Fuchsia
by Sting11165

Comment:
Hello from the Critique club
Composition
Not conventional in that the focal point is in the centre of the shot. You could have turned the camera to give the effect of the flower bursting into the image from the top corner. I agree with you that the green in the background really enhances the rich colour of the Fuchsia. Would it have been feasible to have added extra leaves? The blanket is a good idea and when I first looked at the shot I thought it was taken at night.
I know this flower well and I think that you encapsulate the colours superbly. Did you move the rear petal to flap over the cap of the flower? If you did it is a delicate touch and works
The distractions are the leaf in the top right (In focus) and the stem to the right hand side of the centre stamen; Simple to solve cut it off at source or clone it out.
Technical
The focus on the subject is very good with lots of detail,(which may have been even better if you had utilised the 200kb permitted in this challenge instead of 120kb) the out of focus backdrop is enhancing and works well. The lighting is good and looks to be to the left of the subject which gives the shot a nice 3D effect and brings out the almost velvet textures of the petals.
You say that you have spent a lot of time enhancing the shot and experimenting and I think your effort has been worth while.
I hope you will find this critique useful and may I just say that I adored you Kitchen ware entry. I gave it a 10 and a comment
Happy shooting Regards Rosie

Pierce the Sun.
by nephiniven

Comment:
Hi from the Critique Club

I like the spirit of this shot and it is a very good use of Black & White.
I think that improvement could be made by
1. having a straight horizon however you may not wish to conform to that rule and this may reflect your individualism
2. Move to your camera right and down so as to knock out the leaves near the sun and to the right hand edge. I think this would also lift the shadow off the chest of the guy on the right.
3. There is something not quite right with the sun it almost looks like two shots have been used and as there is no info as to how this shot was edited it is a little hard to say what you could do to improve it.

In general I like the shot. You did not make the most of the 200kb file size and may have lost a little detail in the shadow for it. Nice definition to the contours of muscle to guy on right which is why the shadow across the chest is disappointing.
The DOF is very good and the focus is just about spot on for this shot.
I think it is just a mater of a slightly different angle would have made a real difference to the overall composition and feel of the image.

I notice that you are intending to get a D70. Good luck, I am sure you will not be disappointed. Then you may enter a few more challenges. I am keen to see more of your shots
Good luck
Regards Rose

La semeuse
by danielv

Comment:
Hi from the Critique Club

First glance at this photo and I love it. I like its gentle low key feel and its effortless floating appearance. It evokes a feeling of innocence and romance.
I voted this shot a 6 during the challenge and I will try to explain my thinking in that score
I think the shot is very well composed as it the crop and the idea is extremely pleasing
For me it is the lighting which is giving a rather distracting glow along the nose and upper lip and the last few strands of hair just above the nose in particular. (I realise that commenter̢۪s are praising the lighting so this is my opinion only)
This looks back lit so moving the light source is not an alternative but I think that a reflector at some distance in front of the face so it is very subtle would help soften the glow and help it float into the feel of this shot.
I also feel that the blown seeds in the air are too bright and distract from the overall sense of the shot.

I hope you have found my thoughts helpful. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions
Good luck in future challenges.
Rose

A Crash Back to Reality
by mistchild2008

Comment:
I think this shot captures the anguish of this event in the ladies face. It is a big part of today̢۪s culture, other̢۪s here on DPC may not see it that way regrettably. = 9
I think a little less contrast to take away the glare may improve this image

Fox in Socks
by wmprkg

Comment:
This is rather a good shot although I think the white backdrop is harsh. Also the sexuality angle does not sit well, for me, for a children̢۪s book subject. Just a thought. And not reflect in my vote

Go Dog. Go!
by neophyte

Comment:
great capture, My, my what big ears you have

Green eggs and ham
by Rino63

Comment:
This is a nice composition with the exception of the colour of the backdrop. a subtle lemon may have complimented the image and allowed the other colours to pop as apposed to taking all the viewers attention and subduing the rest

Truffula Trees
by rinac

Comment:
beautiful colours

I Can Draw Myself!! (1970)
by SteveJ

Comment:
You go woody, is that a slf portrate? I think a bit of tissue over the flash although i think the shadows work well in the shot

One Fish to Fish Red Fish Fishbowl
by De Sousa

Comment:
great shot but a little bit bright and out of focus