Mystical Creekby
tsheetsComment by L2: Hi Tsheets, I enjoyed this entry very much and scored it a 6. If it helps, I'll share how I broke it down.
With regard to technical issues: With regard to composition, I thought the leading lines of the creek were good - they definitely drew my eye through the frame. Unfortunately, when I got to the end, there was nothing really there that was different from the rest of the scene. (Like a tree, a stump, a person, etc.) This would be OK for a vanishing point, but IMHO there is too much space left after the lines end to be a true vanishing point. I also really liked how the lines begin on a diagonal from the bottom right of the frame.
With regard to exposure: the sky looks a touch blown out - see the difference in coloration at the tops of the trees? Otherwise, the scene appears properly exposed (no loss of shadow detail under the trees.)
With regard to overall clarity: There isn't one element that really stands out here, other than the lines of the creek. Someone else mentioned it felt a little foreground heavy, and I agree with that in part. The foreground is heavy, but not necessarily with a true foreground element. What I mean here is a set of leaves or branches that might have provided a natural frame to the scene. Alternately, a lower point of view might have brought more visual drama to the overall scene. Here the point the view is pretty standard.
With regard to lighting/colors: this looks good. There are lots of warm tones that add a pleasing and soothing feel to the image, which I liked very much.
With regard to emotional appeal: The image did hold my visual attention. With that said, nothing about it really jumped off the screen and made me want to go there and see it for myself. I was left with the feeling that it was very pretty, but lacked a "wow" factor.
Overall, for each of the elements described above something was done well, yet something was also just a tiny bit off. I can see that you are definitely on the right track here both creatively and technically. This is image is certainly worthy of hanging on the wall. I find myself suprised by it's final score.
Hope this helps,
Laurie