For the most part, at first glance I really like this photograph and the effects you've used to distort it, giving it that 'fish-eye' effect, despite using a straight 17-55mm lens. The attention of the viewer is instantly drawn into the centre of the photograph at the model sitting on the flowerbed. The way in which he looks straight at the camera works well to represent your title, as though asking the question to the camera and it provides a good basis for the photograph. Well, you came in the top fifth which you should be very happy with, although I think the reason you didn't go further wasn't through any fault in the technical aspects, as there seems to be very little wrong with the photo itself; but with its deviation from the competition title. There isn't a lot in this that represents procrastination that I can see, except perhaps for the fact that the person is not continuing to cross the road.
I think the car on the left is in a shutter speed 'no man's land'. In my experience, I find that photographs should either have elements that are deliberately blurred with a long shutter speed for a motion effect, or they should remain crisp and still, and in my opinion, the car just looks out of focus and distracting. However, I think you made a good choice with the shutter speed and aperture, as it certainly brings out some of the other elements in the photograph really well, especially the details of the sky and subject, as well as creating that dark and gloomy atmosphere. I especially like the silhouetted palm tree in the background, centering the entire image and despite what the comment before this one says, the photograph seems much more powerful in black and white.
Overall, I'm surprised that this picture didn't actually go further but don't take it personally. From browsing through your profile it would appear that your other outdoor shots are certainly up to scratch.
A great composition for using a fish eye. One of my pet peeves with most usage of the fish eye is that it is usually just being used for the effect. Well, in this shot it, actually, works. The car on the left nicely breaks the symmetry. I really don't like what you did with dodging and burning here - the shot looks unnatural because of that. 6
Very effective use of the fisheye effect (whether it was a lens or a filter I don't know). My only complaint is that the subject feels unfocused and a little blurry. I might try using a healing brush to sharpen the features of the face. It's a shame this one was submitted for the Centered Composition II challenge!
What a shame...this is an incredibly well done photo...nice choice of fish eye and composition...great choice of black and white...but the picture feels shoe horned (forced). It is as if you are trying to pawn off a great shot in a challenge for which it doesn't really fit. I'd normally give this an 8 or 9 if it was dead on the challenge but since it feels forced I'm adjusting it to 7...great shot though!
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