Thanks to all who commented, really appreciated and really needed! I know this photo wasn't as interesting as I would have liked, but my first "subject" really didn't work so I settled for this one as a representation of what darkness means to me (and no, not everyone has to agree with me on this point). I just bought a Canon EOS-20D and this was my first submission so hopefully I'll get better, practise makes perfect an all that!
Technically, I see a few issues. Pretty evident haloing around the steeple and cross. It seems the picture quality is a bit low, with the steeple and cross not being very clearly edged and just a general lack of detail. I like the composition, although I might have preferred the cross at a slightly more "straight on" angle.
As far as the message of the photo , [climbing up on soapbox] There certainly is a side to "religion" that can be considered dark. It does seem like Christianity takes a lot of abuse...as you don't see the icons, holy items or sacred words of other religions singled out as often for negativity.... and if it does happen there's usually an uproar about being non tolerant of other faiths. A lot of good has been done in the name of religion as well. Anytime you get folks feeling very strongly one way or another about an issue, you will see extremes in actions as well. Even Jesus pointed out how dangerous it is to focus on the "doing" of religion, vs. actually living a life of faith. [stepping down from soapbox]
I would not have used this message, but I understand it. Although I am a Christian, be assured that I have not lowered your score because of it.
Bet you're getting hammered! I understand your point, but your execution of it is not as strong as it might have been in my view. This scene is too sparse to have much interest for the viewer. Sure there's the "dark spire and heavens" metaphor, but it's a bit thin. There are much richer and darker images of religion available that might have made your point with more force. But you do get marks for bravery. 6
Not very appealing. If you are talking about destructive forces... maybe you should have waited for a storm so that the clouds can be forboding and evil to push the image in that direction, rather than relying on the title.
One of the great ironies isn't it. Love your fellow man but kill him if he follows another religion. It's going to be real interesting to see how this scores. I hope your title doesn't hurt the votes you are recieving.
To hell with the picture, I gave you a 10 for the title. Art is about free expression with the caveat that one must consider the best interest of their models if photographing people IMHO. In this case I say way to go. The challenge said what does darkness mean to you (the artist).
I think this has the potential for a good image, but in this case, focus seems a little off and the sky is pretty bland to me. Perhaps some post processing could help the cause. I do think the border you've used in this case is complimentary to the photo.
I admire your bravely (I am sure you get a lot of flame for your title) however I don't really agree with your title. However, theosophy aside, the image itself does not really communicate darkness or threat, IMO. The subject is too small, and the sky is rather bland. I can imagine that a cross can be shot in a scary manner, but it would have to be done quite differently.
I can see a lot of people getting upset by the title and the interpretation of darkness. I, on the other hand, like this photo and the interpretation and give it a 7.
I'm giving this one a high score because the title really does it for me. Takes guts to say that out loud. I also like the silhouette against the light cloud. The halo is a little distracting to me, and I wonder how it would have looked as a vertical image with more of the steeple showing?
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