Lit Rock
by Slyy

Comment by basssman7:
I think it would be better if the rock was lit up more, and the candles in focus.

Lit Rock
by Slyy

Comment by vikas:
I like the way you have used the DOF to isolate the rock.

But composition of the shot seems off, the cropped candle at the bottom, too much space on the right side of the top candle and the visible edges of the bowl on top and bottom.

4th and C
by Slyy

Comment by taterbug:
Here is my take on this shot. Not bad technically for a night photo. The focus is good. Exposure is not too bad, you've caught a nice light trail, and that 'silky' smooth look to the water. There are a couple of spots, like the lights in the fountain and the windows of the building that are a little hot, not too bad but a minor distraction. One thing some people might do differently is to use a smaller aperture (I see you used f4) in this situation to control the light a little more and get the 'starburst' effect on the street lights. (maybe you were trying to avoid this)

The subject is not bad, but I find a slight conflict, the statue and fountain competing against the light trails and street/setting for attention. It leaves me wondering exactly what the photo is about. What could make this different? Well, perhaps either simplifying or showing more context. If the photo is about the fountain, then maybe a more dramatic angle, and showing less of the surroundings would stress this. If the shot is about the whole scene (which I tend to think) then maybe a little less fountain and some more of the street and scene, paying close attention to compositional dynamics. In this case, maybe a lower point of view, or better yet an elevated one could strengthen the presentation. The angle here just doesn't reach out and grab you, so to speak, it is a view that one would expect to see if you were standing there, sometimes showing an angle that you wouldn't expect to see can add a lot of interest factor to an image.

Your shot is not bad. (I scored it a 6) It is a nice scene and technically sound. Keep in mind that this was a free study, people had a month to work and free studies draw interest from a lot of people, a lot of great photogs. You are up against a lot of very stiff competition. I thought my entry would of scored a lot higher :-( too. In a different challenge, your shot could very well of scored higher.

All just my opinion, hope it helps :-)

4th and C
by Slyy

Comment by C-town driver:
Nice capture... has a very kinetic feel to it. The colors and long shutter exposure are nice and the detail and focus is good throughout the shot. Personally, I would have liked a more elevated shot and a composition that had more of the street instead of the building to the left. but that's just personal preference and it's a nice shot nonetheless..... 8

A Drop in the Bucket
by Slyy

Comment by BAMartin:
Very good attempt at the classic water drop photo. The background may be just the wrong color to add the necessary contrast.

A Drop in the Bucket
by Slyy

Comment by Skip:
ok, you have caught a splash. however, the colors don't really work that well for me. while this is fairly ok from a technical standpoint, it's not what i would call a strong challenge entry, at least not in a free study. granted, there's a fine line between entering what makes you happy and appealing to the masses, but, if it's votes you want, you have to make that appeal--and i don't see much of that here...

A Drop in the Bucket
by Slyy

Comment by Catherine_B:
not clear and crisp as this type of shot should be

A Drop in the Bucket
by Slyy

Comment by SnapperL:
The background does not lean itself for showing the drop very much. A lighter background would have been better on water shots like this. 6

Rainy Day, Nothing on TV
by Slyy

Comment by ace flyman:
I think this shot would had done well, it appears its reall important to size your photos to a least 600 on the longest side not to exceed 640. on this site...other than that It appears technically perfect, good compostion...sets the mood....6

Rainy Day, Nothing on TV
by Slyy

Comment by jmoore:
one of the better shot I have seen so far, good job.