|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Just saw your comment, thank you Tomi |
Nov 30th |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Thank you Tom, I appreciate your comments - btw, that was the goal :-) |
Nov 18th |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
Judith - the 'pole' is actually the trunk of a Saguaro cactus but a vertical line is a vertical line so good catch - I removed it - thanks again. |
Nov 11th |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
Barbara,
This is my second go at this - for some reason the server I use isn't always compatible with PSA's DD or Study Group portals and my comments just disappeared. It happens frequently with both images and comments.
In any event, I think your first mistake was taking what a photo club judge said to heart. As the best photographer I know said to me, "Finding really good photo club judges is about as easy as finding hen's teeth." Most judges (especially weak ones) are very big on technical quality because it is the easiest way to point out flaws, and that seems to be their goal - find flaws. They can spot exposure and sharpness because in many cases they can't articulate what else is either right or wrong in an image.
To address this, my friend and I developed the following which was designed to shift emphasis away from technical flaw-finding and toward artistic merit. And a truly competent photo club judge will give at least equal weight to emotional connection, creativity and composition as they do to minor technical issues.
This is our definition of a high-quality image deserving of a photo club's highest score - A visually striking photograph with a strong, clearly defined subject that is well separated from its background. The lighting goes beyond correct exposure and is used creatively to enhance the image. The photo evokes an emotional response and demonstrates a thoughtful composition that supports the subject while showcasing competent technical execution.
I do a bit of judging and have PSA presentation also on Club Hub about how to improve scores in photo club competitions (send me your email and I'll send you some reviews) - in any event, remove the border and your image meets the above definition - yours is an excellent image.
|
Nov 11th |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Gaetan - see my VF - your subject is the house so I thought it might present with more impact if it were brighter - I also eliminated the blue on the left side of the frame, I thought it pulled the eye from the subject a bit. |
Nov 11th |
 |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
Thanks for your comments Gaetan |
Nov 11th |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
Thanks Judith - would you mind putting the changes you suggest in Visual Feedback so I can see them - thanks |
Nov 11th |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Barbara, your artistic flair is showing. This is an excellent image with underwater clarity and strong color fidelity.The interplay of light and water, the repeating shapes of the fish, and the mirror-like reflections above is almost painterly. The surface reflections are beautifully rendered and add abstract visual interest. You did well with rock and school creating a strong diagonal that draws the eye from lower left to upper right - This is a beautiful shot, bravo - but I think the border distracts from the artistry of the image. |
Nov 10th |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Excellent capture. The exposure is balanced between the hawk and background with rich color and feather detail without blown highlights. The sharpness on the head and eyes is outstanding, and motion is frozen cleanly. The pose is dynamic; wings arched in mid-stroke with excellent light on the tail feathers. The warm, late-day tones give the image energy and warmth. The overall impact is strong - nice job. The issue I had was with the above said, there were a lot of distracting elements, which I tried to eliminate in my VF - nonetheless, you handled this very well and if bird shooting was new to you, wow - you captured the subject well |
Nov 10th |
 |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
For some reason my VF did not upload so I'm trying it again |
Nov 7th |
 |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
This is a strong, dynamic image with good light, motion, and cultural storytelling-but the visual balance and subject relationships detract from the image. The rider and his horse are too close to the right edge of the frame. And although the lead horse has ample space ahead, the pursuer feels cramped- so I added canvas in my Visual Feedback. Also, the rope visually cuts across the frame mid-height, bisecting the scene in an awkward way and grabbing the eye. It draws attention but doesn't lead the eye smoothly. Had this been taken a half-step earlier or later, the rope angle might have complemented the movement better. Also, in my VF I flipped the image because we read left to right and by placing the most interesting part of the image, i.e., the pursuing horseman to the left, the rope ( even though it cuts thru the center of the frame ) leads naturally to the horse being pursued. Lastly, I opened the shadows on the rider and added a vignette to focus the viewer on the center of the frame |
Nov 6th |
 |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
This is a terrific candid capture Tom - full of energy, authenticity, and is a great story. The image grabs the viewer immediately and this is where the image shines. This image is in a word - genuine! The laughter and the trio's shared experience tell the story and frankly I can't look at it without smiling. In my VF I focused on the technical brightened the faces and hair, opened shadows and put a vignette to focus on the trio, but you captured the moment and to me the technical aspects of this image are a distant second to the emotion you captured. Well done. |
Nov 6th |
 |
| 7 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
I think this is outstanding - if I had created this, which is beyond my ken :-) I would use this image to make Halloween cards because frankly, I don't think you could buy a better one - most creative and beautifully done - just terrific Judith, just terrific! |
Nov 6th |
8 comments - 5 replies for Group 7
|
| 33 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Nanette, My name is Butch Mazzuca (DD groups 7, 67,73, and 93). I've been looking for another or a replacement DD Group and came across your work in DD 33 and would like to express that I think your architecture and city scape work is "masterful!"
