The Unsuccessful Chameleon
by smurfguy

Comment:
I like it. Cute idea.

Chicken soup
by sekarmalathy

Comment:
I think this is pretty cool.

Rocket dog
by Gedas

Comment:
This is a great shot. Such a cute dog, and you the wonder of the moment. Congratulations on your blue. It is well deserved.

Wimbledon Here I Come!
by bobonacus

Comment:
Congratulations on the ribbon. Creative approach to this challenge.

Jetty
by pinetree3

Comment:
Thanks for your comment Mark & Critque Club. After looking at it with a more critical eye, I can't agree more that the ship on the right throws off the balance to the rather symmetrical image and draws the eye away from the main subject.

You can't be more right about the 20D's limitations when it comes to light sensitivity and ISO ratings. 400 is about as high as I will go for any photo that I want to take to the bank. I am always struck at how much graduated ND stops I require for a balanced shot. I think this came out fairly good, but I noticed that the sky in the upper right is still blown out a bit. Sometimes when the sun is off to the side I am tempted to offset the ND filter a bit to compensate for the position of the sun, rather than aligning the horizon. As you can see, the reflection on the right side of the jetty is more reflective than the left. I tried to limit this effect somewhat by using a circular polarizing filter as well.

I can tell you that shooting the jetty from another location to get that diagonal look you referred to is easier said than done in this location. The jetty is pretty isolated here and there are few obvious options to shoot from another angle. You are either on the jetty or in the drink. Nonetheless, the art of a photographer is finding creative ways to overcome these obstacles, so since the jetty is not far away, I will play with shooting this location at different angles.

FYI, I am about to upgrade to a 50D, since my 20D died recently and it is barely worth it to repair. Hopefully, with the 50D I will be able to capture a greater dynamic range in shots like this. Though I cannot rely on the camera too much, because being honest, I know the art is in the photographer's eye, not his or her equipment.

Thanks for your comments.

VIP Lounge
by LVicari

Comment:
Awesome shot. I am glad to know that my current equipment is capable of a shot like this. Now all I need is the skill. Well done.

Where Oil Meets Water
by cns

Comment:
I used to live and work not far from this plant. You have done a great job making this look pretty ominous. Personally, I like the darkness, to convey the threatening and poluted nature of the sky.

Honolulu Zoo
by Jovan

Comment:
Simply awesome and a well deserved ribbon. Thanks for deconstructing the post processing.

Whats behind the paint?
by AmeedEl-Ghoul

Comment:
Congratulations on your ribbon. Man, you came close to your goal of a 7. (Or do you round up?)

Logical twist
by BrennanOB

Comment:
Congratulations on your ribbon. Now why didn't I think of that! I live over in Oakland and travel to SF occassionally. I have previously photographed that building before, but didn't think of that subject for this challenge.

You are correct. This building is difficult to photograph. The weather doesn't generally cooperate and the available angles for a good shot are few.

So, I commend you on your success here. I also appreciate the commentary regarding the sculpture. Given how strange this building is, you would think it would get more national visibility. The sculpture title is Defenestration.

Here is the website: //www.defenestration.org/