Hello again Todd, greetings from the Critique Club!
First of all, I hope you weren't too close to that burner :)
For your shot:
Composition
You've chosen to do an abstract shot. Having said this, please remember that not many people will recognize an electric hob when they see one. It was too cryptic for the viewers to relate to the subject hot.
Still, as abstract goes, the tilt does make it more interesting, and the crop is something of a macro puzzle thing. The white spots (I think it was the water) do appear like dust or flour, so I think it worked against you.
Lighting
Despite the macro ring and the snoot, you got some uneven lighting. The right part has light, but the top and left are a bit dark.
Processing
Nothing to be said here, good contrast and colours, the picture is sharp all around.
Overall
I think you couldn't pass the message to the voters / viewers as to what they were seeing.
It was an obscure perspective, that whilst being hot, didn't "compute" in the minds of the people.
Take care,
Joao |