Communication Branches
by ilwil

Comment by Sherri1209:
What a great image. I love your take on this challenge. The color of the sky is amazing. I don't know what was around and if another angel might not have seemed as busy as the tree line kind of distracts from the upward view....regardless a really nice shot. Thank you!

Communication Branches
by ilwil

Comment by dahkota:
Great sky, interesting silhouette. A little too centered for the subject in this instance. 6

Communication Branches
by ilwil

Comment by Edison_Watts:
the sky in this image is really punchy. I like teh "sillouette" like way you've displayed the dish as well.

Future Lost
by ilwil

Comment by Kemptonreporter:
Heck.
I'm thirsty!

Future Lost
by ilwil

Comment by brandnew:
i like happy pictures, not that you really care other than i give this a 2.

Future Lost
by ilwil

Comment by er0k:
this almost tries too hard to be emotional..with all of the props (ie it almost doesn't feel natural and casually depressing like I think the shot was intended, almost too forced) - but the expression on her face and the tear really help to keep this real for me...

good work!!

Future Lost
by ilwil

Comment by Artifacts:
Composition fits the challenge well. The technical quality of this image it top notch. You have created an excellent scene. The clarity and mid-tones are superb. Everything in the composition fits right down to the rain streaked window, tear drop and wedding band.

Voters will have some difficulty with the believablity of this image and you may get a few low votes because of it. Though it is certainly possible, voters will have a hard time believing that you could capture such a powerfully sad candid moment right during the challenge week of a "darkness" challenge. It looks setup, but they will feel the setup is very good.

You might have considered not including the album in the composition. It is obvious through the expression, the pose, the window and the bottle of JD that this person is obviously distraught and reflective over something overwhelming to her.

For a photography challenge like this it is better if you don't tell them exactly why she is distraught but let them speculate. This image gives the viewer plenty to think about without the album. We know her sadness has to be powerful enough to drive her to drink during the middle of the day. It could be over the loss of a child as is shown here. Or it could easily be over sadness because of being molested during her childhood. Or it could be bcause she is in an unhappy marriahge and is longing for a happier life. There are many imaginative ways the viewer could explain what they see and that would drive their curiosity to know more.

On the technical side the contrast is just a touch weak and that darkening the blacks slightly to get a true black point might be needed.

That having been said... this is a terrific image and should be a top finisher in the challenge. Kudos to you!

Future Lost
by ilwil

Comment by pcody:
It is well taken. The tonal range is very nice. The props are not overstated and the rain creates a moodiness for the scene. Technically the only thing I'd change is the orientation of the pictures. She wouldn't be looking at them sideways but want to glance down from time to time to see her lost baby without having to turn the album each time.

Future Lost
by ilwil

Comment by JunieMoon:
Loved the image. The photo album of the children really brought home the price one pays for unfortunate addictions.

Future Lost
by ilwil

Comment by taterbug:
Very emotive photo. Fits the challenge great IMO. I love your attention to detail in this shot. Everything present adds to the story, the photo album, the booze, the tissue in the hand(very nice touch), the bear, the tears, the rain...just excellant. Great expression on the model. The composition is strong. I'm really left feeling a connection, and wondering what problems are haunting this woman, and wishing I could help her in some way. Awesome job, this is one of my favorites of the field.