40mm Forehand
by Zed Pobre

Comment by SJCarter:
Very cool shot! I remember this well from the challenge and scored it a 7. Love the light on the ball - and am appreciative of the fact that you shared how you captured it! :-)

Stepping Away (color example)
by Zed Pobre

Comment by SJCarter:
WOW... Very powerful image. Great shot - love the deep tones and desolation the shot evokes. Nice job.

Dove on Roof
by Zed Pobre

Comment by SJCarter:
I agree with the other comments and think that perhaps a slightly off-center composition might improve it. You've got good lighting and tones.

Always the First to Die
by Zed Pobre

Comment by SJCarter:
I agree that this would have done well in the Triangles Challenge. I like the balanced composition. The colors are good too. The white of the paper is a bit harsh (just a hair), but otherwise a great shot.

Water in Petal
by Zed Pobre

Comment by SJCarter:
Nice shot. The shadow bothers me for some reason - I think maybe it takes my eyes away from the petal and water. Otherwise, I like it.

Tennessee Tree
by Zed Pobre

Comment by SJCarter:
Great perspective and composition. I think you could bump up the color and contrast a hair (to get richer, deeper tones), but a very nice shot nonetheless.

Forgotten Water (JPG-based retouch)
by Zed Pobre

Comment by sheapod:
It's really difficult to come up with something that hasn't already been said. I think you did a great job bringing out the colors of the hydrant. It does seem cheery!
As for the twirly stem.....I like it.
-Laura

Forgotten Water (JPG-based retouch)
by Zed Pobre

Comment by Balko:
Wonderful colors that you have gotten exactly right! I would crop off the OOF section on the bottom, though - and clone out that curly plant as Tallbloke suggested :)

Forgotten Water (JPG-based retouch)
by Zed Pobre

Comment by Dr.Confuser:
Zed, you've done a nice job with this in general but I want to highlight a few things I think are important.

You said you rejected some edits because they "didn't seem to go along with the story" you were telling. I think this is tremendously important. It is easy to get caught up in edits for their own sake, but we need to remember we ARE telling a story and whatever edits we do should contribute to the story.

Secondly, you used a light touch with the tools. I am a big fan of "the light touch." As with women's fashions, sometime what you don't see is more exciting than what you do. A light touch allows you to imply something rather than shout it out loud.

Well done!

Forgotten Water (JPG-based retouch)
by Zed Pobre

Comment by Jutilda:
I like the contrast of the "industrial" against the natural not only in texture, but coloration as well. The warm bright tones against the cool grassy ones are a true stand out. I can't remember if I saw the first shot, but this one is a keeper for sure!