Snow_Cover
by Naco

Comment by bspurgeon:
Critique Club

Initial impression...very pleasing photograph, and I like the texture of the snow. This was represented well. The composition good be stronger with a more interesting placement of the main subjects which are the covered logs. Possibly on a diagonal or from a different perspective. Greater depth of field can be gained by placing the focus further back in the scene. Details in the background would have added to the interest of the photograph. You did a nice job of exposing the snow, but overall it could be brighter. Finally, as mentioned in the comments, the lack of prominent shadows hurt your score based on the challenge topic.

Keep shooting and entering challenges...

Cheers!

Ben

All I want for Christmas is...you.
by Naco

Comment by ericwoo:
Hey there from the Critique Club

First of all, welcome to DPC and congrats on a new personal best score. You are on a great pace with 2 challenges in since joining on December 11. Keep it up! This is the absolute best way to learn.

Camera Work/Technical: Fantastic focus, especially for a 1/8 second shutter speed, and you captured a great range of warm tones.

Lighting: I like the warm, hopeful feeling that you created with the lighting. I do, however, I agree with the other commenters that the light above the door is a bit distracting. I also agree that the door is a bit too dark, thus digging a hole for the eye to get trapped inside. Adding just a touch of fill-flash would have helped this one tremendously. This would have also helped with that blow out lamp shade.

Composition/Content: Terrific point of view, as others have already pointed out. This the main strength in my opinion. You have painted a nice picture of the anticipation a loved one's return. I'd like this one better if it had the shadow of someone preparing to enter. As it is, it feels a little empty.

My Opinion: This was a very nice idea that was decently executed. I think you would have grown the score a bit with a little more attention on your lighting, as well as adding a human shadow in the door. As it is, 5.5 is a nice score for this image, and I agree with the voters on its placement.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a critique on your entry,
Eric