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Cherry Blossoms 7- *Need advice!!!*


Cherry Blossoms 7- *Need advice!!!*
Photo Information
Copyright: Sarah Belkoski (sbelkoski) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 126 W: 12 N: 143] (701)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-04-03
Categories: Nature, Event
Camera: Nikon D-50, AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6 G
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-04-29 10:28
Viewed: 540
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I'm planning on entering a photo contest so I really need advice on which one of my pictures I should enter. But first:

This photo was taken at the National Arboretum in NE D.C. Most of the cherry blossom viewing during the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place around the Tidal Basin, but there are numerous trees elsewhere in DC. If the Tidal Basin is too crowded you can try East or West Potomac Park, or in this case the National Arboretum. The cherry trees here are more spread out, but they had a handy guide to find them. This tree is a Sargeant variety.

***Ok, now for the advice***
I'm planning on entering a cherry blossom photo competition and the deadline is April 30th. I'd really like your input on which photo I should enter (I can only submit one). Twelve winners will be selected to be in next year's NCBF calendar. The winners get a $100 gift card to a camera store and the grand prize winner gets a Canon Rebel XTi. I looked at the winners from last year and these are the things that won:
-three of the monuments with the cherry blossoms.
-two of events during the festival.
-seven of the cherry blossoms trees themselves.
None of my pictures of the monuments or the festivities are quite good enough, so here are the choices:

Cherry Blossoms 1
Cherry Blossoms 2
Cherry Blossoms 3
Cherry Blossoms 4
Cherry Blossoms 5
Cherry Blossoms 6
Cherry Blossoms 7
and of course today's photo. I have a few more to upload, and I'll post some as workshops.

Please give me your advice! Thank you!
rychousmama, geterdone, jan515, AKF has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To AKF: choosingsbelkoski 1 05-14 09:17
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Critiques [Translate]

they are all good but none of them is a winner to me, I think you need to be more selective and they should have some more emotional impact or tell a story thorough use of clever dof and focus, I have seen a few really good ones and very similar to yours, so try to be different. perhaps my portfolio of work can inspire you. good luck.

Well I'll have to say that that last critique wasn't very helpful, so let me fill in ;). I like the most numbers 4,6, and 7 (but most of all the one you e-mailed me!) because of the beautiful hints of backlighting in some of them and number 6 is extremely unique, it is beautiful but also a bit melancholy. Very good work Sarah. I certainly think that you will be at the top of the game with these shots. TFS!
-Lara

Hi Sarah,
Sorry for being too late to give you my opinion before the deadline...but ya know what? I wouldn't have been much help to you as I like them all:) They are all of good quality, this shot being no different other than it's lacking the brightness your other shots offer. Still very nice shooting though Sarah and I know you probably made a good choice for the contest entry...and know you will do well...I just know it! TFS!

Lyndon

  • Great 
  • jan515 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2488 W: 56 N: 3862] (17484)
  • [2007-05-01 15:18]

Hello Sarah,
Class perspective and super composition. The formation is outstanding here with good presentation priced quality of the photograph.
My compliment.
Janusz

Hello Sarah!

Missed your latest works , and your deadline (^_^). I wish you good luck in your contest !

I also missed these tragic events at the University. No words to descibe these events. We had the same a few years ago in Montreal. :(

Overall a great serie.
Well done !
Robert

PS Shooting flowers is not my cup of tea (^_^), therefore I am not really in a good position to give you a useful advice (^_^).

  • Great 
  • AKF Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 165 W: 13 N: 77] (576)
  • [2007-05-11 13:28]
  • [+]

I came across your pictures too late to help you choose which one to post. I'm sorry!! Do you have the results of the contest yet? Which did you pick? I prefer either 2 or 4. The lighting I feel is the best. I prefer five over 4 as a photograph, though, the ducks look beautiful. I'll be waiting for your new post. :D

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