|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Comment |
Mike, Congratulations and well done on producing such a creative image that not only ticks the technical boxes but also is bags full of creativity and impact. Clearly, this was a labour of love but as you infer, time doesn't matter when you're having fun. I like the slight orientation of the cube and I love the soft-focus background which works as the perfect foil for the cube. I wondered about the circular drop shadow which doesn't seem to fit with the shape of the cube above it. I find the two stroked lines around the image a little on the strong side and a touch distracting. I would suggest that the opacity needs to be toned down perhaps to 25%. Nevertheless, congratulations and well done. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Comment |
Hazel, I have just returned from Cornwall, having attended my second grandson's MA Graduation. He did his MA Degree in Geology at Falmouth and the Graduation Ceremony was in Truro Cathedral. Delighted to say that it all went well. With regard to your image, I like the way that you have introduced a sense of granularity into the picture which accords well with the grittiness of this type of motorcycle racing. The horizontal line behind the riders creates the illusion of the vertical barrier joining the horizontal track. Your choice of viewpoint works well to enable you photograph the riders leaning over as they traversed the bend. I like the comparative sharpness between leading and trailing riders but I wondered whether there would be greater visual impact if the rider in the background was more soft-focus and perhaps with some motion blur added. I would be inclined also to sharpen the leading rider to emphasize this further. As the dark background of the image is bleeding over into the surrounding black, it might be an idea to stroke a one pixel white line (eg 50% opacity) around the image. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Comment |
Skip, I like your thought processes from pre-visualisation to completion which work perfectly together. You have an original idea and introduced a sense of regularity and structure into the composition by placing the statue centrally and two of the heads either side. I like your introduction of the fog feature which not only unifies the image but also introduces a sense of mystery and intrigue. Overall, the image is quite symmetrical which makes for a visually static picture. In order to increase the overall visual dynamic, an off-centre placement of the statue to the left and slightly lower in the frame would have been preferable. The heads could then occupy the space on the right-hand side with the one currently top right being above and isolated from the other three. Not sure about the dark tonality of the strip across the top of the frame which is a little distracting. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Reply |
Hazel, Thank you for your kind words which are much appreciated and your ideas for improvement. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Reply |
Mike, Thank you for your kind words which are much appreciated. I agree with your comment about the little lines along the upper border. To be quite honest, I never even noticed them and the image is the better without them. Definitely a case of not seeing the wood for the trees. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Reply |
Peter, Thank you for your kind words which are much appreciated. Glad you liked the image. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Reply |
Joan, Thank you for your kind words which are much appreciated. I like the idea of a break in the frame to reinforce the visual story. The physical frame to which you refer is known as a Newtons Cradle which has both scientific and executive connotations. In the former case, it demonstrates that to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the latter case, it is an executive toy that might adorn the desk and be the plaything of management! |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Reply |
Joan, I can confirm that you have shown this image before on SG21 as I mentioned in my other comments. I would also say that this would score top marks with Distinction from me. I would even go further to say that this is probably one of your best images that I have seen in all my time with SG21. It is outstandingly simple and I only wish that I had thought of the idea. Congratulations and very well done. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Reply |
Joan, I remember when I first saw your image in SG21 several years ago, I commented that I thought it was a stunning piece of creative photography and so original. The notion of a meteorite landing on the floor of Death Valley and then deciding to do a U-turn and trying unsucceessfully to return home is mind-bending. It is certainly an image that has immediate impact which draws the viewer in and holds their attention. It is such a simple image visually but technically so complex to create. Congratulations and very well done. Clearly, the two judges who didn't get your image are creative dinnossaurs and need to get out more! If we produced images solely to please judges then our photography will never improve. We should always produce pictures for ourselves and if others like them (including judges) then that is a bonus. |
Jul 24th |
| 21 |
Jul 22 |
Comment |
Joan, It can be quite frustrating when judges don't share your passion and enthusiasm for creative images that you spent ages producing. I usually take comfort from the old adage 'What do judges know?' and indeed I wrote an article on the subject for the PSA Journal which reinforced the point. I like the way that the raindrops are now heavier at the bottom and how the cats/dogs in their bubbles appear to be in amongst the rain and not in front of it. The orientation of the streaks of rain mirrors that of the umbrella handle which adds to the overall visual aesthetic and dynamic of the image. It is a pity that the selection around the umbrella is a little loose which has allowed the white background to show through. |
Jul 24th |
4 comments - 6 replies for Group 21
|
4 comments - 6 replies Total
|
