Heaven take 1
by thewriterside

Comment:
Your stated goal: "My goal was to detail the magnificence of the sky, using the lamp post to set the scale. My goal in posting was to get suggestions on what would allow me to fully achieve that goal, and to see if a shot like that would have mass appeal."

In this image the focus is sharply on the lamp post with blurring of the clouds. As you did not post atechnical information it's hard to know what you were working with, but as a guess I'm thinking you would better achieve your goal with a deeper depth of field; perhaps you could use a aperture priority setting to get to f/16?

It's also interesting that you wanted to set the scale with the lamp post. By using a wide-angle up close you emphasize the post dramatically. in this case, unless your goal was to create a surreal effect of a larger than life post, it may not have been the desired outcome.

As far as the sky's magnificence, I think your use of negative space does create a strong presence. With some curves work you could probably bring out more drama in the tonality of those clouds, adding contrast and interest.

I'm not sure this would be a mass appeal image in a challenge, although it would score as a technically sound image (which is definitely is). For some reason I feel that you'd boost its appeal with a duotone (b/w or sepia) treatment. I don't think color adds to this image, and sometimes simplifying can make a difference.

Hope this was helpful... Thanks for sharing.

IMG_0548snow11.jpg
by L1

Comment:
I like the subtle use of selective desat in this. It doesn't jump out as being unatural, yet it creates a unique effect. Creative work!

On a sunday afternoon
by jjbeguin

Comment:
Very skilled use of space, and I like the duotone treatment. This is a great image - I predict you'll sell many prints.

Pushed
by Gil P

Comment:
Interesting subject, but I'm finding the background very distracting due to its business.

Angels in Waiting - Pedestal Detail
by C_Steve_G

Comment:
Excellent use of lighting to add drama.

Ducks On Lake
by fifield

Comment:
I think a lower point of view would emphasize the water more, and minimize the background where that pesky telephone pole lives.

"LookingUp"
by tfarrell23

Comment:
I like the perspective - great use of lines in an unusual orientation. I hope you don't get too abused for a duotone treatment, as I think it definitely fits in the challenge, and works well with this image.

Good and Ivo
by Pedro

Comment:
Very unique image. Interesting combination of landscape, portraiture, and I'm not sure where the baloon fits in. I like the overal effect though - I think you could create an interesting portfolio out of these juxtapositions if you could create more in this style.

Morning Glory
by ngef

Comment:
Nice even tones, and an interesting composition. I like the delicate vines mixed in with the bold flower, and the clean background.

Hey Buddy! Ya got any extra seeds?
by vtruan

Comment:
The blurring on the left bird is distracting for me, but you've captured a cool relationship between the two subjects.