Heavens Realmby
wooglinComment by Artifacts: Positives:
Traditional in-camera technicals - DOF, focus, lack of noise - are done well. You will never go wrong with central focus on the eyes. The mottled lighting is its best feature.
Technicals:
Though the general in-camera technicals are not bad the "No Edits" approach was probably not the way to go. Even a simple "AutoContrast" selection improves contrast and gives the image more impact. The background does not overwhelm the composition, but then it doesn't add much viewer interest either. The mottled lighting is OK but more should be done with it to bring that out.
The tops of the wings are to close to the edge of the frame and that acts as a distraction. Near center framing is not bad, but not all that interesting either.
Edit vs. No Edits
Purist photographers feel that post processing is overdone and destroys the accuracy of photographic images. They feel if you do the job right in-camera then no post processing should be needed. DPCers often brag about how little post processing they applied to an image.
Non-purists feel cameras are incapable of capturing a scene as it really is so post processing is necessary to bring that out for either accuracy or for artistic expression.
Which is right? Probably both to a certain degree. Only a fool would depend on post processing to "save" a badly conceived and captured image. But equally foolish is the belief that cameras in their current form can accurately capture and record reality.
The Challenge:
This image will come across to many voters as nothing more than a photograph of an art object and you were faulted for that.
The viewer's first impression when looking at this image is not "silky smooth". Yes, if you look closely you can see elements of that, but if the viewer must do that then you are doomed. DNMC hurt this image. Also, besides that there is just not a lot to excite the viewer. All those things combined is why voters gave this a significantly below average score.
I voted this image 7. In my voting that means it is average, "C" level work. I gave you credit for lack of significant defects and, with effort, meeting the challenge... In other words, a "C". My issue was whether or not to give you an unsatisfactory "D" (6 in my case). Voters essentially went with a low end DPC "D". I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I'm not so sure they were not more correct than I.
Suggestions:
If possible leave more space above the wings to keep them away from the edge of the frame. If that is not possible them crop smaller and clip them to remove the distraction.
Apply "AutoContrast" at the very, very least for post processing. This image would benefit greatly from additional advanced editing like dodge and burn and color enhancements. A little post processing sharpening never hurts. It only hurts when overdone.
My son's image placed 5th in this "silky smooth" challenge. I hope I do not embarrass him by saying this, but his needs many of the same types of post processing yours does, including even "autocontrast". His would have scored higher and might have even ribboned if he'd done the same type of post processing yours needs.