Little Red Riding Hood (as seen by the wolf)
by posthumous

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

Well, my first reaction was probably along the same lines as many of the voters. It's messy, abstract, doesn't seem to have a good focal point, and may be a stretch for the challenge. I think the title plays a very significant role in this shot. Without it, I don't think anyone could guess what the shot is. However, with the title, it is very creative, and a different take compared to the many Red Riding Hood entries. It is a clever idea, and I like that you experimented with the CD holder and editing to get a unique feel. I just don't think it compares to the clean, crisp, quality shots that DPC voters tend to adore.

As for the shot itself, I can tell it's taken in some sort of outdoor area, which fits the Riding Hood story, but the person doesn't look much like a little girl in a red cape. She appears to be wearing jeans, hiking boots, and some sort of backpack? Little details like that may have improved the score. Maybe a picnic basket too. I'd also bring down the spiral blur a little, if possible.

Your portfolio is filled with a wide range of shots. It appears you know how to appeal to voters, but also have a very creative, out of the box side of you. I applaud you for continuing to take these unique, interesting shots. It forces voters to look at shots they would otherwise pay not attention to. Keep it up!

The Queen Bee
by Nuzzer

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

I'm surprised by the low vote on this one. I think it's a great macro shot, and I can see how it fits the challenge. However, I can also see how voters may not find it to fit the challenge as well as some other entries.

Some suggestions for improvement.. A lot of the entries in this challenge had a lot to look at. The frames were very interesting, and I think they held the viewer's attention. Your shot was well executed, and captured a bee in its natural environment, but after a few moments, there's not much left to look at. I agree with boyd2000 that expanding the DOF may have helped. I would have liked to see the detail of the far wing. But even with that, the background is not very interesting.

If this were a macro challenge, I would have expected your score to be much higher. However with a challenge like Brother's Grimm, I think the viewer goes into voting with the expectation of fairy tales, wonder, color and intrigue. Interesting that the top 13 shots focused on a human subject.

It's a good shot. Don't get discouraged. I'm sure you know voter perception is hit or miss. You have an awesome portfolio. Looks like you re-tried your bee shot for the Work challenge, and you got top 10! Nice job.

Cinderella
by DiSc

Comment:
Greetings from the critique club!

This is a technically beautiful shot. The lighting is spectacular. I especially like how the first set of stair rails pop. The composition and crop is great. Although, leaving in the corner of the front post may have been nice. Not a deal breaker though.

The photo definitely sets the scene for a fairly tale, however, like many of the commenters, I feel it's missing a subject. I realize this may have been hard to accomplish, as it seems you happened to be visiting there, and not necessarily going there with the intention to shoot for this challenge. Maybe someone would let you borrow their high heeled shoe. =)

Overall, I think it's a beautiful shot, and had the potential of being something amazing, if you had added a subject. I'm fairly certain that's the only reason you were voted down.

Strength
by mikefrom

Comment:
I'm jealous! What an amazing shot!

Watch Your Step
by Blackbox

Comment:
Very Escher. Nice shot.

"Oops. This is a bit embarassing."
by Lydia

Comment:
I love the composition & crop on this shot. 8

Too Much Candy
by VitaminB

Comment:
I was hoping someone would pull this off. =)

The Inside's Out.
by PeteT

Comment:
Cute idea, but the image is really dark.

Life Saver
by Cuttooth

Comment:
Great texture

There is safety in her smile.
by CassieDoodle

Comment:
Cute shot.. but I think it's a stretch for the challenge.