Greetings from the Critique club
An interesting image that meets the challenge
You have definitely managed to convey the sense of drought here. A sensible decision to crop the water out, in fact the darker patch towards the upper right gives a sense that this is the very last remnant of water disappearing before your eyes. Although it has been taken at the worst possible time of day it really helps with your chosen theme. The high contrast also makes it feel a very hot environment. The family is also clearly conveyed with the presence of the two mothers and their offspring. I wish the two ladies were facing the other way you would then feel they were discussing the landscape and where has all the water gone, as it is their posture and position takes you out of the frame prematurely.
I'm sorry you didn't get any comments during the challenge, I hope this helps, Sid |