Moonlight Sonata
by Joey Lawrence

Comment:
Beautiful, the colors sparkle like a watercolor painting.

Ancient
by BigK

Comment:
Interesting subject, good composition, nice colors and focus. I would've expected a shot like this to place in the 6's at least. I think that you were voted down a lot because your photo, while obviously featuring an old subject - trees don't grow that thick overnight - doesn't match what their pre-concieved notions about what should be in the challenge are, especially the bright colors. Also, since most voters only glance at a photo for a couple of seconds, the bright colors and live grass would register in their brains and leave more of an impression than taking the time to think that a tree is very old would.

He loves me, he loves me not
by LalliSig

Comment:
Now this is much more interesting than the other shots dealing with this superstition. It adds a lot more depth and emotion to have a real human being there. Good job, this is a great shot.

A crow on the thatch, soon death lifts the latch
by crayon

Comment:
That's a really disturbing image. It looks kind of unrealistic though, is it a statue or something like that?

I kind of like that it's glowing though, makes it seem like something out of an old Hitchcock film.

enchanted
by magnumruss

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

First Impression: This image is certainly one to make viewers take a second look, because it is not apparent immediately what exactly is going on in the photo.

Technicals:

Composition - The photo seems a little bit cluttered to me, with so many trees, it takes a bit to notice the enchanted one that is apparently the main subject.

Lighting - The lighting here provides an atmostphere that goes well with the enchanted feeling. You've obviously created this effect on purpose from reading your comments.

Focus - The focus seems to be reasonably clear, but it's hard to tell since the details are so small because of the many objects in your shot.

Colors & Contrast - Interesting colors, and good contrast.

Presentation:

Meets the challenge? - You had a shutter speed of more than 30 seconds, so you've met the challenge, but this image doesn't visually express it to me, there's no reason why this couldn't have been taken at 5 seconds to me. I believe this is where your average score comes from - voters wanted to see something that looks like a long exposure.

Subject Choice - I think that choosing a closer crop to one tree, and using just that single subject would've improved this shot a lot. The background building distracts.

Title - Well you've certainly gotten an eerie feeling with this one, and the blue light certainly doesn't appear natural, so your title fits.

Photographer's comments - This was an obvious effect judging by your comments, so congratulations if you've achieved what you were aiming for. Don't let the score get you down, what's considered great on DPC isn't the only type of art out there. Keep doing your thing if it makes you happy.

My Suggestions: I'd like to see a tighter crop, and a less distracting background here. I think that would improve your score quite a bit.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this critique, feel free to PM me.

Keep Shooting!

-Monica

He Loves Me Not
by XIXJFASTXIX

Comment:
I think that the perspective here has distorted the hands, and this distracts from the flower. Taken from a different angle would work better, in my opinion. The lighting is also a bit too bright, it takes details away. I like the concept.

Trick-or-Treat ( Inspired by Artoole)
by Jaded_Housewife

Comment:
This image has single-handedly made me paranoid for the sakes of my future children. I like that it's so bright and colorful considering what the image is about. It's a nice contrast.

Fire Jumping (Solstitial celebrations - St. John)
by Milacroft

Comment:
I really like the color here, and the swooping lines above the flame.

St. John where?

Fortune Cookies
by sfarrell23

Comment:
There seems to be a red color cast on this, but it seems to warm up the image a bit so I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing. I like the texture, lighting and colors here. Good work.

If you delete this email...
by lauraodom

Comment:
I always hate when I get them, I think they're silly but in the back of my mind I'm thinking..."what if?" Very good use of controlled DOF, having the delete and backspace buttons in good focus is clever and unexpected.