To all contestants, I am not trying to be harsh. This is supposed to be constructive critisism so don't be offended.
MSJGD- I like how you got way up high to view the bridge at an angle that isn't as common. I REALLY like the vertical lines and the diagonals that carry throughout the photo. It's framed nicely, but I'm missing that spirit that the gondola being cropped out of the frame would have given.
Jason C- This shot definitely caught my attention when looking for pictures that met the “perspective requirement”. You are looking upwards toward the figure of Mary, already giving it more of a presence and importance. With the juxtaposition of the cross in the background, this image can start to tell a story. The cobwebs are a nice touch.
Flo- Very unique way to look at the challenge. It's an innovative self-portrait. The only thing I would like to see more in this photograph is more emphasis on form or subject. I don't get a clear view of your reflection and the rest vaguely shows the intricacies of the jellyfish texture and internal fibers.. but there is no real formal framing of them.
airfrogusmc- I like this picture of that flower. You cropped it in an atypical way. However, what I was looking for was a new perspective.. I see the tops of flowers everyday, but can you show me under it? What it sees? A group portrait of it and it's flower friends? This is what good photographers constantly do is they question the ordinary, they see things in new light and capture it in ways that potentially show a little more than just what meets the eye.
John_B- Interesting couple. I like your creative use of off-camera lighting. You got above them and their eyes look back at you. Clever, cute, and nice setup.
tonylong- the thing I like most about this photograph is that you got down to the animal's level. I see too many photographs of pets where the photographer is hovering over them. A hint in adding importance is to lower your angle.. as a photographer. Bow, and people will bow at what you've taken. The emotion in the face is a great take on the challenge. You see the world through the perspective of that face.
Cuypers1807- First off, I like how you mentioned you were on the floor. Secondly, The title made me laugh. Probably could be painted with lead based paint. In my opinion, creepy; blank eyes and wide smile. My favorite is that you framed the photo of a tiny thing in the way that you might a full-sized person in a chair. Other than that, there's not much more to say.
chrisisonfire23- Very cool! I don't drink coffee, but I might if it looked like that. As far as perspective goes, I think the fact that there is a story here gives this one some substance. It is an interesting series showing menu, inside, outside, and cup... but what s missing for me is the human perspective or relationship to these items. I want to feel connected, but get separated from the content when you have the back turned of the lady and some details are shown but not given a full treatment. My favorite photo of the set was the one of the process.. when the face was being made. Mare is said with that one photo then all the rest combined. I'm not sure what your goal was but look to life magazine's 5 shot story telling checklist: Here's what I learned in journalism class and try and get when I go places 1. Overview shot, sets a scene. 2. Portrait, adds responsibility and relationship to what you're showing 3. Detail shot, usually of the hands 4. Action shot and 5. conclusion shot, something that helps connect the dots and provides some resolution to the story. My last advice is “white balance”.
JLatimer- Cool. Line. Shape. Geometry. Negative/positive space. Geometry. Abstract. This is what I was looking for. This perspective on the lines of the bridge really fascinates me as an artist and a curious observer of space. Being a grown-up is the hardest part about being an innovative photographer; as kids we constantly were looking up, down, under, into, on the backside of things. Did you need to look up? Probably not. But that's how we learn and keep a fresh view on life.
Geno DM- Also great that you looked in an interesting way. You made the flag pole into a flat shape. Making a 2D composition out of 3D scenes is what photograph is all about. Way to look with your brain... and not just your eyes.
Drum roll please... The winner is... JLatimer.
2nd Place goes to Jason C.
3rd is a tie between Geno DM and MSJGD.
Honorable mention goes to chrisisonfire23 (you did not follow the “ONE photo rule”)
Good job all contestants! I hope you had fun and learned a little while you were at it.
