|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Marilyn,
I usually apply the sharpen effect first, and if it's too strong, I reduce it by lowering the opacity. Another method I use is applying a layer mask and then brushing out the areas where I don't want the effect to be applied.
|
Dec 29th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Sylvia, thank you for your lovely comment, I am glad that you like it. |
Dec 29th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Lisa, thank you for your comment and suggestions. It is good to know how an image could improve and how to do it. |
Dec 29th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Xiao,
Thank you for your comment and suggestion. I'm not a fan of using generative fill or vignettes when submitting images to Nature competitions, as I prefer to follow the competition rules, which usually prohibit these techniques. However, I completely agree with you that they could improve the image and help eliminate distractions.
|
Dec 16th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your kind comment. I'm very happy that you like the image and consider it so good.
|
Dec 16th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Ted,
Thank you for your kind comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the image! Silvereye birds have always been a bit elusive for me, so I haven't captured too many great shots of them.
|
Dec 16th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Marilyn,
Presenting this raptor in such a close crop has resulted in a very powerful and striking image. The viewer's attention is immediately drawn to the eye, with its intense gaze creating a strong visual connection.
I agree with Xiao that the image shows some signs of over-sharpening. You might consider reducing it in the areas where it's most noticeable, such as the neck feathers.
|
Dec 16th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Xiao,
You've done a beautiful job with this image, achieving a significant crop while still retaining excellent detail. The bird is pin-sharp, and the contrasting colours create great separation between the bird and the background.
I also love how the upper branch frames the composition, while the lower leaves add a lovely finishing touch to the image. |
Dec 16th |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Here's a refined version of your message:
Hi Sylvia,
This is a lovely capture of the Great Horned Owl! I agree with the other comments about the image-the cropped version with the darkened background is the most effective, as it creates a strong visual impact and draws focus to the owl's details.
While the owl's eye is somewhat hard to see, you could enhance the saturation in the eye to make it more prominent. Beautiful image! |
Dec 16th |
 |
| 46 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Ted,
This is a fantastic capture of the Great Blue Heron just as it catches a big fish!
I personally like the crop in the black-and-white version as it helps focus attention on the heron. However, I agree with Xiao that the frame feels a bit distracting, and the treatment of the background isn't working as effectively as it could.
I really like the reflection in the original file. If you add a bit of contrast and clean up the larger distracting spots, I think it would be a great improvement to the image.
|
Dec 16th |
 |
5 comments - 5 replies for Group 46
|
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Peggy, thank you for your comment,I am glad that you like this. |
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your comment. This image started as a quick blending exercise, but your suggestions have encouraged me to go a bit further and refine it. I've quickly implemented the suggestions regarding blurriness, movement, and the background. You can see my attempt in my response to Bruce.
|
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Alan,
Thank you for your comment and suggestions. I will explore the techniques Picasso used to resolve those blends, which resulted in masterpieces. As you mentioned, I wouldn't copy him, but studying his approach could definitely inspire my creative process and help me achieve better results.
|
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Bruce,
Thank you for your comment and suggestion. This image started as a simple exercise, but following the ideas and feedback from the group, I created a new version that incorporates all your suggestions. I agree that it now has a different feel and a more polished final touch.
|
Dec 19th |
 |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Brad,
Thank you for your comment. Normally, I'm not a fan of this kind of composition, as they often feel strange and a bit uncomfortable when you look at them. I see your point, as well as Kirsti's, and I agree that two images usually work better for this type of composition, especially when incorporating human faces. |
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Kirsti,
Thank you for your comment and suggestion. I agree that the left eye looks a bit distorted, as it seems to be looking in a different direction. My intention was to blend the three images together to create a final one that portrays a rather strange and unique creature.
|
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Bruce,
What a wonderful wintry scene-perfectly fitting for the holiday season!
The image is rich in detail, and I think the leading lines of the road, the open fence, and the tree trunks all work together beautifully to draw the viewer's attention deeper into the composition.
Regarding the car's size, I agree that its position and the road marks make it appear slightly small. However, I believe it's a key element in the composition. If you'd prefer to make it less prominent, I suggest placing it farther into the image and slightly desaturating the red. This adjustment would guide the viewer through the snowy landscape, eventually leading them to the red car disappearing on the horizon-a fitting final touch.
