[ok, this is pure coincidence that i have randomly selected another image of yours, but this time i decided to pick the image in the challenge closest to a 5...what are the odds?]
i didn't vote this challenge, but if i had, i probably would have given it a 4. it looks like it meets the challenge, but the quality is not quite there, and, for me, it's just not that stimulating of a take.
when focusing, especially with a short dof, try to focus on whatever is closest to you; here, that would be the antenna (with people, that would be their nose).
the lighting is harsh. while it is good on the parts of the concrete that are in focus, it also creates an imbalance in the top part of the image--most noticably with the blown out areas of the snails side.
the coloring is a bit on the drab side. maybe this would have looked better as a bw?
the lines, angles, and textures are interesting.
why does all this matter? well, this is a challenge site. if you are on-topic and have a technically proficient image, you can hope to hit a 5. if you are off-topic, or if your entry is a stretch for meeting the challenge, you will be punished, often without even being told why. if you want to raise your scores, spend a lot of time looking at the winners, and then spend a lot of time shooting whatever floats your boat. the key is to be ready for the shot that presents itself. or, if you are going to set up a shot, make sure you allow enough time to set it up, shoot it, and allow for reshooting it.
one of the cool things about being a member is that you can use your space to upload a ton of whatever type of images you want (i have calculated that if you keep them to 600 px on the longest side and save it to an average of 50 kb, you can upload about 225 images). you can put them out to the forums for critiquing, or you can make some new friends and ask them to look them over.
the reason i mention this is that most people don't understand how to really use this site to their advantage (and i'm not saying anything about you, because i don't know you. i'm just making a general observation.) most people will take pictures that they like without really reading the topic description, submit them, and then complain like heck about their scores. agreed, a lot of good pictures get some idiotic scores and comments, but, for the most part, images get what they deserve. if you spend time combing the galleries, looking at the different images, and then spend time trying to shoot like those images, you will move yourself ahead in proficiency. then, if you spend time looking through the winners and getting a handle on what separated them from the pack, you will move yourself further along. i think the biggest mistake people make is treating challenges like portfolio shots, submitting something that pleases them, when they really should be submitting something that pleases the voters.
one last comment, in reference to your notes. you aren't helping yourself by popping a snapshot and entering it just to keep from being bored. you've got enough ability and imagination that the next time you're bored, make up a list of 10 shots you'd like to try for a challenge, then go make something happen. if it doesn't come together, just let it go...
awww, so cute! the DOF on his forehead works for me, and i think overall this is a very lovely picture. not quite sure if i'd want to hang it on a wall, but definitely one to gross out children over. well done! 8.
I think this subject has been way over done. The composition is a bit boring IMO. It is also very difficult to tell if this is a night shot. The surface almost looks like carpet.
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