Rew,

The exposure works well enough to illuminate the eyes nicely. The shine you've captured there is super and the implied diagonal supplied by the direction of the monkey's gaze boost's interest for me. The boulder works well to force our gaze to your subject without being overly attention diverting. Dof and focus are excellent as your bg is nicely blurred (although the one distraction here for me is the green blob above the youngsters head) and the detail is very good for your ISO setting. I kind of wish I could see all of the little fella but the expression and the eyes are so engaging that it is a small wish. Very nicely done.

Darren

Hi Lise,

I've taken a short tour of your photos and I must say that you've got a very good grasp of the technical side of your camera. Your images look well exposed and display good, crisp focus. My one over-riding impression is that you prefer to center your subject matter and that applies equally to this image. I'd like to suggest that you try moving your subject to a position of thirds to see if you don't find that it increases the visual interest. When I talk about a position of thirds I'm referencing a grid that is formed if you divide your picture into 3 equal parts both horizonatally and vertically. Placing the most critical part of your image at one of the intersection of thirds will boost interest considerably.

For instance in this image I'd try to place the birds eyes as close to the upper third intersection as I could while still allowing room for his wings to breath. The position would also have the benefit of maximizing the illusion of room for him to move into.

Thanks so much for sharing not only this image but also the information.

Darren

Sequoia,

The s-curve facilitates one's journey through the image very nicely. I also appreciate the portrait orientation as the spindly trees sort of beg for that sympatico. I'd suggest a boost of the shadows and, perhaps looking at a contrast mask as I find the trees and sky just a bit too bright. That one reservation notwithstanding this is a lovely image.

Darren

Nice colors and textures in this shot. Framing is also well done. Shot seems a bit dark but may lose it's mood/effectiveness if lightened. TFS.

Great color and composition I am a neophyte to photography but regardless of my experience this photo would be my favorite if I was the capturer. I'm thankful that you elected to share this with us.

I really like the mood of this piece as I sit here imagining a story to accompany this shot. The threatening sky, the skittish mules (?) and the beleaguered man all contribute to a fantastic shot. Thanks so much for sharing this thought provoking piece.

I too commisserate with your heartbreak. She is a beautiful young lady and you have captured a striking visage of her. That being said I must comment that I'm distracted by her out of focus hand and arm being in the picture. I find myself looking at that instead of her lovely face.

Nice pic blaroche. Colors are good and dof is ok but I think a bit shallow. The caption is perfect. I hope the little guy survived.

Chiquito, I'm a novice and your post processing details fairly overwhelmed me but I must say that the overall effect is fabulous. I love this shot and I'd be interested to see the difference between the before and after.

Intriguing shot. I like the arm being used as a frame. I'm drawn into the shot. I like the soft focus but I think that it is a shade grainy for my taste. Regardless of that though it is an artful and enjoyable shot, kudos!