Well done on this lovely piece! |
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Brad,
What a stunning final image you've masterfully created! I really like how the rock forms a semicircle, guiding the viewer's attention and creating a strong focal point.
I agree with the comments about the sun's position and the brightness in certain areas-adjusting these could help balance the luminosity across the entire image. The black-and-white conversion works beautifully here, as it removes color distractions and brings cohesion to the composition.
Great work! |
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Alan,
What a fantastic doorway to introduce and create a story!
The open door serves as the perfect element to guide us into the scene beyond: an arid landscape, a patterned sidewalk, a human figure crossing by, and the delicate touch of a flower.
I love the surrealism this image conveys, but I feel it could benefit from some refinement in terms of color harmony. Since you mentioned Dali as an inspiration, I encourage you to study how he harmonised colours in his surrealistic worlds-it might help enhance this piece even further.
I also suggest experimenting with some distortion, warping, or liquifying effects on the flower to make it feel more surreal. Regarding the walking man, his head aligns with the horizon line, which feels slightly unsettling-as if it's being cut by the line. Adjusting his position slightly higher could resolve this.
The green tone of the man's clothing and the red of the flower feel somewhat disconnected from the rest of the scene. Tweaking these colors might help integrate them better into the composition. Lastly, the man's shadow is too subtle, giving the impression he's floating rather than grounded on the sidewalk. On such a bright day, the shadow should be stronger to anchor him more convincingly.
This is a fascinating and thought-provoking image-great work!
|
Dec 19th |
 |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Kirsty,
What a wonderful inside-out image you've created! The peeling paper on the wall provides the perfect frame for the wooden scene, and the squirrel truly adds the finishing touch.
I see what you mean about the challenges blending the squirrel's tail into the frame. I think Bruce gave you an excellent suggestion on how to blend it more effectively.
Personally, I love the color palette in the forest. My only suggestion would be to slightly desaturate the greens and blues, as they appear a bit unnatural on my screen. However, I really enjoy the touch of purple-it reminds me of the Jacaranda trees in bloom back in Sydney.
Well done!
|
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
uHi Matt,
I really like this image; I think it beautifully captures the warm Christmas spirit. Having lived in Australia for twelve years, I've often seen Santa sweating on the beach in the scorching heat-it's such a unique take on the holiday season!
In my opinion, you've successfully achieved what you set out to convey by combining these elements and blending them together so seamlessly. The colour enhancements work well, and the textures and patterns add a lovely touch to the image.
|
Dec 19th |
| 54 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Peggy,
I'm always amazed by how you create your images and how beautifully the forms and colors come together. I love the dimensionality you've achieved in this image and how the colors create a nice separation from the background.
However, I find the texture in the background a bit prominent, which might draw attention away from your floral arrangement. I'd suggest a square crop to remove the lighter lower area of the image, as it pulls the eye toward the edge.
Apart from that, I agree with the comments suggesting that adding a shadow could help anchor the arrangement more effectively.
|
Dec 19th |
7 comments - 5 replies for Group 54
|
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Diana,
Thanks for your comment! I agree with you-hibiscus flowers are not the easiest to capture in detail due to their shape and size. Mastering the depth of field can sometimes be quite a challenge.
|
Dec 19th |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Thanks, Barbara, for your comment. I also like the composition of this image-I think it suits it very well, showcasing all the details in a beautiful way.
|
Dec 19th |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi David, thanks for your kind comment, I am glad you consider it so well |
Dec 19th |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Dick for your comment and suggestion, I am glad you find the image beautiful! |
Dec 19th |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Shirley,
You've captured the shape of this flower beautifully, especially at the moment when it's presenting that lovely spiral shape, which adds interest to the image. Unfortunately, the harsh lighting has created strong shadows and washed out the color in the flower.
The main issue I see is the lack of separation between the leaves and the flower. I assume that the aperture you used resulted in a similar depth of field throughout, which affected the overall result.
I would suggest using a wider aperture to reduce the depth of field. By focusing on the beautiful spiral shape, you could isolate that detail and create a more appealing image.
|
Dec 19th |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi David,
I love the patterns of this plant-I believe it's the same one I found three years ago at my local beach. It's the flower of a grey cactus that grows several meters high and forms a beautiful structure of branches.
