I found this challenge to be ultimately confusing - isn't it the case that every decent photo is some kind of unanswered question? I didn'tt enter, didn't vote, and so perhaps shouldn't be critique-ing.
Technically, I see no issues with this shot. Focus, exposure, lighting are all fine. Compositionally it's also OK: there's enough interest in the water surrounding your subject to make the off-centre placement not seem arbitrary (an often misunderstood element of the thirds 'rule'). I would perhaps have considered cropping a little from the top of frame - just to be less of a computer-screen aspect ratio, which i don't find to be a particularly eye-friendly shape.
Other alternatives that spring to mind: more water, less person (as someone else has commented) - or perhaps even a closer crop in portrait format to emphasise those reflections and the contrast of the orange and the brown/black of the water.
Why didn't it score higher? I would have thought it warranted at least a 5.5 - it lacks some drama to be higher for me, and the comment about the height of the subject out of the water is also valid. I also think that scores in general are lower recently (look at both current winners, just barely making 7).
It's a good photo though - more intersting than most I think, and it's a little hard done by with that score.
I like the strong contrast between the life vest and the water. The other technical elements, such as where the subject sits in the frame and the focus are all good. I think a look of panic or concern would have stirred me to worry more about the unanswered question, but it is still a good photo.
The life jacket is so bright (it definitely catches your attention!), adn the water is so dark, it seems almost inconsistent. I like the reflections in the water, but I'm wondering how bw would look.
Great detail and expression. Nice utilization of the rule of thirds. The very bright orange of the life vest is just a bit over saturated for my taste; it’s pulling my eye away from the face of this perfect subject. The reflection in the water adds an artistic touch and the over-all theme meets the challenge well.
Great work. 9
This would have been super if she? were in a larger field of water, to give it more of a stranded look. Nice composition as it is too, and excellent camera work. 8
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