First let me say that I think this is a very powerful image that met the Independence Challenge quite well (as exemplified by your score - congratulations on your top 10 finish!).
That of course, also makes it difficult to provide additional feedback on! LOL However, I'll give it a shot (and remember it's just one opinion that you can take or leave as you wish).
Met the Challenge
Quite well in an emotional and very visually attractive way.
Composition
Very nice work. I like the off-center placement of the main subject, the sunset/rise between the upheld arms/fists, the silhouette effect of the background. Two things (IMHO) that I think could have been improved on here are being able to see the subject's head (wish I could make it out) and have the sun a little higher above the land mass. I know these are nit-picky things, but they did cross my mind both when I first viewed and voted on the shot and when I re-examined it for this critique.
Lighting
Great. Again, the only thing would be to be able to see a little of the subject's head.
Color/DOF
Outstanding. The warm, clean tones really add to the emotion of the piece. Nice sense of depth and enough detail to see what's going on.
Overall
Really great shot. Well composed and executed. Very nice work and congratulations again on your top 10 finish!
This image has been tried before and here is its best representaion. Here the hands tied add that special ingredient to give it power! Congratulations on your Top Ten finish. Awesome!
This is very well done! Only improvement I would suggest would be if you could've captured the moment of the rope snapping in between the wrists. One of my top picks!
Stunning, absolutely stunning.
Whilst one could argue that this photo is all about oppression I choose to interpret it as someone breaking free of that oppression and gaining their independence.
The way the lower expanse of sky merges blackly into the lower area of the silhouette is very clever. So too is the echo between the red of the sun, backed by black and the red of the sky. A very clever use of colour processing.
Wonderful composition - the off-centred arms and sun couldn't be better positioned within the frame and to each other.
TOP SHOT!
10!
Well, I guess I'll be unpopular because while I think this image will probably win you a ribbon, I don't much like it. Not because it's a poor photograph; it's technically very good, and the composition, indeed the whole execution, is visually striking. Moreover, your idea will have universal appeal as a depiction of independence; very dramatic and theatrical. My problem is that it seems too contrived and obvious; the sort of image an advertising agency would come up with ... a two-syllable photograph for an audience with limited vocabulary. I apologise in advance if you think my views insulting, especially as this is obviously a work of a highly competent photographer. 5
Nice concept.
I like the dark space at the bottom, it compliments the image of the binds.
As if one is rising up from the dark to rejoice in the light of the sun.
My favorite so far! Wonderful sun, lighting, colors and idea! the only small distraction is that the sun is a bit fuzzy... (but it was probably setting fast!)
I hope you get a ribbon!
powerful concept, best interpretation of the challange - photo is very dark on my monitor, is there more to see besides the fists, ropes and sun? why not a vertical orientarion for the image? might add the the thrusting up movement.
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