In the new challenge format, we now have a week between shooting rounds to critique and discuss the photos, the topic, the weather... Ok, maybe not so much the weather, but the point is: this is a community driven thread! It's up to you all to use this week "off" constructively.

As soon as the judges make their decisions, I will submit their critique in this thread, and post the voting poll at the same time.

The challenge theme was: Moving Forward

Your judges were:
Vandana
Greensquared


Greensquared:************************************* *****
Notes on my voting system:
I have stayed away from all of the challenge threads for the past two weeks (the hard part!). I had my husband download all of the images with titles only and remove any copyrights after the entry thread closed. I had no idea whose image was whose. I individually looked at every image, giving points for technique, creativity, styling, composition, originality and meeting the theme. I then wrote feedback for the image before moving on to the next. When I was completely finished doing this for every entry, I then pulled my top ten highest scorers. At that point I went to the entry thread and assigned names (that was the coolest part!).
It has been an honor judging all of your work!

MY TOP TEN

#2 – pyroPrints – O, that way madness lies
Smack on the theme. Love it!


#5 – shatch – A Change of Heart
Very creative. Without the title, I would have thought more "indecision", but the title pulls it together with the theme. The heart shape created by the outline of the image is a nice, subtle touch and my only suggestion would be to clean up the black areas a touch more to emphasize that. Also, the red line through the head on the right could do with being removed. Overall, excellent job.


#17 – Velvet Ride – The Power of Moving Forward
Brilliant! Powerful, emotive, and technically very well done.


#18 – redklaus – Going Home
Way cool! I love the pp choices. The only suggestion I have is to crop some off the bottom, losing the railing.


#20 – jvismara – All Together Now
This image has a lot of initial impact and makes me want to know the story. The title lightens the mood, which was kind of a let-down for me. Composition is nice, but would prefer a little more space on top.


#21 – crayzphotography – to get to the Other side
Haha!!! Love it! Very well done technically and message is loud and clear.


#22 – eoren1 – Baby Steps
I love this one. Fantastic compositionally…perfect use of leading lines as well as rule of thirds. The crop is great with my wish is that there were a touch more space to the left so the one toe wasn't cut.


#37 – NikonsandVstroms - Porter
Excellent use of repetition. I love the angle and pp choices too. Theme is more implied than obvious, but this image has a great feel.


#39 – Hoofclix – With Full Hind Sight
Really excellent shot for clarity, color, comp, exposure and definitely love seeing all four shoes! Title pulls it all together…great job!


#50 – Kubben – Paddling the high seas
LOVE it! Absolutely awesome comp, color, crop, everything!


Vandana:******************************************
Here are my top 10. It's been difficult choosing these. Some pics that are not here were technically perfect but didn't excite an emotion in me. Others I felt didn't fit the theme. In order of entry -

8. Davev - Moving on - nice motion blur, the stormy skies seem to go well the theme.

17. Velvtride -power of moving forward -wow, yes, lots of power.fits the theme. very cool !

18.Redkulas - GOing home - wonderful composition, you've caught the fun of a train ride. I feel like I'm sitting in there watching all that graffiti go by. nice processing too.

22. eoren1 - Baby steps - well done !.love the composition, the crop. emotionally charged without being too obvious. lovely

24. Jeffreax2 - Released - Love the joy and anticipation in all those faces. the star above seems like the wonderful future awaiting each one of them ! Love it.

37. Nikonsandvstroms - Porter - like the perspective, maybe a slower shutter speed, more motion blur might have been better..but it's difficult to find fault. Nice BW.

38. Imax- debt consolidation - Interesting take on the theme. Like it.

40. swintonphoto - burning pain - a powerful shot. yes, the caption adds to the shot and to the emotional impact, but yet the chinese writing, the bleakness of the shot are powerful in themselves.

41. Karrie Mcd - One life - the ghost of a woman passing thru, trying to move on..very touching

50. Kubben - paddling the high seas - very nice composition..the peaceful, relaxing 'moving forward' of kayaking..very nice.


Discuss! Discuss!!

swintonphoto!!! loved your entry!
topped my list!


doctorit, along with our c&c should we post my top ten here in this thread? or we doing that somewhere else?

Originally Posted by AaronNelson doctorit, along with our c&c should we post my top ten here in this thread? or we doing that somewhere else?

