Contest Submissions: Beginnings

[Dr. D]

Wow! Glad I don't have to judge this one.

[Convert]

For everyone that asked for critiques...

Bowhuntertex: The frontier is the ultimate American beginning. Both the composition and subject are spot on. Technically, the exposure is a little funky, the bright day light didn't do you any favors. But still a great image.

grl_hunt2: Clever idea, and another American classic I think the best way to improve this shot would have been to get a different background and to highlight the products. Probably something solid, almost like a portrait background, to put all the focus on the food and make the colors pop.

Jaspro: Great picture! I liked your use of the flash to highlight the foreground while still getting momma in the background. I think baby cows are so cute But that grass is going right up his nose. I've taken so many dog shots where this happens, it's pretty annoying, so now I make an effort to either clear it away or get another angle.

Mesquitecountry: I know I said cute baby pictures were cheating in the portrait contest, I guess I should have said it here too. A very fitting interpretation of the subject. I do think it could have been a stronger image without the flash. Churches are hard to get right, it requires a lot of tinkering with settings, but if you nail it the filtered light through the stained glass is a great effect.

AtTheWall: This was a top 4. I can't pick on anything with this one, technically and emotionally it's a great picture. I especially love the cross detail.

(Wildman didn't ask for a critique, but he was also in the top 4, a wonderfully ironic concept done extremely well.)

Sika: This was in the top 4 as well. I love the depth of field, the point of focus, the lighting... all of it is technically spot on and creates a great mood. I really like the subject too. You and the new gear nailed this one!

It was an incredibly hard decision, I've been putting it off all day! There were lots of great shots that could have taken the top spot. But, if I must pick one, this round goes to...

Casey! Such an amazing shot of such a difficult subject. That bird looks like a perfectly crafted jewel, yet I know he was dashing about like mad man, I couldn't even begin to technically master that shot like you did. And I love the idea of finding the beauty in the aftermath of destruction, a truly noble beginning. Congratulations!

[Bones]

Nudies, nudies, nudies!!!!!!

Congrats, Casey

Steve

[grls_hunt2]

Congrats Casey!

[Michael]

Well, it's about time! Way to go, Casey. As good as the entries were, I thought yours was superior technically and, though a little bit cheesy, creatively conveyed the theme!

Lots of great entries on what I thought was a very difficult theme! Nice job! I'm looking forward to the NEXT!

Michael

[Double L]

Congrats Casey.

[Casey]

Thanks, Julie....and others! I'll get to work on a theme. Actually, I'll just let anticipation build and then go with Bones suggestion!!

Seriously, I'll try to have something selected by this evening.

[Wildman]

Humm one up Casey. Congrats!

[mesquitecountry]

Congrats Casey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Here are a few topics to stay away from.


Self nude's (I figure 10% being good nude and 90% bad are bad odds)

Nude balds (Even though bald is beautiful)











Thanks for the critique Julie! Churches are very tough especially with incandescent lighting. I was pleased with the foreground but the background seemed lacking to me as well. I figured this being a beginning it was my best shot. Some may call it fratuitous! Great topic. This topic really made people think IMO.

[cfortner]

Congrats Casey, another great round of pics by all!

[Les]

Congratulations, Casey! What a awesome photo!

[Shane]

Congrats Casey!!! Awesome photo.

Some awesome pics all the way around this time. Personally, I would have been flipping a coin between Casey and Jaspro.

[jyoung]

Conrats, Casey!!!!

[AtTheWall]

Congratulations Casey as well as to all that contributed!

Great baby pics...Precious photos...including the fawn and calf!!!

Thanks you for the critique Mrs. Bones

[Bill M]

Congrats Casey and to everyone for the great shots.

BTW the little buggers knocked my twig off this evening!