Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by loseme:
*Critique Club*

I think you were defiantly thinking outside the normal box with your "Different" entry into the Odd Challenge. I like the approach you chose, they were actually a few different egg ideas out there and your did not look like any of the rest. Also great choice on green apple to draw attention in. I think the photo itself could have used a couple of different things to get voted higher. Possibly the focus seems a little soft, I know how hard focusing can be depending on the environment and subject. The focus also could have been affected by the flash. I might have tried a couple of different angles and perspectives for that different look. Also I might have tried that different angle showing less of your back drop or change the color of your backdrop. The box almost blends into the background. I might even play with adjusting the contrast to give the box more depth. Overall I think you had an excellent idea keep up the good work.

Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by Antanas:
Good idea, direct flash lighting isn't eye-pleasing...5

Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by GrayGhost:
Better focus would help, and maybe some angle.

Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by pa_cuthbert:
The focus wasn't a very well done job on this shot, I originally gave it a 5, but have to drop it down to a 4 because of that. It's an innovative thought compared to other egg users. The cloth used as a background doesn't work very well for the picture, in my opinion. It needs something that will contrast the container colour. It could have turned out a better shot. That's what I think at least.

Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by rachelellen:
Is a bit grainy. Interesting idea; would maybe have been a bit better if you'd selected something that fit in the carton.

Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by Jammur:
Clever idea, but photo is rather average. Focus is soft, tonal range is 'gray', just not lively.

Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by dahved:
Good idea, but focus could have been sharper, and composition is somewhat dull (too centered). More contrast in background would have helped, too.

Different
by lorimc1999

Comment by pix-are:
Out of focus and poor lighting.

PT1
by lorimc1999

Comment by basssman7:
critique club

Hi Lori, first let me say that you have picked a great subject for this photo! Just realizing that a photo opportunity exists is a skill in itself.

I think that you are correct, the grill does make a nice subject for a shot. My concern is that the grill and the hood (with the reflections) are fighting each other, trying to be the subject of interest, and as a result, neither of them end up appearing as powerful as they could. I think you actually have two very nice pictures here.

The grill which first attracted you to this, makes a great subject because of the curved lines and feeling of strength it gives. I would suggest cropping out the two pieces of bumper in the lower right and left of the frame though. The curves help lead you through the picture and helps it flow.

The Chrysler symbol and upwards also makes a nice photo, and it is likely the better of the two. (especially for this contest) Do you use Photoshop? With a small adjustment to exposure using either the "levels" or the "shadow and highlight" command to darken the highlights in the reflection it really brings out the details in the clouds and sells this picture. The highlights (especially on the Chrysler symbol) are a bit overexposed so they lack detail. It is a common problem when taking shots of metallic subjects, and one of the better ways to avoid this is to take the photo in a shaded area, instead of open sunlight. Is that your reflection just below the symbol? That is something to be careful of as well when taking reflective pictures.

When approaching a complex subject such as this it is a good idea to decide first on what the actual center of interest will be, (the grill or the reflections?) then try to eliminate any distractions that take away from it. Finally see if there are any techniques or angles which can help emphasize your subject. (if shooting the picture of the grill only would you want this same high viewpoint? or shoot it from a lower prespective and perhaps more to one side or the other tho help make the lines of the grill flow in an interesting way?) Or if shooting the reflection by itself, would you take a higher viewpoint and get more in? Or would you take a lower viewpoint so that the "wings" of the ornament float more into the trees and clouds?

I am looking forward to seeing more of your pictures in the future, and I hope you found my input helpful in some way.

Ernie

PT1
by lorimc1999

Comment by tpoc:
now that's a clean car! wish there could be more tree in the reflection or no tree...the almost trees make me want to see more of them.