Definitely fits the challenge IMO. Focus and lighting are great. Compositionally, I get an unbalanced 'feel', because of the wide strip of emptiness on the left of the photo, and the rest of the subject is fairly tight on the edges. I'm thinking that maybe if the bell were positioned further to the right, it would not obscure the book or candle at all, then the handle would not be jutting out to the left. Then the frame could either be tightened up all around, or give some even room on both sides, and this symmetry might strengthen the presentation of this image.
This image won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it has a strong relationship to the challenge (IMO) and is technically a sound shot. Regarding its relationship to the challenge, some might object (or not understand) the metaphorical "darkness" to which you directly allude, and others who understand might be turned off by the apparent connection to satanism. So I'm guessing you're taking it on the chin in the voting, right? Too bad.
Technical merits, you filled the frame, chose a fairly simple setup, composed it well. I love how darkness frames your subjects. Focus is excellent and you've maintained good exposure throughout - not easy to do when you're photographing a candle. Both book and candle seem to be leaning a tad toward the left but that's probably a perspective thing.
I gave this photo a six at first pass and returned now for comments. I'm leaving it at six because it meets the challenge and is technically sound. What it lacks is punch or "wow." There's nothing there that really makes me stop and stare. In fact, if it weren't for the title of the book, there would be no obvious connection to the dark arts. Perhaps a wand or witch's hat, or something similar??
religion, to me represents enlightenment, not darkness. Knowing the Goddess is to have light in ones life and therefore, i do not understand your representation of darkness in this photo - however i did not say it was not vailid and i did not give you a bad score because i dont understand your photo like you assumed, you score is a sum of all parts, lighting, compostion, interesting subject and accuracy to the theme. The only darkness i see in this photo is lack of back lighting. As nomad pointed out in the "darkness- i don't get it" thread you there is two parts to a challenge that asks you to represent what something means to you - being true to your meaning, and expressing it in a way a viewer may understand. I don't understand - and that was my only point. It was not an attack. Am i am sorry that it upset you.
There are so many different types of religions, that I will not claim to know or understand all of them. I do not think that witchcraft would be THe first religion that comes to mind, so one would not think that a photo of religion would fair well in a darkness challenge where most religions represent something hopeful and 'bright and shiny'.
Admittingly, I don't follow or practice this religion therefor don't fully understand the photo. The addition of the bell seems odd to ME and seems a bit out of place, but like I said, I simply just don't understand the photo because this is not my custom.
The candle appears to be tilting a bit to the left, but the flame is straight up, which indicates to me that it's the candle that's crooked and not the photo. I would have maybe placed a penny or something under the candle on that side to help straighten it out.
Focus seems ok. The bell seems to be a bit softer focus than the book, but to me that seems ok.
The colors look neat together. The red in the book and the red of the candle. also kind of neat how there are flames on the book and candle.
This is not MY kind of image, but different people have different tastes and with a subject like this, you're bound to get someone who is totally against the topic.
Just think, some people are ok with killing other people, but a photo of that may upset some other people. It's all about different cultures.
Also, I did not vote in this challenge.
~Heather~
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