I think it's apt that I saw the dichotomy between pop and art here, because that's how I think of your work, a struggle between the two... with many great results.
there are several shots in this challenge that seem more like portraits than street photos. This one is right on the edge. I can just barely believe it is candid if I try real hard. but then I see what looks like eyeliner. but then I realize it's probably a woman, and women are known to wear eyeliner. but she is lit in such a flattering way, and is just too darn sharp. in fact, this looks like a cropped Larus portrait, and a Larus portrait is the opposite of street photography. Then again, crops are important, they redefine a photo. And unlike Larus, your OOF background has elements that seem relevant to the themes of the photo: that moon-like circle, what looks like a streetlamp, wise white trees, piled-up snow. There is no debating that this is a good photo, just if it's a street photo. If only the eyes weren't so darn pretty and the scarf and hat weren't so darn sharp. But then I see those wonderful blown highlights on the face and how that connects the face to the snow. It's almost like this was a collaboration between Larus and an artist, and the artist had the last say. Yes, I think the artist won, and if I were to hold sharpness against you, then I would be using criteria as arbitrary and style-defined as any other. Okay, the artist wins, you win. Yay art! 8
Although it seems more like a set up, outdoor portrait, than a candid street shot, that can't detract from just how good a photo it is, and it really is.
The tones in this shot are perfect, really apt.
This is a wonderful photo. I usually hate these kind of borders (big and/or attention getting) but I find that it works well here. I almost get the feeling of a movie screen. Clarity, composition, DOF,tone all excellent. Love the expression. 10
i love the image size - better effect. good use of negative space - although the eyes are gazing away from it. nice composition. i don't like the black (superior and inferior) borders. 7 for me.
Not so keen on the high key - it just seems blown out to me though I can see why it might be chosen deliberately to emphasise the snowy environment and harsh light. I do like the composition very much indeed as well as the perfect blurring of the background - just enough detail remaining to pick out the light globes on their poles. Nice detail in her eyes and certainly makes me question what she's look at and thinking about.
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