My humble opinions; Dan Mitchell: Old Buoys Network "I liked the colors and textures," So do I, the detail is very rich. I wondered how that detail and color mating would have transformed if the photographer moved in even closer. Dan Cardish: Hot Air Balloons Nice image. The deep blue of the sky is very helpful, had it been a more pale, tranquil blue, I think the image would have suffered. The comp works even though there is considerable negative space. This image could be an excellent choice for advertisers. All sorts of symbolism here. Kristoffer J. Buquet: Little Surfer Boy A nice, clean image. Lighting seems very even, color is strong and distinct. Comp is good and the boy's expression is excellent. The lack of background adds to the strength of this image. Bob Talbot: Yaffle Bird Very intimate image of this bird. Good catch light in the eyes, good detail in the feather structure and good facial detail. Comp is boring. Choice of depth was good, we know it's grass, but are not distracted by it. Jim Davis: Fishing from a Boat This image would have been nice even without the egret. Comp is working but the background is just a tad too busy for the bird. Nothing wrong here, just wished there was a little more separation between the egret and the background. Greg Fraser: Rail Song I see the point to this image, but it seems to tight. The railings conflict with he graffiti and the "neglect" is lost from my perspective of too little information, especially where the shopping carts are concerned and lack of foreground. Adding some garbage or greasy stains in the foreground would have been the coup de Gras (SP?) for me. Walter Kelton: Train Nice comp. I enjoy the rail perspective. There is no sense of motion but, if there wasn't any, then it makes sense. I see this image as suggesting motion unfortunately, isn't this the classic comp for trains as they approach? Everything in the image works otherwise, with good depth and detail. The train sits a little crooked, at least in relation to the right side of the frame. Emily L. Ferguson: Sunset Cloud Column Unusual image. It's confusing until one reads the caption. I first thought it was an image of "Old Faithful" or something similar. Without knowing the position of the photographer, the image would simply seem an odd comp with cool color. The loss of focus on the foreground is the weak point in this image, good choice to keep it a silhouette though. The fiery nature of the lighting and wasping tendrils of the cloud structure make strong points of interest. Christopher Strevens, LRPS: On Reigate Hill The painterly affect is a nice touch. Watercolor artists would be envious. I don't like the edging, it distracts from the otherwise pleasant, wistful and dreamlike nature of this image. Also, an excellent example of where manipulation works well. Rand Flory: The Cowboys There are no "rules of silhouettes" in photography. This is indeed a silhouette. Comp is strong, color is subtle yet present without question and the directional lighting adding color to the figures is excellent. The background has nothing to do with the foreground and would have benefited with a lot less focus. At least the window on the right. On it's own, is interesting, but with the foreground, becomes a distraction. Where do we focus our attention? According to the title it's the foreground, so why am I looking at this window? jIMMY Harris: Mantis Nice macro, but the insect seems soft. The back of the bug seems to heavily lit, with a significant loss of detail and color. The purple thing the bug sits on is so bold, one wants it defined. What is it, a tree limb? The caption detail is great, reminiscent of NGS captions. Marilyn Dalrymple: Bamboo Fan Handle A warm and pleasant image. Too small here to give it justice. The choice of ambient color was good, helping to blend shadow with light and object forcing the viewer to see the entire image as one and not separate elements creating a whole. Here the artist chose a bold use of shadow and creates a foundation for the entire image. Comp is very strong, excellent choices all the way around. Good job. Thanks everyone. Take care, Gregory david Stempel FIREFRAMEi m a g i n g
