If anyone minds taking the time, I'm looking for some thoughts on how this might've somehow been better. Or, if not, what perhaps, is "wrong" with it. Hard critiques are ok, as long as they're fair and constructive.

Thanks in advance :o)

Exhibit A

Guilty. I didn't comment when you posted it. Let me rectify that. The technical work is superb, Rob. the drops are slear, focused and an excellent display of macro work and control of DOF. The coloring is unique.

So why didn't it score? Personal opinion? If I had got it in the VB I wouldn't have really had any idea of what i was looking at. Is it computer generated? Is it a manip? Is it something created in a program like Terragen and colorized in PSP? No clue. If it's a photo it's d*mn good; if it's fully computer generated I don't much care for it. Hypocritical? Perhaps, but honest.

Secondly, much as i would have rated it higher (again, if I knew it was a photo) just on the difficulty of the technical aspects...Rob, it really doesn't say much to me. I think it needs a little more point of interest...how to accomplish that I'm not really sure. Maybe if there were something reflected in the drops?

Don't know if this helps or not, but there it is!

Rich

Hi Rob..I agree with Rich regarding a focal point. It is missing one..one the other side, I really like the gradient coloring that appears here. It reminds me of mylar or other material that changes shades with the way one moves it. That evokes fun filled memories for me. The colors themselves are bold and bright yet not overpowering. Once again,I am reminded of something 'fun'.
I have not had this in the voting booth, but I do agree with Rich that *possibly* it scored low due to lack of knowledge of the creation process.
Had I gotten it, it would have scored good due to what I described above, minus the focal point.
I thoroughly enjoy your 'outside the box' manipulations as well as photo's Rob.....continue posting....for me??? :o)
p.s. the image is definitely awake!!!! hehe

I re-lOOked at it and still like it!! I think it's the nature of the beast as far as the c-index. I like the abstract thought and color combo as well as the slight texture I get from it, but that's just me and I could see where others may not like it for whatever reason. People aren't as cool, down & hip as you & I...or as looney!!

Well I commented originally. personally I do not think it needs improving. It is a nice abstract piece with interesting colours. I suppose you could have cloned out the marks on the slide which would have lost its grounding in reality and made it more ethereal. It makes a good desktop. Remember, abstract pieces and ones that do not include a sunset, bird or flower usually score low anyway, probably because in the VB no one knows how/why or what and a lot of voters are looking for something more usual. Keep posting the unusual and stick with your creations. Some of your lowest scoring work is your best.

For what it's worth I offer my thoughts...First of all I like this for it's impact. It gets ones attention and demands the viewer to look closer...on that alone you have succeded in my mind. To be honest I don't particularly care for the coral colour but that is more to do with my age..:) Technically I find it quite good overall, crisp and sharp and well composed, I particularly like the gradient transition from light to shadow across the diagonal. I agree with the above that abstract pieces are a tougher sell, but in my humble opinion you should by all means continue your pursuits in these areas. I certainly look forward to more.