I have been getting killed lately. I had submitted this image for the October Free Study and just pulled it back because I feared it would not do well. My sense is that it is interesting, but it lacks a topic and point of focus. I would like your thoughts on this image....what works, what doesn't, what would make it better?
If I were you, I would enter a picture if -I- loved it. The comments during voting when you are anonymous helps better IMO. I am no expert, but thats the best way to learn that I have found... and as a 'side-effect', my scores are improving (generally.. sometimes theres a dip) too... and with each challenge I feel I know more.
About the image: I would improve the tones in the image.. and try to make it more surreal by changing the color curves and may be even merging multiple exposure layers created from the single image. The scene is setup great.. just a tad underexposed I think. I would say you just need to do some post processing magic and I would rate it a 5 or 6 (as it is) or even higher with some post processing.
P.S. Just noticed you have a pretty good avg. too, so pls dont take it as if I am preaching something:-)
Personally I would give the original a 4. As you stated, there is no real focus to the shot, its the same for me. There isn't much to lead my eyes around. I'm immediately drawn to the center, and then done. Although the symetrical shot somewhat works here, I'd be curious to see it from an angle as well just to see if it would pull me around more and tease my brain.
You asked for harsh, but I'm just being honest in what I see. Now another shot from your profile
Thanks for your comments. My sense was the image lacked a purpose. There needed to be something at the end of the tunnel for you to see and it wasn't there.
It might help if we knew what it was about this scene that you liked. It reminds me of a photo I took a while back:
Btw, here is an edit of your photo. I just played with the colors and dodged and burned a bit.
Yanko sure did improve this image. I think if you also add a human or animal(although hard to control) element it would add an extra purpose for the viewer to stick around and look for a while.