This is your thread, you can post any type of critique/challenge discussion you want. We're not doing that official/unoffical business anymore.

Dig in and tell us why you think cswinton's photo was the best...

Give us your top ten...

Whatever you want!

These (besides my own of course) are my favorites.
(I know this is not LPS, but I liked being able to know right away which images someone was talking about without having to go back and search through the entry thread for it. Putting all the images together like this seemed the easiest way.)

These are the images I felt first of all met the theme and secondly stood out above the rest for one reason or another.

when I have a chance, I will come back and add my thoughts as to why I chose the ones I did.

I was most impressed with niconsandvstroms image http://i25.tinypic.com/2d8es05.jpg (even though I"m a devout canon/speed tripple man ) Great perspective, great contrast of the slightly imperfect strait lines formed by the floor bumps with the curved ceiling of the tunnel. I thought this was a very stong image. I don't know if this was a crop or shot vertical but I thought that was a good call as well. The vertical view really accentuates the "floor to ceiling" of the shot.


my $.02
Matt

Originally Posted by AaronNelson swintonphoto!!! loved your entry! topped my list!

Thank you Aaron! I am very flattered and glad you liked it. I think it accurately represents the feelings of the people.

-Jonathan

Originally Posted by DoctorIt Dig in and tell us why you think cswinton's photo was the best...

Hah - I wish it were my photo - that is SwintonPhoto's picture. We're actually brothers so it can get confusing.. cswinton..swintonphoto..

I'll get back and comment on my favorites in a bit

Originally Posted by DoctorIt This is your thread, you can post any type of critique/challenge discussion you want. Give us your top ten...

My favorite photos so far have been in no particular order:
VelvtRide The Power of Moving Forward (the power in that truck is amazing!)
darkdragon "Enron style" (love your sense of humor)
imax Debt Consolidation (love this picture!)
TPBinKC Looking Up (great photo and I love the colors)

I really enjoyed looking at all the photos, these were the ones that really stood out for me though.

My favorites, in order of appearance in the thread, are below. I didn't include mine but it is, of course, worthy of note

A Change of Heart - shatch
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=829593&postcount=5
This photo fits the theme very well and was a well executed composition. The photo has an ethereal feel to it - I love the emotion conveyed and the feeling of movement. The lighting was used creatively and adds to the theme. A unique and impressive photo.

Moving On - davev
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=829963&postcount=8
I'm a sucker for a good long-exposure shot. The exposure was good, it fits the theme well. The use of a small aperture (f/22) was a good choice both for allowing a long exposure and the star-burst pattern in the lights which resulted from that aperture. As for composition, the 3 lanes of traffic lead your eye from the bottom of the photo to the center and up to the city-scape - overall very pleasing. It doesn't hurt that it's a very pretty photo. ;)

Baby Steps - eoren1
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=832343&postcount=22
This is a photo that when I saw it I thought "I should have thought of that". My entry was also of a baby (note, shot before this one lest anyone think I copied.. ) so it's a subject I like. I love B&W photos and it was well used in this photo. Color would not have added anything. The contrast difference between the foot and surrounding areas quickly draws attention to the center of the frame. I liked the use of a narrow depth-of-field to further isolate the subject (f/2.0). The space between the boards on the deck leads the eye up to the toes - nice composition.

Released - Jeffreaux2
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=832714&postcount=24
There's nothing like the feeling of graduating and "moving forward". Overall the photo has good contrast and captures nicely the excitement of the event. The use of vignetting helps focus the viewer to the center in what could otherwise be a very busy frame. Additionally, the vignetting gives a nostalgic feel to the photo which works well. The shutter speed was fast enough to freeze most of the action and guarantee a sharp shot but allowed for some blurring and sense of motion. A fun picture of what was likely a very fun event.

Porter - NikonsandVstroms
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=834702&postcount=37
A very well done black and white image. I loved the composition. The patterns produced by the flooring lead your eye into the distance and the lines on the ceiling parallel these floor patterns. This doesn't fit the theme quite as well as some of the others [for me] but it is such a strong image in other respects that I feel it deserves some recognition.

Debt Consolidation - imax
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=834849&postcount=38
This image was a creative take on the theme which I liked a lot. The white ash is nicely contrasted with the color from the card and the flames, drawing your attention to those areas. The composition is balanced and the eye moves around the frame without many distractions.

