Compositionally, you have a very strong image -- it is well balanced and allows the eyes to "go" from the cards to the chips and back.
Technically, you exhibit great focus and exposure and the shallow dof works very, very well here.
Ordinarily, selective desaturation does not "work" for me, but it seems okay here. It doesn't jump out at you and scream "selective" but it does seem to make the red parts stand out nicely. I tried to imagine if it would be better in straight bw or color, but I think this probably works best.
The only nit I have, and it has nothing to do with the picture is the red border. Because red is so bold and screams for attention, my eyes are automatically drawn away from the picture to the border. Not sure if that is the effect you wanted or not.
Great shot and excellent interpretation of the challenge.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
