Bound by Preconception
by fas-ligand

Comment:
Positives:
This is a very nice idea. Provides the viewer with something to think about. Nice clean simplistic image without a lot of distracting details. Simple is always good. Generally well done.

Technicals:
Composition and framing are good. Sharpness is fine with the exception of some sharpening artifacts on the lower part of the arm. Tones are very smooth.

Not lots wrong technically. Looks like the image may be a little 'flat' where it does not contain the full range from black to white from 0,0,0 to 255,255,255. The bottom chain may be a little to close to the edge of the frame. This image depends on its simple clean lines for its effect so as a result there are some minor details that act as distractions. There are three shadow and arm lines that show up on the forearm that act as distractions.

The Challenge:
Obviously meets the challenge. DPC voters require literal topic interpretations and including the physical chain accomplishes that. But because of the nature of the challenge some voters might have become jaded after viewing a lot of images containing chains and wanted even more unusual compositions than this. Hard to say, though.

Undoubtably the wimpy arm lacking chiseled muscular features had a negative impact on your score. ;)

Suggestions:
Check the luminosity range of the image to be sure it covers the full range from 0,0,0 to 255,255,255. It will add more 'punch' to the composition. Dodge and burn for images like this are always liked by DPC voters so you might want to try doing some of that. It provides additional viewer interest. Adding a vignette border is a common photographer trick to increase image visual interest as well that you might consider. Flex those muscles!

Monte de Espuma
by thegrandwazoo

Comment:
Hmmmmm... this image has one of those Jason-like titles. ;) Beautifully captured Superstition landscape. The lone cactus is perfect, though I'd consider a ROT positioning and/or crop for it.

Night Shot
by Retusnavy

Comment:
Looks like the Venetian Casino to me... nicely captured.

Jefferson and Washington(s)
by levyj413

Comment:
Nice the way Bush had another Washington Monument built just for this picture - Nowadays he'll do anything for a better performance rating. LOL!!!

Ye Old Courthouse
by EducatedSavage

Comment:
To bad about the .jpg artifacting around the dome... otherwise a very fine image.

Flicker
by shutterfly

Comment:
Absolutely wonderful sky. Orion shows nicely. Now all you need is something more for added foreground interest. :(

Still
by admajic

Comment:
Sydney gets a lot of coverage at DPC. It should. It is a beautful photogenic city.

The Constellation
by RainMotorsports

Comment:
Ahhh.. the Inner Harbor... probably the only safe place in Baltimore to take a picture at night. LOL!! ;) Nice view.

Mystery at Midnight
by hihosilver

Comment:
Positives:
Composition strong with this image. Great star patterns around the lights. Interesting and brave choice to use BW over color for a night shot. Works well.

Technicals:
Star patterns excellent, general overall image quality good. Sharpness fine. Whether true or not, looks like noise reduction might have been slightly overdone. Good overall tonality, exposure and lighting. Might be slightly oversharpened on some monitors.

The Challenge:
Meets the challenge well and brave choice for a night shot.

Suggestions:
Unsure how do do this, but suggest you do something to bring out a little more detail in some of the smoothed areas in the water reflections to reduce 'neatimage' effect.

BEAUTY
by ericwoo

Comment:
One of the most interesting and provocative submissions. Pure studio nudes wouldn't normally come to mind as a subject for contre-jour but you pulled it off in a most fascinating and appropriate way. There probably will be a few, not many, voters that feel studio shots cannot be contre-jour but the quality of your image will carry the day. Your model is attractive, you flattered her in composition, particularly with her facial lighting. BW is good and tones are excellent. Sharpness is just right. Great job!