This is taken at the lake I walk around some mornings. It's lovely when the sun comes up, though by the time we get here and the sun gets to the point it's at, the bats have long since gone back to wherever it is they hang out during the day.
Post challenge - Wow! I'll admit this came as a bit of a surprise. I thought it too "plain" for this crowd. I'm glad it did well, though. It shows that the place you see on the news (when they're not preoccupied with alcoholic starlets and foot-tapping politicians) can be rather beautiful if you just look. Thanks!
No expert editing at all. Some advanced editing - removed a shadow in the water. The rest is mostly levels, curves, a bit of a hue shift from yellow to a richer orangish color, and the usual sharpening, resize, border bits.
Statistics
Place: 11 out of 503 Avg (all users): 7.0533 Avg (commenters): 8.1250 Avg (participants): 7.1273 Avg (non-participants): 6.8500 Views since voting: 4356 Views during voting: 235 Votes: 150 Comments: 65 Favorites: 11 (view)
I love this!! This is the type of shot that gave me the guts to enter the shot that I did in the Paul Simon challenge. (however, mine is not nearly as good, so it will probably get hit very hard.) But it's shots like this that helps me learn to appreciate and, better yet, helps me see, the simple things in life. People should be required to look at this once a week and remember that photos don't have to flashy to be spectacular.
What an amazing photo... You really got robbed on this one. 7+ with no ribbon is just wrong. I think what may have hit you hard was the border. That is honestly the only thing I don't care for but everything else is amazing and very pretty. It looks like some where I would like to be right now. Still though, 11 out of 500 is an accomplishment all it's own. I still worship people like you, I can't wait until the day I get this close.
What a wonderful image - compositionally sound, lucid scene. The colors and scenery invoke a peaceful resonance. A little over-sharpening, perhaps, on the buildings and plant in the foreground, but don't detract much from an otherwise beautiful capture. Also noticed some slight color banding in the sky. I would have scored this an 8. Lighting is wonderous, and moody.
Ohhhhhhhhhmy!!!!! What can I say! This is freaking spectacular! They reeeeally need to hire you as their PR photographer. Some of the photos you have posted here make me want to go there on vacation!!!!!
Congratulations Deb. It's quite rare for a 7+ score to end up in 11th place, but what an honor to be among the greats in such a high scoring challenge!
Well lookee here. I go away for a couple of weeks and I come back to see you have yet another 7+ score. Well done Deb! Excellent image. Calm and tranquil, simple and uncluttered, well balanced and the perfect color tones. Very very nice! Congrats!
Congrats on the score and placement! Two 7s, that is pretty impressive, though I do like your B&W a tad better. This is still an excellent shot and field was so competitive.
Congratulations, Deb. A 7 in FS is awesome. Actually, a 7 in any challenge is awesome. This is so beautiful. I notice that the far shore is rather industrial looking, but that is barely discernible the way you have processed this shot. It's great to see there is still beauty in Iraq. I hope someday soon, the people of Iraq will be secure enough to again enjoy these sights you have been showing us.
Beautiful job Deb. Awesome score and incredible placement for a free study! I love the serenity and peacefulness of the moment. Considering where you probably took this, that certainly gives you something to think about.
Congratulations, Deb!!! You've been on a huge roll lately. A plus 7 score, especially in a contest like this one, is a major accomplishment. Wonderful.
Congratulations on 11th place Deb, and a great score too. I really liked your other image so much, I gave you the wrong advice! I'm glad you didn't listen! It's a very beautiful image, and the reeds add so much depth. Nice work!
Deb congrats on a new PB. this shot desirved a great score. its good to see that you are able to get out with your camera and enjoy taking cool shots like this. I sure am enjoying looking at all the shots you post from over there.
Love the warm golds and oranges in this photograph. It really captures the feel and mood of an early morning with that the nice warm glow. The reeds bend to a gentle breeze as the sun casts is warm golden orange rays upon the water. Minimilistic in the composition but beautifully and elegantly captured. Well done. My only critique is that I think it would be better to have an either plain white, black or thin line white with predominant black border to compliment the shot. The yellow-orange one here I think detracts some attention away from those lovely golds & orange tones within your picture.
I'd like to have seen the silhouetted skyline completely black (perhaps through a levels adjustment), the detail that shows through distracts from the rest of the image.
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