First impression - classic French movie feel to this photo.
Meets the challenge - yes, although some voters may have penalized you since the shadow isn't the subject. I think it meets the challenge well. I am saying that based on a few comments on other photos in the challenge. Obviously the commenters on your photo thought it was outstanding. You usually do not see that much difference between the overall score and the commenters' score. This photo the difference is more than 2 points. Some people "got it", others didn't.
I wouldn't change much on this one at all. Excellent job on the black & white. The photo has a real B&W print feel to it. You don't see that often in the digital age. The composition is very good. The lines form the shadow draw the viewer's eyes across the frame to the subjects eyes which are sharp and have a nice glint. The unshaven face and direct light give the viewer a sense of "morning".
Good solid effort that probably would have scored higher in a portrait or photo nior challenge.
I hope this was somewhat helpful. It is hard to critique an image that has little fault to it!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Challenge: SHADOWS III
Description: Creatively capture a shadow Advanced Edit
behind the wire
Fit: Epitomises the idea behind the challenge 2
Very simple and effective use of shadows
Aesthetics: An exceptional composition/exceptional aesthetics 3
This is a very powerful and emotional composition
Technical: Technically well executed 2
Wow: Slaps you in face 3
This one grabbed my attention when browsing through and when looking at the printed thumbs. Full size, it has a raw power that literally slaps you in the dace: the story is in the eyes.
Total Score = 10
This is a technically and artistically sublime photograph; it has just enough of everything ... just enough person, just enough shadow, just enough emotion, just enough meaning, and just enough processing. The composition/crop, which at first appears so easy and casual, is actually meticulous and quite brilliant; the viewer is mesmerised and controlled by the lines, the shapes and the irresistible flow of the thing. Plus it's not just a clever compositional exercise; it actually has an editorial point to it. And you've even included a tiny glimpse of something incongruous in the lower right hand corner to give the pedants something to lecture you about. No choice here: 10.