Vejigante by Albert Fekson - An interesting subject, but unfortunately, there are a few things in the frame that distract from it somewhat. The framed picture near the bottom, and the air vent at the top really don't do much for the photo. The harsh shadows don't help much either, IMHO. I know that you likely couldn't move the mythical beast, but maybe some tighter framing might have helped, or a different angle or something. Not that it's a bad photo, but it has the look of a travel snapshot - which I guess it is. There's potential to make it a photograph that goes beyond "what we saw during our trip to Puerto Rico". I hope I don't sound too harsh, as my critique is (1) my honest feelings, and (2) an attempt to be helpful. Also, if you spend much time on PDML, you know not to listen to anything I say, anyway. <vbg>.
Rhymes with Fled by Max McRae - COOL! What is it, a flea? Am I missing some real obvious clue in your title? Whatever it is, the lighting and colouration works exquisitely well here, IMHO. One of the more spectacular photos in a very good gallery indeed. A real keeper! Thanks. ' v by Dag Thrane - Poor little birdy! At first, I was repulsed by this, but after several viewings, I have to admit, there's a strange attraction to it. I was going to say "a strange beauty", but that's not quite right. The thing is, I guess one gets used to death. I mean, let's face it, we see scenes like this all the time - road kill, birds that hit tall buildings, that sort of thing. It ain't pretty, but it's life. And, like any Thrane photo, composition is amazing - the two leaves there really add to the image, especially since they're yellow, and have, like the unfortunate bird, are now dead, having recently fallen from the sky. Stark and emotional, but a wonderful photo. I don't think I'll show it to my kids, though... <vbg> No Title by Steve Morphet - I really like this one a lot. As I've said many times, I love the way a good photograph can take a fresh and interesting look at something that we may take as commonplace. I've always thought that analogue meters look pretty damned cool to begin with (I used to work in Student Radio at university, and I loved the big VU meters on our mixing board), and this is just a stunning interpretation of one. Great DOF - I love the way "0" is very sharp, while everything else is just a little OOF - so subtle. This would make a great stock photo, or ad copy or something like that. Terrific!!! Garnet by Paul Stenquist - Another wonderful photo. I know you sell a lot of your stuff for stock - did you see about this one, Paul? I bet it'd sell real good! As the prior photo, apparently simple subject, but you've captured it beautifully. Love the black background - really makes the jewellery jump out. Not a bad thing to say about this one - just sit back and enjoy! <vbg> Thanks, Paul. That's it for the Themed Gallery for November. Tomorrow, I'll try to knock off the Unthemed one - or maybe in the next few days. cheers, frank -- "Sharpness is a bourgeois concept." -Henri Cartier-Bresson
