Driving Pass Carmen
by kmbr2001

Comment:
I like this, and that worries me because I really don't like selective desaturation. So maybe liking it is like catching yourself humming an Abba song; embarrassing. So I tried it in full mono, and the awful truth is that your selective desat really did work. But I will convince myself that you could have achieved the same effect with dodge & burn or some other "legitimate" means. The idea, the composition and the actual photograph are all terrific, but I am determined to dislike the processing. Especially as I am now humming that bloody awful "Mama Mia". BTW, maybe you meant "Driving Past Carmen" but I hope not. 7.

Dark Princess Castle
by arnit

Comment:
Is this a catwalk shot? I guess it must be; she looks like she is wearing a giant vegetable. But it's an interesting photograph, especially as the unconventional positioning of the subject in the frame establishes a slightly uneasy, dischordant feel. That, and the confrontational stance and visage of the model, demands the viewer's attention. 7.

Drink
by dahkota

Comment:
Ahhh ... a photograph about a wolf. What I like best is that you know which side of the lens the subject is on.

This meeting in now in session..
by lentil

Comment:
Very happy to see you do so well, Lisa; congratulations. The pelicans are all fidgeting & not paying attention to the meeting; I've been to lots of meetings that had the exact same effect on me.

We Can't All Be Famous
by JPR

Comment:
Should have been in the Rhythm challenge, buddy! Perhaps it was, for a time?

You've given these lights a really creepy anthropomorphic character (I swear the nearest one on the right reminds me of someone I know). The vitalized (Frankenstein) effect is further emphasised by their dispersion and placement; as if they were a herd of dull, grazing cloven creatures ... cows, or maybe wildebeest ... something placid and easily pleased, anyway. And the herd allusion inevitably leads me to an appreciation of your title. Such a lovely game; thanks for the fun and mental exercise, as ever.

The Cathedral
by puzzled

Comment:
I like it. It seems to be about the anatomy of the cathedral, whereas the common treatment seems to be more about the mood. The anatomical approach has its own charm and interest. Another appealing point is the effect of the uneven light on the two opposite sides of the structure; they look at first quite different, but save for one or two embellishments, they turn out to be nearly the same. Nice work.

Irina
by LevT

Comment:

Originally posted by Egor: ... your wife looks distinctly bored...

She's married to a professor of physics; she has no choice (sorry Lev - kidding!)

Irina
by LevT

Comment:
Yep, Rikki's right Lev. I copied this one and gave it a very gentle contrast curve in Curves. More depth immediately. It also de-emphasised the lower back of Irina's shirt, which is (pardon my impudence) hanging a little oddly, and emphasised her face and front side better. It did not appear to make the highlight-end contrast any harsher; it simply had the effect of giving more depth and drama to the lighting.
(P.S. I have ditched the pirated copy)

Bored on a Rainy Day
by ragamuffingirl

Comment:

Originally posted by BobsterLobster: Silhouettes not clear enough. The horizontal line near the centre cuts through boys' heads and makes photo less effective.

Arggggh! Two of the things I most liked about it! The less-than-silhouette treatment established a connection, a small but significant bridge, between the boys and their longed-for outside world; an effect wholly sympathetic to the point of the photograph. Likewise, the horizontal bar serves a useful figurative purpose, too: it is a barrier between the two worlds, reinforcing the fact that they are prevented from going outside. The bar also physically connects the two boys, although this is hardly necessary in appreciating their shared yearning.

I suppose if your ambition is limited to making a graphically impressive (and technically 'correct') image, these things might be viewed as flaws; but if you are interested in producing a more durable and more thoughtful photograph, they are worthy inclusions.

Rear Window
by bucket

Comment:
Jesus! April 12 is my birthday. I am so very sorry for your loss, Robert. My Dad is gone, too ..but like yours, not forgotten.

Now that I understand the true meaning of your image, I could readily add to my list of reasons I liked it (but I won't). And, as you see below, I did like it very much. Nearly as much as this, which I truly loved:


Best wishes.