Photo of the Month Contest Review - #2

How the "Review" is to be approached:

Now then, here's the deal ... review the photos in the grouping from the link provided above and then pick your fav image/photo.

Then, point out/summarize your attraction for your choice of photos, insofar as what caught your eye ... could be composition coming to the forefront, could be content/subject matter ... whichever and whatever ... based along the lines of what would also make for a good critique as well. Doesn't have to be a book like I usually write ... but, do try to include those aspects that are usually under consideration in determining a quality shot and what would constitute a good commentary.

Pros, cons and suggestions for improvement would be welcomed as well.

There is enough variation in quality and content found in the links Noah started this initiative off with and the one above for this thread, for good discussion on the individual merits of our personal photographic choices.

Counter arguments allowed ... but keep those brief, and then of course rebuttals.

My own personal choice to follow. :o)

Once again, some very nice imagery in this grouping. I simply enjoy perusing the links and sets of photos. Some great creative food for thought with the visual offerings in each monthly set.

Have a look your own self ... here.

Ok ... this time ... in the clouds gets to take center stage.

Really like the diagonal composition of this photo. And that is kicked up in my mind, in that the division of the image along the diagonal ... separates textures; rocks, barbed wired, wooden posts, frosted ground ... on one side of, and then the almost monochrome appearance and change in lighting textures on the other side.

Unfortunately, the one drawback for this one is the resolution viewing size available. Although, zooming in with just my browser alone ... leads me to believe that clarity, focus and quality are indeed there.

The lighting is amazing. Certainly a standout facet of the image. Well composed and exposed ... the sun has it's strength diffused by it's placement within the composition. Everything works well in this regard.

The only caveat that I can see ... is the somewhat overlapping of the one large fence post and that of a tree trunk in the background. Perhaps, some change or shift in camera position would alleviate this very minor distraction.

That said ... very, very impressive work behind the lens. I like this one a lot and it seemed to step in front of the other images in the group to my eyes. Which is saying quite a bit, as there are excellent companion photos in this set all around.

My choice ... Slow Day At The Lake

It was difficult to choose out of this group ...this one did catch my attention immediately. I like the depth of the image as well as the vertical & horizontal lines of the pier. The dramatic clouds formations intrigued me in comparison to the calmness of the lake. Then there is the lone person sitting on the pier, which made the image appear much more real to me. The combination of all of these elements sets the stage for one incredible image.

The lighting is good except for the one area in the sky that is overexposed ... perhaps a lens filter would have improved the overall lighting. Due to the small size of the image it is hard to determine if there is any noise. Colors? ... the clouds & sky appear to take on a turquouise color, so some adjustments in color balance or color channels is in order. Perhaps that will give the clouds a bit more definition also. The image would look also great in black / white or sepia as well. Composition ... the vertical presentation works well here & gives the image more impact, so I wouldn't change anything there.

The photographer did an exceptional job. I read his narrative & he mentioned he was on his way to / from work when he came upon this scene. I'm not sure what caught his eye first, but I have a feeling it was a combo of all the elements.

That's it. :-)

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Les, I took a look at your choice & that one happened to catch my eye too. Was this >.< close in choosing that one. The lines & textures add alot of interest to the image ... I do like its monochromic qualities too. Very nice review. :-)

Annnnd ... I took a much closer look at your choice Sherree. Not sure how, but I missed the lone person sitting on the dock/pier ... which kicks up the visual interest greatly for me as well.

Think I glossed over that one, despite the symmetry being very good and agreed, the vertical and horizontal lines of the dock work well ... the straight ahead perspective didn't grab me at first glance. Nice vanishing point et al ... think familiarity with that type of imaging as of late, for me ... made it just another great shot. *shrugs*

I can't explain it much better than that ... I was looking for unique, I suppose. Or more so, anyways, to my eyes in this grouping.

The small resolutions will probably suffer a tad then. However, a valuable lesson was reaffirmed, reinforced ... take a considered moment, indeed.

Annnnd ... a rather spot on review by you. You touched on all the salient points of interest, as well as, some fine suggestions for improvement. Well done and thank you for bringing that one back onto the stage.

Interestingly, on the back link ... the person is encapsulated in a square if you mouse over the image with a short comment attached.

Les, thank you very much for your feedback ... truly appeciate it. :-)