Fairy Wand
by Evaan

Comment:
Beautiful shallow DOF to blur out background, nice colour palette, nice composition too.

daisy impression
by ursula

Comment:
Ooooooooooh me likey! Talk about shallow DOF and then some! This isn't shallow this is a mere paddling pool! Beautiful composition and shapes of colour allowing the eye to paint the details that have been given only along one edge. Oh my but this is nice.

1 CD, 2 Drops, 3 o'clock, 4 Lamps
by carodani

Comment:
Interesting colours and reflections. Composition overall, with large drop above, doesn't quite work for me.

Leading to a Future Together
by L1

Comment:
I gave you a 6.

*I don't like the soft focus treatment.

*There seems to be some blowout in the whites of her dress.

*The image as a whole feels cluttered to me, in particular the background field, buildings and trees make it fussy. I accept you have no control over that as a photographer since you didn't choose the location but the question of "why it couldn't have been a stronger shot" is never the viewer's concern.

*It's the kind of wedding shot that will no doubt appeal to the wedding party as a record of the setting and of their special day but it's not the kind of "generic" wedding shot that might appeal to non-associated viewers or even to those looking for stock images of weddings. It lacks mass appeal, in my opinion.

*Whilst the leading lines are clear to me I don't think this image is a particular strong example of the technique.

*Because of the distance, I can't really see any detail in the bride and groom and yet this is what the lines, such as they exist, are pulling my focus towards. All the detail seems to be in the foreground wedding guests. That inability to see detail in the bridal party leaves me disinterested in the focal point of the leading lines which makes me feel they are not used successfully here.

Underground Line
by Manic

Comment:
Glad you chose this one, it's one of the ones I liked lot. I love the shallow DOF in the foreground and the way the entire foreground is full of leading lines sweeping into the image. The curve of the tunnel roof makes a great frame to the image and the tunnel opening is the perfect main focal point. That said I like that there's more to look at such as the people, signs and posters too. Selective desat is a technique that is often over-used but here it works fantastically well. 9

The Approach
by tsheets

Comment:
In terms of the challenge theme, this is one of the strongest contenders. Those lines are so strong and lead so effectively to an object that actually has interest and serves as an excellent focal point. I really iike the grittiness inherent in it and the darkness too. Black and white is essential to that. Composition rocks too. 10

Varigate Calla
by banmorn

Comment:
This is one of the most striking and subtle uses of lighting I have come across and I love the way the merest touch of light along the stems creates strong lines that curve and then point at the flower itself. Just magical! 10

The Choosen One
by roadrunner

Comment:
Striking centred composition and great use of light, shade and shape. That lone tree seems so frail against the onslaught of what seem like such heavy and menacing clouds and yet it's illuminated by gentle and golden rays. I don't like that line of light at the edge of distant clouds at the lower left and would clone it out myself as it leads my focus away from the wonderful tree. 9

The Journeyman
by muur88

Comment:
I love the off-kilter composition of this. I also like the way the bridge is so heavy and imposing, the way it swoops up into a hump, the texture of the surface and the exact positioning of the lone figure. The light falling on him just so makes him a perfect focal point and the blackness of the background is so unexpected it adds an element of surreality to it all. 9

I Will Follow
by arnit

Comment:
I just ADORE the vivid colours of the waterside moss/ lichen against the darkness of the shrubbery further from the water's edge. The meandering of the blue water draws a lovely path through the image and the skyline and sky are both just spot on. Those lenticular clouds are just the perfect, slightly surreal backdrop to the almost alient quality of the foreground! 10