Your work consistently demonstrates a sophisticated command of architectural and urban imagery, and that you absolutely excel in color nightscapes and high-contrast black-and-white interior work - the only images I've really reviewed thus far :-).
Each of the images that I've seen check all the boxes, i.e., Impact, Visual Interest, and Storytelling, which as we know, are the fundamental characteristics that most often succeed in competitions.
Come visit me at my DDs or directly at bmazz68@iCloud.com - I really enjoyed looking at your work. Best regards,
|
Nov 21st |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 33
|
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Thanks Bud - I don't do enough of it, but it's fund to try. |
Nov 22nd |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Thank you Cindy, that's kind of you to say |
Nov 13th |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
Wickedly sharp??? - That one brought a smile to my face - tree removed :-) |
Nov 12th |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Thanks Jenny - btw, it's Butch, not Bruce |
Nov 10th |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
This is a dynamite portrait of a male lion, beginning with its pose; regal, commanding yet serene - everything you'd expect from the King of Beasts. Nice rim light on the subject's mane, good sharpness and great detail throughout. I also thought you did a nice job of separating the subject from its background that happens to be tonally matched - nice. The side-profile placement and negative space in front of the lion's face work beautifully. I think this will score well in any competition. Having said that, when shooting wildlife my preference is always for the complete animal instead of a portrait, but as portraits go, you could hardly have done much better. In my VF I brightened the subject's eyes, opened the shadows on the lion's face while increasing the whites (I did not want to increase exposure per se, I thought opening the shadows and increasing the whites was more subtle.) I also darkened the two spots of sunlight above and to the left of the lion's head - A++ |
Nov 8th |
 |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Cindy,
You really captured an interesting and powerful moment. I'm a big fan of what I refer to as atmospherics, i.e., dust, smoke, rain, fog, mist, etc. and the blowing dust on the subjects is just boffo! From a personal perspective I find the image interesting to look at, and to me that's what photography is all about, creating interesting images. At the same time, I think there's an image within the image here. The compositional issue that bothered me was how my eye went from one elie to the other never quite sure of the story. Regardless, great shooting. Also, I realize my VF isn't what you submitted, but I wanted to illustrate an alternative. After cropping to 5x7, (which I'm partial to) I did what I had to do to isolate the single subject and make it the clear center of interest. I also flipped it because we read left to right - I like the power of the alternate image and would be interested in your thoughts.
|
Nov 8th |
 |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Larry - you captured a striking image of an osprey eating lunch - and if I had to describe the image in a word, I'd say energy. The image grabs the viewer's attention and holds it. As usual, technically spot on (sharpness, depth of field, detail.) It looks like the subject has just eaten the nose off the needlefish. In my VF I edited as if I would submit to my photo club - I removed the tree branch on the lower left that caught my eye, then brightened the subject, open shadows and decreased the highlights. I then darkened the background, brightened the subject's eyes and brightened and increased saturation on the needlefish so it would stand out more. This is simply an outstanding behavioral osprey image. |
Nov 8th |
 |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Jenny,
It's always fun when new people join the group, but I didn't expect a ringer :-)
Welcome aboard and your first submission is just outstanding. Getting a story out of a nature shot isn't always easy but you captured one. I'll begin with the easy part - the image is gorgeous. Your composition does a great job drawing the viewer into the through the frame. Your technical work is superb, and the image almost feels like a painting especially how you handled the water, i.e., movement, light, shadow and 'emotion'-in my VF I opened up the shadows as I thought the image needed a bit more pop and would like your thoughts on my suggestion - regardless, you did a really a nice job with this image.
