Larus grainulus - Speckled Gull
by orussell

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

What could you have done to improve on this? Although it is a nice capture of the gull thisis one photo that grain doesn't help instead it takes from it.

Next other than the bird there is nothing there, the sky isn't adding interest either this is just a bird and nothing more to hold your viewer to it.

As for meeting the challenge it does meet it. The grain is there I just think this is one time grain hurt the image rather than helping it.

Anna

That old neighborhood church
by InnaN

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Where do I start on this. First I will say I like the overall composition of the photo and can see a few areas to improve in post processing.

Although you obviously were going for an aged appearance the pink in the sky is just not working.

As mentioned in the comments by someone else the border is too much. You lost to much of your work to your border and feathered edge.

You do seem to have photographed this church at just the right time of day. The structure is well defined and shadows a minimum.

As for meeting the challenge no question there it's obviously well met. Nice amount of grain for the look you were going for.

Overall I do like this photo its just the little minor things that would help.

Anna

Umbrellas
by Imagineer

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

I wish I could think of what to say here but this photo leaves me wondering. Without the title I would be lost.

Your concept here is good but I just feel like one of the people needed to be more in focus so it didn't leave you wondering what is that.

As for lighting I just think there is too much dark nothing at the top and when you look at the overall photo you are drawn to the light of the sky above the buildings rather than the umbrellas.

With that being said I will point out though you met the challenge excellently grain can be seen through out the photo.

Anna

True Grit
by fotodude

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Very strong portrait image and the background makes the title fit in all ways by helping your subject appear very strong.

Your lighting and lens and or filter selection for this were well done as you have very minimal reflection in the glasses.

As for meeting the challenge I think you needed to add more grain to this. I do see some grain in the background but your subject just seems to have very little grain on him.

As I said this is a very strong portrait and you captured the person well here.

Anna

Rainy Day Milkweed
by basssman7

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

For starters this would have scored much higher in a macro challenge as it is a good macro.

Your lighting as well dof is excellent for your composition.

As for meeting the challenge I think that is where your problem lays. As I am looking at this I understand where you are going with the delicate condition of the seeds and how easily they are blown away however I do think you were slightly week in portraying delicate to the average voter. Had you captured a seed being blown away you would have met the challenge a lot better.

Overall though this is a pretty photo and as far as macros go you do an wonderful job.

Anna

The Mill
by peecee

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

For starters your composition is good my only issue with the composition is I wish you hadn't lost the right end of the building, seems as though something was chopped off there.

Your lighting is good and you obviously took this at just the right time of day to avoid shadowing.

Now as graininess and meeting the challenge I seem some grain so you did well there.

Overall this is a beautiful scene and you captured it well.

Anna

Risky Business
by CalliopeKel

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Very nice work on meeting the challenge definately grainy. I realize you had one comment about not being grainy but rather textures and one look at the window frame and you see grain. Grain doesn't show up in black areas very often so don't let that one commet get to you.

I think the shadows on the steps are added mystery and interest to the shot. However what really distracts from the entire photo is the shadow of some post that is no where to be seen in the photo.

Overall its a very nice take on the challenge. I'll look forward to seeing more.

Anna

Borsalino
by joezl

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club

Very interesting image, nunfortunately I see a few flaws that hurt it. First one being the "white spots at the base of your hat tree, just seems to take away from the hats. Second, would be the white border, I'm guessing is actually a door and yes it adds a bit of artistic flare to it, but at the same time it's a distration.

The real problem I see is the third hat is just lost in darkness. Although I'm fairly sure it was a mans hat I could just image the impact a womans Easter Bonnet with all the flowers and tulle would add to this.

As the challenge was grain I think you are weak there. Yes you have grain in the hats and the white border by I'm sure the average DPC voter was looking for overall grain.

Overall, I like the composition and the feeling of stepping into the "Anderson's Living Room" from Father Knows Best. Best wishes for future challenges.

Anna

The warm soft touch of a new born baby
by aKiwi

Comment:
beautiful portrait...hope that is framed.

Texture? What texture?
by speedylix

Comment:
Excellent macro, shame you lost the top of the wings...still a 9 though.