Burning Pain - swintonphoto
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=834893&postcount=40
Lest anyone suspect Nepotism, I noticed the photo before seeing who took it (we're brothers). Contrast and a narrow depth of field draw your attention to the incense in the foreground. From there, the flow of the smoke leads the eye nicely into the distance and back around, following the trail of incense - great composition. I think Jonathan does more in B&W than anyone I know, so that wasn't a surprise ;) but it also works well. The cool tone reflects the message of the photo. Nice use of a current event which fits the theme.

This is my first time offering any type of critique(more of an opinion, really) - not sure how helpful they'll be, but I sure loved these below.




I love the composition and the lights in the darkness. The colors are fantastic and it makes me feel like I'm missing something in the world.





This looks like a sketch using colored pencils. Again, the colors are what captivate me. Makes me wonder where the train is going, where it's been and what the passengers lives are about and how they'll change when the train gets to it's destination.





This is just outstanding. Colors, black and white - awesome the way the water is surrounding her. I absolutely love the smoothness of how the water is covering her face and the look as the shutter snapped.





Everything is smooth in this photo - I love the way the paddle is slicing into the water like butter. A hint of the kayak, nothing on the horizon but sky and clouds... beautiful composition.

Full Feedback (if a little short):

jeffmeyers - The New Day Wars Against the Darkness: beautiful image, but theme connection a little strenuous.

darkdragon - "Enron Style": interesting idea, but doesn't quite do it for me

shatch - A Change of Heart: very cool image

Netgarden - for Survival: nice, works well with the theme. Could benefit from a little noise removal and sharpening.

Pat664422 - new growth: nice image, but a little generic.

davev - Moving On: Well done, nice filter.

ifocus - The Moment prior: interesting idea, but doesn't quite do it for me

ConfusedUs - Steppin' Through: interesting idea, but doesn't quite do it for me

pemmett - For the cause: it's certainly interesting, though not sure how it relates to the theme

Travis - She's going the distance, she's going for speed: well done, fits the theme very well. I would have tried using curtain flash to freeze the motion a little bit more.

MrsCue - Another year older: nice, but has that snapshot quality

mmmatt - Waiting for her world to change: image, though a lot of noise in the darker spots

achambers - Out Of The Mud: cool shot, better colors than your first shot

tag - Waterfall forward into summer: nice shot, but nothing grabs my attention

VelvtRide - The Power of Moving Forward: Very cool shot

redkulas - "GO"ing Home (GO Trains): good shot, but way over processed. would be much better if this was sharper

Tentacion - I Feel the Need For SPEED: works well with the theme, but a lot of noise

jvismara - all together now... : interesting shot

crayzphotography - to get to the Other side... : i really, really like this shot. top 3.

eoren1 - Baby Steps: i don't usually go for baby shots, but this is very well done.

Vanquiz - Fly To The Sun: doesn't do much for me =c/

jeffreaux2 - Released: very nice, sharp shot

puzzledpaul - Life after the 'op': doesn't do much for me =c/

dcorrin - SOARING EASTWARD: nice shot, but nothing grabs my attention

hawkeye978 - Renewal: nice shot

Shudderz - Soul Flight: interesting. is that selective contrast i see?

wesscott - Contemplation: it's a really nice shot, but it seems like the opposite of the theme

jrnylst - Warm Up: nice shot, but no umph.

KurtPreston - Smartly, with Precision and Grace: nice.

kwalsh - Forwards, Backwards and Sideways: interesting

cmurph - trot on: nice shot, I'd blur the background, and up the contrast

jwear - Move OUT THE WAY ---PUT DOWN THAT DAM CAMERA AND HELP ME: very interesting and funny shot

JAG - ...and jumping for joy in the rain: ok image, but something's missing, not sure what

NikonsandVstroms - Porter: beautiful image, but theme connection a little strenuous.

imax - Debt Consolidation: maybe almost too conceptual?

HoofClix - ... With Full Hind Sight: woohoo floating horsie =c)

swintonphoto - Burning Pain: Insence Burning in Chinese Temple for Sichuan Earthquake Victims: nice shot, theme connection a little weak

Karrie McD - One Life/One Step At A Time: interesting, would be better if you got a longer shot of the person walking

explorish - no parking: theme connection is a little weak

thegreenegg - Moving On by Moving Forward: interesting

NeilL - Breakthrough!: i don't get it

samsplace - Moving Force-First, Second, & Third Gear: nice shot, nice car, would be better if car was moving =c)

CSwinton - Learning to Stand: trying to move forward huh?

