A New Castle Awaits the Coming Tide
by chalice

Comment by tngrndream:
ok here is my take on your pic. it seems that there is too much sand? i like the way the light is falling (for a beach) and the wave coming in the position of your "subject". i think maybe that it is just too much brown sand. maybe ifn there were her tracks on the far side of the caslte leading into the water? hope this helps

A New Castle Awaits the Coming Tide
by chalice

Comment by DanSig:
this is a very nice image, composition is very good and there are no distractions in the image that steal away from the subject, there are still a few things that could be improved...

as the title speaks of a castle, then there should be a castle, not a pile of sand.. I think some people have voted you down for that.

the waterline seems burned out, there are no details visible there

and the girls left arm seems burned out to.

with those details fixrd this could have scored in the top 50 :)

A New Castle Awaits the Coming Tide
by chalice

Comment by Louis:
Wow. First impression with this image is very powerful, for me. I think you've designed this composition perfectly.

The variegated background of the ripply sand is a powerful supporting element for the subject. It almost has a minimalist feel to it, were it not for the gorgeous incoming wave, which is still further textured. The angle of the water, together with its white line of foam, really push against the subject in a way that adds much tension for me, which really satisfies. The angle of the castle the little girl is working on reflects all of this so nicely. It is also "pushing" the texture of the sand into the picture somewhat, really creating a powerful effect, in my opinion.

She seems perfectly positioned in this photograph. Her arms, in turn, seem to be adding still more energy to the composition by pushing away at the bank of sand at her side. The colours of her attire add much interest; some clever hue/desat may have added a bit of drama. If I were to nit-pick, I'd mention the visible portion of her shoe, but never mind. ;)

Lighting is really great. Once again, I have the sense of pushing, or tension, as the afternoon shadows disappear out-of-frame in the opposite direction of all the aforementioned "action".

Overall, a wonderful photo that I've really enjoyed looking at. Thanks!

Reflectively Staring at Her Man
by chalice

Comment by thegrandwazoo:
The background is a little busy and its a tad oof but I like the crop and the tones 5

Reflectively Staring at Her Man
by chalice

Comment by Nobody:
Boy does she have a cold stare :)

The glare is a bit strong - the dummy isn't very sharply focused.

Hot and Cool Complementary Peppers
by chalice

Comment by Rikki:
nice ;) this reminds me of bear music for some reason ;)

Hot and Cool Complementary Peppers
by chalice

Comment by nomad469:
colors seem dull not a lot of pop. The white balance seems to be off ... incandescent lighting ?

Hot and Cool Complementary Peppers
by chalice

Comment by Artyste:
A nice array of vegetables.. nicely shot, well lit, but lacking punch.
On the pages of Home & Garden? Sure, but lacks what it needs for DPC's fickle voters.

A New Castle Awaits the Coming Tide
by chalice

Comment by Melethia:
Ah, I remember this one from voting - what strikes me first is the strong composition - well done, in my opinion. I like the diagonal of the water, and that you put the subject and shadows in the middle/lower left to keep the beach to the right pristine. Lovely tones in the sand, and the colors of her hat really add a nice touch of contrast.

A New Castle Awaits the Coming Tide
by chalice

Comment by Sunshine86:
Nice shot, good idea and well executed. Could go without the border.