Smokin Fiddles
by kiwiness

Comment:
Stunning, with all due respect the top, I'm shocked that this did not win. I also agree with jmart's comment. Maybe that's why 13 voters saw fit to give you a three or less. ;0 Oh, wait a second, I think I see a hint of a breast, that explains the low votes...

To Observe Man
by colorcarnival

Comment:
Well, I think Jaime has said it well. That last comment is one of inexperience, no sweat. "Photographically", this image tells a story, if you stop to look and listen. She also has likely not read Oscar Wilde's The Picture Dorian Gray, which is what I think of every time I look at this. Totally creepy. Yes it has limitations, but it is not the content.

In hindsight, I think the composition may be improved by cropping to the top of the bust. It may lessen the impact of the door from the viewers attention as mentioned below.

For Steve ( Yospiff), I think you may be correct about the bust, but what if you allowed the bust to lead your eye around to the reflection. For me, I then settle on the man, who is then clearly being watched by the bust as evidenced by the reflection in the mirror. Pretty neat, eh?

Do you think you will process it again without the restrictions of basic? I think more than a handful of us would be interested! Don't forget how excited you were when you first posted this photograph!

Dreams don't go away
by Judi

Comment:
Great photograph Judi, one of my picks for a ribbon.

Blue Crowned Pigeon
by karenk

Comment:
Stunning bird. I've never seen it before, thanks for sharing! I do think the composition is cramped. I look at the red eye, and then the beak drags my eye out of the frame. Maybe it's just me. Lovely lighting, actually it appears to be perfect. Great choice of aperture. I like it!

"and what is the use of a book," thought Alice, "without pictures ?"
by firstkiss

Comment:
Maybe she can use it to iron her skirt! ;)

Beautiful model, but I think the composition is lacking. Too much DOF in my opinion for an effective portrait. I do like the humor, very cheeky!

Saphire
by MAK

Comment:
SAPHIRE stands for Systems Analysis Programs for Hands-on Integrated Reliability Evaluations

Sorry couldn't resist...This a very emotive portrait. Strong composition and deserves to score very well. I don't like the border, but I've learned to ignore them. Good luck and well done.

STAINED SOUL
by pamelasue

Comment:
Wonderful exposure. Expect to get called out for validation as this looks like HDR (but not from me!). I would have liked to have seen more of the window for the challenge itself. Great use of leading lines. Well done.

A dreadful sight...
by v3sn4

Comment:
Yeah it is...

You Make Me Wanna Shout!
by socalsteve

Comment:
Looks fantastic. Well done Steve. Go Love Shack!

Great Balls of Fire
by Tom

Comment:
Yeah baby!!!!!!!!! That's so much better than a match!