Dee - Fast Forward: well done

The Curious Camel - Full Speed Ahead...:tiny boats are awesome =c)

mwgrice - Stride: would be better if you dragged the shutter like you did, but also dis curtain flash at the end

Kubben - Paddling the high seas: nice shot, I like the low angle

SunsetSailor - Braving the Elements: moving forward verrrrrrrry slowly?

Eric&Susan - A Kid at Heart: fun photoshoot?

RoguePhotographer - Time Goes On: =c/

TPBinKC - Looking Up... : very cool shot

fashiznitsngrins - Onward And Upward - One Leg At A Time : creepy, but cool

aktse - Full Speed Ahead : nice shot

Jwill - The Final Parting: i don't really get it? is he throwing something away?

JFreeman - A Clean Shave? :very well lit, and shot photo. the concept is a bit of a stretch but it works

Originally Posted by pyroPrints.com Full Feedback (if a little short): Shudderz - Soul Flight: interesting. is that selective contrast i see?

I admit there was a bit of enhancing done to the one monument, but at the same time, it was made of different materials than anything around it. The stone was a white marble, everything else was grey. The figure was metallic instead of stone, so the way it reflected light was completely different from everything else.

I removed a sprinkler and moved the text that was on her stone.....the quote was under name and dates, simply moved it up.

Before (straight out of camera) and After:

(forgive the watermarks......taken from a different gallery online and don't have time to repost w/o marks)

Originally Posted by VelvtRide This is just outstanding. Colors, black and white - awesome the way the water is surrounding her. I absolutely love the smoothness of how the water is covering her face and the look as the shutter snapped.

You describe my pic very beautifully, VelvtRide, thanks! I'm glad you like it!

Neil

[QUOTE=pyroPrints.com]Full Feedback (if a little short):

The Curious Camel - Full Speed Ahead...:tiny boats are awesome =c)


Thanks, I appreciate it. They are a blast!!!

Peace, gail

Originally Posted by pyroPrints.com Full Feedback (if a little short): Jwill - The Final Parting: i don't really get it? is he throwing something away?

Thanks for the feedback. The guy in the image is throwing away a full cigarette packet - giving up smoking. It might have helped if I'd had a cleaner background behind the motion, and also a side light on the subjects right to make a motion trail.

Originally Posted by Denise B. VelvtRide The Power of Moving Forward (the power in that truck is amazing!)

Originally Posted by pyroPrints.com VelvtRide - The Power of Moving Forward: Very cool shot

Thank you both for the nice comments. I had mucho fun with that thing - amazing power. I have an average lens for my 10D, but on that day, I ran into a Canon rep that let me use a 100-400 L lens to play with for the day.

Originally Posted by Jwill Thanks for the feedback. The guy in the image is throwing away a full cigarette packet - giving up smoking. It might have helped if I'd had a cleaner background behind the motion, and also a side light on the subjects right to make a motion trail.

Until now, I hadn't noticed the pack of ciggs in the photo.

<< puzzledpaul - Life after the 'op': doesn't do much for me =c/ >>

... well, if you're not anticipating being able to walk / hike (properly) again - after having had a replacement hip joint fitted - I don't suppose it would ...

Thx for taking the time to comment, tho :)

pp

Originally Posted by puzzledpaul << puzzledpaul - Life after the 'op': doesn't do much for me =c/ >> ... well, if you're not anticipating being able to walk / hike (properly) again - after having had a replacement hip joint fitted - I don't suppose it would ... Thx for taking the time to comment, tho :) pp

That makes more sense, i though it was some kinda climbing gear

Thanks everyone so far for the good words about my shot. The connection with this theme is more conceptual, the shot was part of a group of three possibilities I had where instead of showing a direct representation of something "moving forward" the idea is that by laying out the composition in this way the viewer is the one "Moving forward" through the image.

As for other images. The one that grabbed my attention was "baby steps" because I see some aspects of photos by Arno Minkkinen especially with the wood on the bottom and the use of body parts without showing the whole figure