The Journey
by Wenders11

Comment:
A sweet image of two brothers/ friends. I like that they are walking away from us down the path - their anonymity makes the image more universal in appeal/ story. The framing of the foliage on fully three sides really makes the forest / park seem to envelop them. The path, and the way it goes from widest at the lower edge of the frame, to narrow and disappearing around a corner further back, is inviting. I find that bird feeder (assuming that's what it is) at top right distracting and would clone it out in a non-challenge-entry version of the image. Likewise the slightly-too-strong vertical of dried branch to the right of the boys.

Across the Universe
by Kali

Comment:
An interesting image, certainly different from the norm in terms of composition and content.

Although I normally like face-on portraits of children I like the way that the anonymity of the model makes it a more universal image - more about the theme/ idea/ story than the individual.

The foliage at bottom left is a little too confused being so near to where I'd expect the head to be, and similar in colour to the model's hair. I'd like to see a pose with the back of the head more obviously included.

The clouds and sky and reflected foliage top right are nice.

Nor sure about the triangle of orange lower right.

I'm in two minds about the black at top left. On one hand it connects with the title of the photograph. On the other, that theme/ idea doesn't come across at all without the title. Then again, why should it, since there's no reason an artist can't choose to present the image and title as a whole, always to be shown together...

Arpeggio
by rinac

Comment:
I really like the way you have created an impression of the scene without resorting to post-processing filters. It's clear what the scene is - an individual under a beautiful umbrella walking through a park/ trees. But there are no details to get in the way of interpreting the image however the viewer wants to. The essence of impressionism!

I do find the white outfit quite bright, but I like that. It, and the lovely block of purple, really draw my eye to the main subject. The semi-circular curves of the motion blur on the tree leaves is very cool.

by Joey Lawrence

Comment:
Wow! This image just pulls me in. A person could drown in those eyes.

This portrait really has a luminescent quality that I think is centred most strongly in the boy�s eyes and then in his beautiful full lips and two front teeth.

There are so many details to enjoy - his face (on which we can see the remnants of his last meal or drink), his tousled hair, the patterns of his shirt and bangles, his tiny child�s hands, the tiny newborn puppy on his lap...

His expression, aware of the photographer but not reacting massively to you, is so appealing.

The backdrop contributes well to the image; enough detail to provide a context (and some colour), but beautifully blurred by the shallow DOF to create a plainer backdrop behind his upper body and face.

And that DOF really is spot on� the face, hand, puppy (and one fold of the shirt) are beautifully sharp. The rest beautifully soft.

Even the colour palette is perfect here. I love the way that the browns and pinky-white of the puppy are reflected in the boy�s brown skin and his pale shirt. The yellow and orange of his bangles and shorts are supported by the oranges on the floor behind him.

But, in the end, it�s his eyes I�m drawn back to. Such huge eyes, brought alive by that catchlight.

Edit: This is my 5000th comment on DPC (though this edit may re-order it to show as 5001st)!

Message edited by author 2008-01-08 10:01:45.

Intensity
by lynnesite

Comment:
Initial thoughts
A nice portrait of a working animal � one that shows some of the animal�s personality.

Composition/ Content
The strongest aspect of this image to me is that the turned head, with hair sweeping out across it, conveys a certain liveliness in the animal that a more standard equine portrait would not. Anthropomorphic though it is to see it that way, the �smile� also contributes to that perception.

As well as that liveliness there is also much detail to look at such as the various bits and pieces of the bridle, the crimped hair, the tatooed number and the patterns on the skin/hide.

Initially I didn�t like the inclusion of the rider but, as I look at the image more, I find that the anonymity of seeing only his leg (with that lovely button detail) actually serve to emphasise the fact that this portrait is all about the animal.

Technical
I like the high contrast black and white. The image feels just a touch dark to me overall but I can see that the tones do range from white through to black. I wonder if a slight curves adjustment might help?

My Opinion On The Photo
Not an image that draws me in to look again and again but a pleasant animal portrait that successfully conveys some personality or liveliness in the animal.

Polar Bear
by Tlemetry

Comment:
Initial thoughts
Lovely pose, creating a strong composition.

Composition/ Content
As you correctly surmised, I love wildlife and strong images of wildlife are always a pleasure to view. This portrait of a polar bear really shows off the bulk of the bear as well as his beautiful pale fur and his lovely feet. I like the pose you�ve captured here, relaxed, content, at ease.

The background is simple and uncluttered. I think you made the right decision to clone out fencing/ man-made objects that fell within the frame.

As well as the triangle of the bear I find myself drawn to verticals (in his two forelegs) and horizontals (backlegs, water, snow and rock lines).

