With a little touch up I think I actually like:
more then the entry. The one you won the blue has a great abstract image, but this one I can almost smell the coffee. I think that the smoke really adds to this feeling :)
LOL, were you really considering entering the 3rd shot of the toilet? You would have gotten 3.5 for that one.
You made the right choice, it's my better then the other coffee shot. The gas shot is pretty cool also, and kind of unique, but the one you entered (obviously) was the right choice. :)
Brad, first of all, congrats on the Blue. You did some good work there.
Our entries are "kissing cousins," but what a difference in the standings! Mine was only 99th, but I was quite happy with my picture (if not with my score). It was a true candid shot made at Starbucks. I think I captured the two strangers pretty well, plus the background seemed to add to my shot. I do know it was a hard shot to pull off, because people kept looking at me wondering why I was fiddling with my camera on the table. In fact, the guy in the picture I entered gave me "the glare" a moment later. I guess I was busted! What I'm not sure of is why my image didn't do any better.
Anyway, I'm rambling. I just find it amusing to see our two pictures of a similar subject (of course, treated far differently) so far apart in the minds of the voters.
Once again, good work on your entry.
edit: PS I notice you're in Poway. I'm in El Cajon!
I liked the natural feel on your picture and was suprised it only came in 99th. Mabye the guy in the background had too much coffee? LOL
A polarizer might have been asset here to cut the glare off the boxes?
