o b l i q u e
by Ja-9

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that contributes to the challenge

Most appropriate choice of subject for the challenge Janine. Nice strong diagonals and repeating shapes in the reflections, a very effective composition and nice low key exposure. Given the nature of the subject with its plain surfaces perhaps a cloud-free sky may have improved it further

• e n c h a n t m e n t •
by Ja-9

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that contributes well to the free study challenge

What a lovely avenue of trees. I’ve got to be honest Janine, whilst I like the composition I’m really not sure I’m liking the overall feel. On one level I feel intrigued by the ephemeral feel it conveys of a magical woodland avenue but on the other stricter observation of the same scene I want to see a sharper more natural looking result so I really am torn between the two.

Stellar Jay
by Ja-9

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that makes a significant contribution to the challenge.

What a brightly coloured conspicuous little bird you have captured here. That blue plumage is really quite striking. Its a lovely pose with bird looking into the frame with a nice profile of his beak and features. The twisted silver twigs of the tree to are quite remarkable, I like the way you’ve composed with the bird on the left with everything flowing to the right. All in all a great shot janine, well done.

Stellar Jay
by Ja-9

Comment by hahn23:
Well, the bird photo may indeed be stellar. But, this is most definitely a Steller's Jay, Cyanocitta stelleri. It was named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, the first European to record them in 1741. This is indeed the intermountain West species, as identified by the white marks on its face. I appreciate the good photo. I mean no offense at the name correction, but I'm certain you would prefer the correct identification. (8)

Stellar Jay
by Ja-9

Comment by gintay:
nice composition.

Stellar Jay
by Ja-9

Comment by bmartuch:
Nicely composed image.

The Barn
by Ja-9

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that does not meet the challenge

I’m sorry Janine but I have to agree with Mike here, given the nature of the challenge, in my mind this is a long way from minimalist. You have found an appealing landscape and stamped your usual authority on it, there are no problems technically although the blues feel a little too strong they could do with pulling back a little. Obviously I don’t know what the rest of your scene was like but if you could have taken this from further away with the buildings much more insignificant then I think this would have come nearer to the challenge brief but even then that sky is very busy. The small galvanised shed on its own in the distance as a focal point would be much nearer to my idea of minimalist.

The Barn
by Ja-9

Comment by giantmike:
Beautiful landscape. Kind of a stretch to call this minimalism. There is a lot going on here.

• g o s s a m e r •
by Ja-9

Comment by sidpixel:
Hello from the critique club

An appealing image that contributes well to the challenge

Beautifully done Janine. Even before I saw your name below the image I knew it was yours it has all your hallmarks of quality about it. The colours and softness from the motion blur are both so very appealing. The lighting too is appropriate and helpful to the end result. The ghosting is another element that simply adds to the overall appeal.

• g o s s a m e r •
by Ja-9

Comment by Cyrilda:
I just knew this had to be yours. You do remarkable things with flowers. Truly BEAUTIFUL.