October :: Why me?
by DefyTime

Comment:
Critique Club

Composition/ Content
I'm not personally keen on the wooden mask subject but feel that it does make for an image with strong impact.
The rotated position of the mask against the strong verticals of the screen behind it make the composition feel very balanced and yet unusual at the same time.
I particularly like the strong shadows which are essential in providing that dark, slightly unnerving ambience.

Background
The choice of background really adds a lot to the image ΓΆ€“ as above, it assists composition and adds interest too.

Camera Work - Technical
Focus looks great. I'm curious about whether softer lighting would improve things. I like the strong harsh shadows and wouldn't want to lose those but am not so keen on the harsh light where it falls on the mask's nose and cheek. It's hard to say without seeing the results whether softer lighting would work but I'd certainly be interested in seeing a version.

Digital Processing - Technical
Nothing that stands out.

Fits The Challenge
Yes. The mask itself doesn't particularly speak to me of any seasons but the colour of the lighting does help in that regard. I am also happy to accept that there may be festivals associated with the mask somewhere in the world that do tie in to October.

My Opinion On The Photo
Not a favourite for me but a well taken and well presented image which has a strong visual impact.

First Impression
by Jean

Comment:
An unusual entry and one I like very much. There is so much richness in the colours, so much detail to the light and shadow and wonderful sweeping circular edges. I really like that shadowy grid that contrasts with the circular shapes. I think this is just superb and is in my top 3 this challenge.

pines at sunset
by ursula

Comment:
One of my top 3 entries. I really love the texture in this and the vibrancy of the yellow and the depth of the green is wonderful. I like the way the green leaf-laden branches form large shapes that balance out the strong vertical lines of the trunks and those white lines too. Shame the area at the lower left doesn't continue that vibrancy - it knocks the whole a little of balance for me. But still in my top 3.

Exonerated
by Malokata

Comment:
Superb use of lighting. I think the backlighting around his hair, body and chains really works. So too does the light on the floor infront of his feet. Very strong, emotive image.

What to wear?
by aplomb76

Comment:
Critique Club

Initial thoughts
Interesting and unusual idea. Room for technical improvement.

Composition/ Content
Content is a clever take on the challenge idea. There are all sorts of messages one can find: the message that struck me instantly when I first viewed this image during the voting period was that, for many of us, indecision is actually a sign of the luxury of choice and many people don't have that choice. Freedom of choice is a powerful thing. That said, outside of the context of this challenge I'm not sure I'd realise that the theme was indecision.
Visually, I like the repetition, particularly of the flag patches. I like the way that the soldier is off to one side and cropped closely to fill that side of the frame.

Background
The brightness of that yellow background is unfortunately what keeps attracting my eye away from the actual content.

Camera Work - Technical
I think this image would benefit from deeper depth of field so that the soldier and the clothes in his closet were all in focus.
I'd also suggest experimenting with lighting to improve and balance lighting on clothes, background and soldier's skin.

Digital Processing - Technical
Nothing stands out.

Fits The Challenge
Yes.

My Opinion On The Photo
Interesting idea but the image itself isn't hugely appealing on a visual level.

Fire Water
by moodville

Comment:
Wow! This is an amazing shot! Not only in terms of colour and light but also composition - position of foreground rocks and horizon are perfect!

Hanger or Folded?
by faidoi

Comment:
Critique Club

Initial thoughts
Nicely taken, nice angle, nice use of colour. Boring subject.

Composition/ Content/ Background
Composition is good. I like the low angle, and the creation of many diagonal lines through the frame.
Restriction of colour to red, black and white works very well ΓΆ€“ good decision to reflect the limited red of the form with your background.
I like the choice of shallow depth of field ΓΆ€“ it emphasises the length of the list and all the choices to be considered.
My main negative on this image is that it's an image that holds interest only within the context of the challenge. Whilst there's nothing wrong with it there's nothing about it that might make me want to come back and view it on it's own merits.

Camera Work - Technical
Exposure, focus seem good. Lighting nice and even. Interesting use of shallow depth of field.

Digital Processing - Technical
Nothing that stands out.

Fits The Challenge
Yes.

My Opinion On The Photo
By focusing so strongly on meeting the challenge I feel you've lost sight of the secondary goal (as I see it) which is to produce an image which is of interest outside of the challenge.

Bohemian Rhapsody Popcorn Catch
by Tranquil

Comment:
Wow! That's one very cool image. EXCELLENT lighting and great expression. Nice use of negative space too.

imp-test.jpg
by scab-lab

Comment:
Love the richness of yellows and oranges against that vivid blue. The blackness of the branches works well amidst that vibrancy.

All at Sea
by Imagineer

Comment:
What a wonderful impression given of the fluidity of motion. The blurring of lines and the lack of hard edges and exact detail really works to convey a kind of peace that might be found at sea and speaks to me of letting go the worries and stresses that come with remembering all the things we need to do in regular, daily life.