Technical
You mentioned yourself that the position of the sun meant a blown out area on his side. I think you�ve done a great processing job to minimise that and the light and shadows do not seem too harsh.

The blue toning works well, though I�d be interested in seeing a straight black and white as well as a sepia toned version.

My Opinion On The Photo
Charming portrait of a polar bear.

7.jpg
by chesire

Comment:
Initial thoughts
A sombre portrait, hence a little different to the norm.

Composition/ Content
I like much about the composition � the framing provided by the hat/ background, the tilted angle, the lack of distracting background. The chin feels a little hemmed in by the lower edge of the image though.

Contents-wise, seems like a straightforward portrait though the down-cast eyes mean that I don�t feel any sense of connection with the model. Perhaps that was intentional to convey a certain mood but, from a viewer�s perspective (or at least, a viewer who doesn�t personally know the model) it serves to distance us. There�s no sense of life in the image or any feeling of intimacy.

Technical
Even lighting and good contrast in the black and white conversion.
But feels very soft. This may be intentional but happens not to be a style I�m fond of personally.

My Opinion On The Photo
This is a competent portrait but not ones that shines out for me, partly because it�s not as sharp as I�d like, but mainly because I don�t feel any connection with the model.

Message edited by author 2008-01-06 10:36:30.

Princess Sun
by pawdrix

Comment:
Initial thoughts
I have already viewed this image when browsing your portfolio a few months ago. Now, as then, I�m drawn strongly to the image.

Composition/ Content
As you know, I have a passion for travelling and, as a result, view a lot of travel photography. Although this could equally be considered a standard environmental portrait, I think it fits well into the travel photography genre.

The two main focal points are the pretty girl (that dress is just made to be photographed) and the sun graffiti on the wall. But as well as that I�m drawn to the cobbled lane, the wonderfully weathered texture of the wall, the parallel lines of the lane, wall and roof leading us between the girl and the sun and back again.

This image is a great capture of the kind of split second moment that makes journeys come alive.

And the black and white treatment is a winner � I think colour would intrude here.

Camera Work - Technical
My take on the motion blur in the girl? I wish the girl was in focus. I understand that it may well have been a deliberate decision. And I can totally see how some viewers feel that the motion blur is essential to give life to her running steps but� personally I think her pose would convey that perfectly well. Were her pose to be just as it is in this image but with a sharper focus I think it would be even stronger. (And this is from someone who does often really like images with lots of blur in the main subject).

Maelstrom
by jjbeguin

Comment:
Initial thoughts
So much to look at � what an intriguing abstract!

Composition/ Content
I love images that are about light and dark, texture and shape so I�m really drawn into this image. But it probably suffers slightly from being viewed at this size as I can�t quite see the details I yearn to examine. I�d love to see it larger.

Compositionally, the repetitive rectangular grid is an interesting tool. The negative space between and around the rectangle brings a certain order and weight to the image. Looking at the photographic content, I like the way that there are lines within each individual rectangle as well as lines that sweep across the entire grid.

The colour palette is limited and the image is overall quite dark and yet the light is strong enough to provide strong shadows and highlights and good contrast. That really helps focus on the abstract shapes and lines.

Any negatives?
As above, I think this image needs to be viewed at a larger size to be appreciated fully.

I imagine that scaling it down is also what is responsible for the slight raggedness of the grey borders of each rectangle, though perhaps this is intentional. Certainly, for me, that raggedness detracts.

My Opinion On The Photo
A strong abstract that I could probably lose myself in for hours if only I could get closer!

Cool River
by timfythetoo

Comment:
Initial thoughts
Honestly? Not to keen on the strange effects of the processing.

Composition/ Content
Content is interesting � a simple combination of natural landscape scene and two man-made structures.

Compositionally, I like how the river sweeps around to the bridge and is echoed by the curve of the bridge arch itself. There is also a strong diagonal formed by the main line of clouds and then down into trees of the right bank of the river.

Digital Processing - Technical
It�s totally down to personal taste, I know. For me, the processing ruins the image. I don�t like the effect of desaturation on the foliage nor the artificial look of the water surface. The clouds and sky seem to suffer the most from the processing and no longer look natural.

Any negatives?
The processing is the main one for me. Additionally, I�m not sure the content of the image is strong enough to make the image stand out.

Fits The Challenge
The last thing I feel when I look at this is the peace and harmony of zen. Instead I feel discordant and out of sorts, like the natural order of things has been thrown away.

Hope this isn�t too disheartening a comment? I figured an honest reaction was more valuable than a vanity comment!