Well, this one won't go down as the most popular challenge thats for sure, but thank you all for your efforts.
I appreciate Stefans individual critique of each entry so much that I thought I would do the same.
I have never won one of these, and always felt that picking the winners was pretty much cut and dry. I now realize that's not the case.
So here we go:
Triple-Flame by TJG
A very good first attempt and entry. I realize that flame was to be the central focus, and in that, mission acomplished, but to me the placement of the votives, especially the center one takes something away from the photo. It's obstructed view by the one on the right is what grabs my attention, and not the warmth or ambience of the flames that I was looking for.
Fascinating Fire-Edd S
As usual, you have brought life into what could otherwise be deemed an average photograph. The person staring into the fire is obviously at one with his surroundings and for whatever reason, seems to be strengthened by the fact that the fire is there. Your flames are beautiful and inspire me to agree with your comment. I can easily put myself in that mans shoes simply by appreciating your photo.
Luau Fire-shanen2179
This photo I really like except for the spectators. To me, the audience takes away from the overall mysticism that I experienced at first glance. I really like the lighting created by the fire.
Getting To Be That Time Of Year-spur
Who can't appreciate a warm fire place. My woodburning stove is close by and I often photograph a similar view. The one thing that I wish wasn't there is the white hot areas. I don't know if camera settings can cure that type of result when photographing fire, or not. I do like the action of the flames. Definitely a warming effect.
Eruption-aLFaDaRK
I have never been to Vegas, or I would probably understand more about the subject and what is actually burning. By your title, I assume it's a volcanic replica of some sort. I'm not sure what happened on the left side, whether the light fades to black there, or you cropped out that side, but something seems to be missing there. At least to me.
Family 4th-Paul B.
Although I think this is a very nice capture of fireworks, I don't think it really hits home as far as the subject for this weeks challenge. I love the colors but what I think are cars in the foreground tend to make me squint to see them. The smoke trails are beautiful as well.
Candle In The Wind-beckbear
Yep, there's a flame there, but that's it. I have no idea what's burning, if it's outside in the wind, or what. I tried enhancing it with paint shop pro so I could see the candle, but I couldn't. There just isn't enough detail, or background in this shot for me.
centrepiece candles-Novaheart
When I first saw this photo, I was immediately drawn to what I thought, or would like to have thought were chocolates that the candles are surrounded with. I think they must be polished rocks? I really like the consistant glow that each votive has. The pinkish tones surrounding each flame are really pretty. You were able to capture the warmth of the flame while preserving some dof, which I really like as well.
match flame-jkdlee
I like this one except for the fact that the flame has been cut off by either the shot or cropping. To see that entire flame would have been excellent. I really like the match tip as it appears to be ready to burn out. The seared wood of the match stick is also eye catching. I said it before, I just wish I could see the whole flame.
Eternal Flame-Formulated_One
This depicts what I think I was looking for. I was hoping for more background and not so much blackness. I can see what this is with ease, and I really like how the flame appears to be broken. The angle of the shot might have been better, but overall I think you've shown me flame and perspective with ease.
Dinner Time-greenlight
Last night before I went to bed, this was my winner. Hands down. This morning, I checked for size and found it to be only 615x640. Per the rules, the longest side must be 800 pixels exactly. For the record, I really like this photo. It has character, the fire is essential to the task at hand, and the rustic feeling I get is one of those "I wish I were there" feelings.
torched-snowrdr
I'm torn with your entry this week. At first, I thought you had post edited with a brush to get the effect that in fact the smoke and heat from the flame is causing.
Truthfully, I didn't like it at first, but it has grown on me. I really appreciate the contrast between the torch and the green background. It gives me something to look at other than just the fire. You didn't center the torch, and I really like that.
The absence of noise adds to the overall aspect by smoothing and yet the rust on the torch keeps its character.
So, with all of that said, now comes the hard part. I can't imagine doing a judging for 2 or 3 pages of entries, and I appreciate all of your efforts.
First place-Novaheart with centrepiece candles
Second place-Edd S with fascinating fire
Third place-snowdr with torched
A quick comment. Having hosted my first contest, I now realize what it's like to be on this end of the challenges. I often wondered how the host came to their decision, and sometimes, how they could have chosen one entry over another. I understand now.
I think to truly appreciate entrants efforts, one must be on this side at least once.
Very fun, a tad bit agonizing, and as always, looking forward to the next one.
Thank you. OK, I think I can click submit now.
