Judi - I think this image was way underrated. I gave it an 8 and think I should have scored it higher. I agree with St. Davidson that it would do well in a gallery setting or in another contest at a different venue. Absolutely beautiful.
Positives: I'd like to be a dispationate critic but all I can think of to say is "WOW". The high key in this composition makes it special. The technicals and art within this imagery are only what I dream of in my own compositions.
Technicals: Sharpness, high key treatment and the BW is perfect in every way. Color in the ribbons is just right. The solid white BG is absolutely the right choice.
There is a hint of jaggies in your model's hair and lack of detail in her cheeks, neck and left forehead that will be interpretted as a faults by some viewers.
Off centering your model more might add more interest.
The Challenge: Does it meet the challenge? Yes. How well it does many will ask. This image was faulted for shoehorning to the challenge by some I am sure and/or for a weakness in the desat choice.
I know, I was one of the people that did it for the later reason. I was wrong and am now ashamed. This is one of the images I scored in about .3 milliseconds. I gave it an 8. I was wrong. This is a 10 all the way. I'm angry now at myself for scoring it so low. I think I instinctively knew I was wrong at the time but did it anyway. I'm certain I was influenced by the challenge topic mistakenly or in ways I should not have been.
In my opinion, I and the voters did this image a grave diservice by giving it a 5.5.
Suggestions: Consider doing some touchup to remove some of the "jaggies" from your model's hair. Just use the blur tool lightly... very lightly. Little is needed.
The only other suggestion I can think of is to crop off some of the left side to off center your model and have her facing into the composition more.
Other than that I have no suggestions whatsoever. This is a great picture. This image could be an award winner in other venues and would make a great addition to a photo art gallery display.
As you already know, this is truly a beautiful piece of work.
Without the gimmick / wow / oooohhh / ahhhhh, it was doomed.
I wish I had the ability to do a shot like this, of my daughter, when she was younger. It certainly would be one of the few hanging on my wall.
That's exactly it. Most voters do NOT realise how hard this type of shot is...also most DPC'ers favor the gimmick shots sometimes over the artistic shots.....I love this and it's going to my favs....great job Judi....
Seeing as how I gave you an 8, I don't know that I can help with why it scored where it did. I thought it extremely well done. I don't think a lot of voters realize just how hard it is to do high key well. Other than that, I'm clueless! (Well, I'm clueless a lot, about a lot of things, actually....)
Judi, I am really suprised that this didn't come much, much higher in the rankings. I absolutely love it; the high key exposure is spot on, and the lovely subtle colourations compliment the model and pose beautifully.
I'm torn here. I love the feel of the photo. I think its an amazing photo. But at some points the overexposure sorta blinds me. Then again I wouldn't want you to change a thing about the photo.
I think that is REALLY good. That touch of pink is really an attribute, not just somebody leaving in some colour. It's thought out and I love the hair falling over her face. Great high tones and the hint of softness. I'm a sucker for a 3/4 profile anyway. One of the best of this challenge.
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