I really like how you've captured it as a silhouette, highlighting its intricate design against the beautiful colors of the sky. The addition of the moon adds another point of interest, but I agree with Dick's comment regarding it.
|
Dec 19th |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Diana,
Your sunflower is beautifully composed, and the addition of the texture is a lovely final touch, giving the image a more artistic feel.
I agree that the vertical lines of the texture are a bit distracting, and I would suggest playing with the luminosity of the image-lightening the flower and darkening the background, as David recommended. |
Dec 19th |
 |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Barbara,
I really like the mood of this image. Presenting it with a softer, less sharp approach gives it an artistic feel, where the blurriness blends beautifully with subtle touches of clarity. The colour palette is gorgeous.
If I could suggest one thing, it would be to increase the luminosity in the area of the sharp petals. This would help create a stronger center of attention, surrounded by the softness of the rest of the flower, making it feel even more mysterious.
|
Dec 19th |
| 65 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Dick,
This is a superb image of the group of fungi. You've captured them at the perfect moment of growth-still in pristine condition and beginning to show a beautiful red coloration.
The image has excellent separation, with the blurred background highlighting the fungi, and there's plenty of detail in the subject. |
Dec 19th |
5 comments - 4 replies for Group 65
|
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Bruce, thank you for your comment, I am glad that you like the image |
Dec 29th |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Barbara, thank you for your nice comment, I am happy that you like the image. |
Dec 29th |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Maria, thank you for your comment, I am glad that you like the image. |
Dec 29th |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Adrian,
The light was beautifully illuminating the swans, and the distance and darkness of the background helped create a sense of isolation that draws the viewer's attention exclusively to the swans and their reflection. Thank you for your comment!
|
Dec 16th |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Reply |
Hi Isaac,
Thank you for your comment. I didn't know that swans mate for life-it's fascinating! I took this image at a nature reserve not far from my home in Spain. Here, the swans are white, which caught my interest since in Australia, we have black swans.
|
Dec 16th |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Isaac,
You've captured a wonderful moment of interaction within this group of horses. The way the stallion proudly shows off the most beautiful mare to the others is fantastic.
The variety of colors among the horses makes the image even more captivating, and the inclusion of part of the landscape provides just enough context to place them in their environment.
My only suggestion would be regarding the road that crosses the image-it feels a bit distracting due to its contrasting tonality.
|
Dec 16th |
 |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Adrian,
It must be an incredible experience to be so close to one of these icebergs. As you mentioned, it's hard to truly grasp their size, so thank you for including the additional image to give us a sense of scale for these massive blocks of ice.
Your image is stunning, with beautifully contrasting colors. The iceberg is perfectly framed by the dark sky, allowing us to appreciate all the intricate patterns and textures in the ice.
This is a fantastic image that truly deserves to be printed and displayed in a special spot in your home so you can keep this amazing experience alive.
Congratulations on your EPSA, and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
|
Dec 16th |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Maria,
You've captured this bird in a nice pose that showcases some action, making it more dynamic and engaging. The bird is well-separated from the background, and the detail is sharp enough, even with some motion blur noticeable due to its movement and the shutter speed you used.
To enhance the image, I suggest cropping a bit tighter to reduce distractions and experimenting with the luminosity by slightly darkening the background.
|
Dec 16th |
 |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Barbara,
I really like this bird you have captured. It's a great shot with excellent visual contact, plenty of detail, and a nice pose that also provides context about its environment. The crop contributes well to enhancing the image.
I noticed you've brightened the bird, which works well in some areas, but I feel it might be better not to apply the same level of intensity across all parts. This can help preserve the dimensionality of the bird and avoid making the image look too flat.
|
Dec 16th |
| 72 |
Dec 24 |
Comment |
Hi Bruce,
Luckily, the other photographer was able to help you.
This is a wonderful image of the group of bighorn sheep in their natural environment. It effectively captures the action between the two males while the female appears indifferent. The image also benefits from strong visual eye contact, sharp details, and good separation from the background, which enhances its overall presentation. |
Dec 15th |
5 comments - 5 replies for Group 72
|
22 comments - 19 replies Total
|
