflections in the background.

B&W Bastard
by egillbjarki

Comment:
If your views have gone up dramatically in the last hour, I must confess...it was me. :) Lighting and composition is good, shot has lots and lots of visual appeal. Good capture of facial expression. Stubble on chin is nice touch. In the end, the eyes have it.. (10) from me.

Condos
by banmorn

Comment:
Excellent use of lines.

On The Rocks
by Rikki

Comment:
Good composition, excellent lighting. Love the glass - adds lots of visual interest. Good use of negative space. Overall, a great shot!

Cabernet Sauvignon
by soup

Comment:
Good composition. I think the colors could be a bit richer, to match the full-bodied taste of the wine. Crisp and clear, overall this is a good shot.

Libation
by Keith Maniac

Comment:
Good use of DOF - excellent composition.

9 to 5
by Elaine

Comment:
Great composition. Did you think of using a more brightly colored or more interesting tie? Or was the point to express blah-ness? In any event, I'd rather see a more exciting tie. Overall, nice job.