Her Majesty does not approve
by snaffles

Comment by MeMex2:
what a great portrait!

Yeah, that Friday didn't work out well!
by snaffles

Comment by Art Roflmao:
I'm starting off my voting baseline on this one at five because anyone who sets off a fire in their kitchen for a challenge deserves no less. Good thing you called the fire department. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for them to arrive. :)

Spotted critter
by snaffles

Comment by tanguera:
I think it's one of the best things you've entered in a while. A 6.3 is a very respectable score. It is certainly above average. The tumble usually happens at the end when people are voting and adjusting them. Stop worrying about scores and trying to please everyone. Listen to Christophe - that path only leads to misery and disappointment. You have upped your game here significantly, with great results, and that should be all that matters.

Spotted critter
by snaffles

Comment by gyaban:
I love your entry Susan, you definitely did a great work with it: from concept, to shooting, and editing. Regarding negative comments or votes, well, as I often say to myself: everyone has the right to think and say what he wants, but then, you also have the right to totally ignore him and do what you want. Nobody holds the key of Truth, even those claiming everywhere what Art is or isn't, what a good image is or isn't. Discard everything, and just keep going exactly how you feel like :) Oh, and congrats on the nice finish!

Spotted critter
by snaffles

Comment by bjoern:
As for the shot, I like it - great idea, great execution.

As for the nudity, don't worry about the one comment. Concentrate on the clicks ;-) - I have two shots with woman's breasts - they are in the top of the list and have more than twice as many views as number 3. Your nude shots are in the top of your list as well. There is appreciation, even if anonymous.

If nudity is needed for the effect you want to create, then go for it. You did a great job.

Spotted critter
by snaffles

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that contributes well to the challenge

First of all you've done an amazing job here Susan, a great idea. I feel for you it must have been a real pain to process. As far as the nudity is concerned you only had one negative reaction amongst your commenters I think everyone else, me included, appreciated it as a necessary way to approach this very creative idea, the pose works really well. Doesn't look like we're gonna be seeing anything of your poor boyfriend in future shots he didn't fare very well did he, gulp!

I sense your frustration it must have been disappointing to see it tumble like that especially after all that effort but please try not to let it get to you and continue to amaze us with your great ideas and images.

Sentinel
by snaffles

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that contributes well to the challenge

Me too, I like it, an interesting abstract that amongst the blurred zoom also has interesting sharper detail too. The diagonal of the trunk holds it all together in a dynamic way. There is good detail throughout with a nice bright feel to the exposure.

Spotted critter
by snaffles

Comment by grahamgator:
I think you did a great job Susan. IMHO, I don't think the score had anything to do with nudity. I think it really boils down to strategic voting in the last hours and my score started and ended the same way. It happens to me all the time. Use it as a learning tool and go on to the next. When you are first learning to mask and do composites, it seems much harder than it will eventually become. It has been that way for me, and I am still learning new stuff every time I do one. I have a long way to go also and will never become a Christophe, lol! Don't give up!

Yeah, that Friday didn't work out well!
by snaffles

Comment by gintay:
Super creative!!!!

Spotted critter
by snaffles

Comment by flaherma:
Hi Susan, just wanted to say that my score started and ended very much the same as yours, so I'm not sure that it is reflective of the nakedness. I'm not sure why the big drop but all I can say is I was impressed with what you did with this image, especially considering that you're on a learning curve with the pp. Don't give up! You know it's a roller coaster around here and it's good to have you along on the ride.