|
Nov 8th |
 |
| 67 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Images of predators or scavengers with carrion aren't my favorite subjects - however, you definitely captured and documented the moment well. The image is tack sharp and your choice of Aperture using a 500mm was perfect in my opinion - excellent DOF for a subject well-separated from a softly blurred background. Having said that, I thought the breaking water and foam in the background competed with your subject, so I cropped in and reduced the Whites in the image and then darkened the entirety of background slightly. BTW - great eye-level perspective :-) |
Nov 7th |
 |
8 comments - 1 reply for Group 67
|
| 71 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Michele - you don't know me but I'm in DDs 7, 67, 73 and 97. One of the members of your Group, Tom Buckard reviewed an image in one of a member in one of my groups so I decided to look up his images and I came across yours. I've been a member of PSA for years and have a presentation that I do for photo clubs around the country "33 Hacks to Improve your scores in club competitions" - I saw your foggy morning scene and just said wow - would have loved to have taken that shot - anyway, see my VF - I'd love your thoughts on my edits Best, Butch |
Nov 21st |
 |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 71
|
| 73 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
That's an interesting point about vignettes and it certainly has merit. And I won't argue with a famous wildlife and landscape photographer - he or she is something I'm not. Thanks for the feedback :-) |
Nov 12th |
| 73 |
Nov 25 |
Reply |
That's most kind of you Dave - thank you |
Nov 12th |
| 73 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
I really like the simplicity of your image Gary and the cloudless sky is an enhancement in BxW - to respond to your question, I enhanced the image in Topaz then masked the sky and added texture and clarity (2:1 ratio) to my VF |
Nov 12th |
 |
| 73 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
David, if your intent were scientific accuracy or documentation, the first image's neutrality would be my choice. However, for photographic artistry and for a richer, moodier, and more dimensional, in my VF I added texture and contrast throughout and added a fairly strong vignette centered on the dark clouds in the upper left - hope you like my changes - btw, love the simplicity of the image. |
Nov 11th |
 |
| 73 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Sherry, I thought your image was well-done, it was bright and balanced with an airy feel and a great example as an informational or travel context.
That said, I re cropped and in my VF and I added contrast and slight vignette as I thought it more dynamic and visually engaging and more artistic or suitable for competition display where impact and depth matter, giving the city a livelier, more dimensional presence. Your thoughts on my modifications are appreciated
|
Nov 11th |
 |
| 73 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Ian - this is an absolutely beautiful shot; I also feel the simplicity you captured in this landscape is striking to the point of being poignant. Your image conveys a mood and in my VF, I tried to make it moodier by cropping down and reducing the amount of sky, then reducing Highlights and Whites while opening the Shadows and finally adding an ever so slight vignette. Just beautiful Ian, nice job. |
Nov 7th |
 |
| 73 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
After reading your description and process one word came to mind - Masterful! Kudos Raymond, kudos... |
Nov 7th |
5 comments - 2 replies for Group 73
|
| 97 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
You "expected" correctly - I've always been a fan of the entire animal/bird versus a portrait, but I see your point - would still appreciate comments on how I presented it - thanks Roy
|
Nov 11th |
| 97 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Thanks Ernoe - I understand, I tried it three ways, Color, BxW and Sepia tinted - the Sepia tinted popped best |
Nov 10th |
| 97 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Peter - unclear about your question - a vulture IS a bird - am I missing something? |
Nov 8th |
| 97 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Kathleen, this is a visually engaging image for sure - a gull caught mid-gesture with wings fully outstretched. The symmetry of the pose gives it a sense of power and presence. That said, it takes a moment to decipher what's happening, as the head position and slightly awkward stance disrupt the immediate visual flow. Usually I think such images present better when the viewer can clearly see the face of the subjects
Having said that, there's definite energy here - the wings convey strength, and the pose feels expressive, almost anthropomorphic. The beach setting provides natural context, though it lacks a strong emotional hook or environmental storytelling element beyond the moment itself.
The image feels spontaneous and well-timed, but it borders on documentary rather than interpretive so I question how well it would do in a competition. Nonetheless, a very good capture and a great perspective
|
Nov 8th |
| 97 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Enroe - you captured an outstanding behavioral moment - the bird with a nut in its beak tells a clear, engaging story.
Your framing is excellent save for the clipped branch on the right, in my VF I used AI to complete the branch. At the same time, the inclusion of those mossy branches adds texture and context giving it a natural color contrast between the blue wing bars and muted background. Also,
the visible eye and open beak provide strong engagement. Lastly, I thought the background a bit bright in spots detracting from the subject, so I darkened considerably in my VF
|
Nov 8th |
 |
| 97 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Just beautiful Peter, and the water droplet makes this image - glad you caught it :-). The stillness and focus on the droplet are beautiful choices, it's a very contemplative image. Excellent detail, color, and shallow depth of field, and the background bokeh separates the subject from its background perfectly. As always, terrific job. |
Nov 8th |
| 97 |
Nov 25 |
Comment |
Roy - You absolutely nailed a very striking action moment, the skimmer's wing curve, the razor-edge precision of the beak touching water, and the mirrored reflection tell a great story as it perfectly captures the subject's hunting behavior. Both the timing and framing of this "decisive moment" were spot on. Other than the artifacts in the water, this is a salon competition-level image; dynamic & elegant.
|
Nov 8th |
7 comments - 0 replies for Group 97
|
30 comments - 8 replies Total
|
