Free As A Bird
by HornOUBet

Comment:
I like how you used the space, but the low contrast is leaving me wanting more pop. I also think it'd work better with less space on the right to pull the bird toward that side. I realize that there's a limit to how much you can take away given the long crop requirements in this challenge.

take heed
by mariuca

Comment:
I like the shapes and patterns, but ultimately, they don't grab me all that much. I do think it'd hit me more if the space to the right were reduced significantly or even eliminated, so the right side of the sign were on the right edge of the photo.

deciscions
by npasel

Comment:
You did a nice job of using the aspect ratio. I think with different editing, or maybe different shooting choices, this could have some real pop. But for me, the dull colors and low contrast rob it of potential impact.

Pencil - far better in doing creative work than keyboard.
by pgirish007

Comment:
This shot takes advantage of the long, thin shape of the challenge's aspect ratio, but I have to say it just doesn't grab me. As always, though, the relevant question is: does it grab *you*?

Something Wicked This Way Comes.
by MinsoPhoto

Comment:
This is a tough one for me to score. It doesn't really appeal to me, and I don't feel it really uses the long, thin aspect ratio very well. But that said, I hope it meets *your* artistic vision. If so, then you should be happy! :)

DSC_9604 kopiera
by wejna

Comment:
It's interesting to me to compare this to my recent free study entry, which was a bee on a similar flower. There, I was able to use the much larger size to show the detail of these tiny subjects. Here, I want to see more detail, more sharply, than what's presented, and the image doesn't really use the long, thin shape of the allowed aspect ratio. I can't really tell whether this would be a good shot at a larger size, but that's part of my problem with this entry. Check out another macro entry in this challenge that shows a butterfly's wings spread wide, or another one of a dragonfly's long body. Both of those really use the odd shape of the allowable crop.

In search of lunch
by LinMalAng

Comment:
I'm afraid the bird doesn't stand out enough from the background, especially at this size. I also feel like this doesn't really use the crop; it might have worked better as a vertical entry.

Prepare for Takeoff
by pamb

Comment:
Perfect use of this aspect ratio, and a really nice macro with lots of sharp details to check out. 9!

Vintage Font 160
by JakeKurdsjuk

Comment:
A great use of the format! Lots of cool details to explore with my eyes. 9!

Tanya
by GeorgesBogaert

Comment:
A bold choice in a challenge filled with shots of natural beauty where everything is sharp. I really like the way you used the format to divide the image into halves. 9!