One with the Dirt
by aurorab

Comment by JacksonGariety:
Here's Your DPChallenge Critique Club Feedback As Requested! :D

Alright, lets see, first thing I notice when I look at the photo, has got to be the odd, distracting tones on the blade of the spade. It detracts from the interesting-ness of the subject and overall detracts from the image. In addition to that, the border doesn't match the photo at all and just makes you want to look away. The photo itself, is good in composition. I would rather the shadow did not fall on the spades handle but that's a minor detail. First thing, loose the border. I try to keep all my borders either black, white, or a black transparency. (as used in this image of mine) try one of those, but the brown just doesn't do it for me, or the DPC voters. Editing has created the distracting tones on the handle as well has taken away the images clarity, sharpness and overall quality. The post-processing is the biggest bungle in this image. And second to that would be interesting-ness, spade in the dirt near a plant isn't going to cut it generally for a challenge titled "In The Garden" obvious isn't always better. Anyway, overall, acceptable work, just lay-off on the pp a bit and don't make a border that will detract from the photo.

- ColemanGariety
The DPChallenge Critique Club

Parallel Palm
by aurorab

Comment by Luci11e:
I wish the background could have been all clear blue sky....but still a good photo showing parallel lines....good work!

One with the Dirt
by aurorab

Comment by HarveyG:
Texture is good on the spade but the white pot should imo been not in the image at all, it detracts.

One with the Dirt
by aurorab

Comment by mattlistener:
Awkward composition, too bright.

One with the Dirt
by aurorab

Comment by bubeltrubel:
boarder take my eyes away from the subject

Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
by aurorab

Comment by Gatorguy:
Hi, Critique Club here...

It's too bad about the score, I actually rather like the shot. I like the hard shadow and the angled shoe. I get the saying too!

There are a few things that I think would make this better. I think the background is quite mixed, from blown out to kind of muddy. I'm thinking that if you shot this on an evenly lit white paper backdrop you wouldn't have the distracting line of the wall. Additionally, there is a blue cast from the shoe that detracts from the image. Perhaps if the shoe was standing on it's own the distance to the background would be great enough that it wouldn't show. Maybe you'd need another light for evening out the light, stronger side light to cast the shadow but it would even out the right side. The other thing is the grenade is really dark and lacking detail. I think that was also pointed out by one of the comments during the challenge. You can use white cards, tin foil, and/or mirrors to help add light to specific areas. As you've found out, doing a shot like this well isn't as easy as one would think.

Keep working at it and good things will come.

I didn't vote in this challege, but if I had, I would have voted this one a 5. I don't think it deserved the ones.

Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
by aurorab

Comment by EL-ROI:
Nice concept. Very creative. The image could use a little work. THe single light source isn't too good a choice here due to the shados cast and the bright blown out corner on the left. Also the hand grenade is so dark it is hard to make out. But again, this was a very creative shot!

Fierce Hot Anger
by aurorab

Comment by see:
Greetings from the Critique Club.
Hello Shannon, I̢۪m Alan.

For ease I will break down your image in 3 parts, background, light painting, And your model.
The background, a nice smooth black, no distractions, well done so I will call it a non issue.
The light painting, nice flow, great color, nothing blown out, again well done.
Your model, looks to me properly conveying anger, really all in all not bad lighting, if he was the full image I would place it in the OK column.
The problem I see, or don̢۪t see, is a connection between the light painting and your angry model. Perhaps connecting the light to the model, ie a hand with the light emanating from the fingertips ( use your imagination). Possibility the light spelling out a word (the object of the anger), Job, car, children ect.
Looking at your portfolio, I am seeing a rapid improvement, and have no doubt in the very near future, these sub 5 images will show only how far you have come..

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Alan

Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
by aurorab

Comment by Lonni:
OK, I looked up your title, and now I get that it's a Green Day song. I suspect though that most voters will be just going "huh?".

In regards to your image, I like that you have removed distractions from the background by using a white backdrop, but it would turn out better I think if you placed your subject a little further away from the backdrop so that backdrop itself isn't in focus. Your focus seems to have missed your subject slightly, and your exposure is not great on the subject either, because the hand grenade just looks like a black blob, there is no detail perceivable.

Sorry to be negative, it's just that I like to explain my low votes.

Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
by aurorab

Comment by jayzundel:
Too dark,and deep shadows