Very cool, Luc. The white background and black clothing really eliminate distraction and keep the focus where it should be. The smile and lighting are wonderful; the composition, as it should, draws the attention to her face.

Fine work. I've really enjoyed reading the various NYIP photography tips for different events and seasons. How are you liking the program? Are you finding it a worthy return on your investment? I'd love to hear impressions.

Regards,
Jim

Don, this image deserves more note than it has had up to now. The textures are strong, the colors vibrant. I like the lighting in the background and the way the trees mesh and arch. I like the vertical composition, the relatively low shooting angle. In some sense, it reminds of a cathedral in the rough or -- perhaps better put, a cathedral in the wild.

Nicely done,
Jim

Very nice, Sunil. I have an image in my own gallery that is reminiscent of this, though from a steeper incline. A very interesting touch with the B&W on the lower half of the image and that dramatic orange sky. Effective use of the road to lead us deeply into the composition.

Well done,
Jim

Nicely done, Paul :)

You captured a moment with a great dramatic feel woven into its look and texture, and that is skilled work. It reminds me of a painting. Wonderful sharpness and clarity of detail. I like your use of line, all the levels of gray in this image, and the benches, with the wave sweeping over what looks like it may be another bench in the far corner.

Excellent execution here.

Congrats!
Jim

Fine work, John! I like the low angle, and the low lighting you've attained with the hour of your shooting. I think this was a situation where the polarizer was an apt choice, too. The "frozen film" on the loch definitely draws the eye, and I like the long, deep perspective we get, with the symmetry in the water and the interplay of light and shadow on the bank. You've chosen a gently glorious moment to share with us.

Thank you,
Jim

This is interesting, Sandy. It truly makes an eye-catching thumbnail, and I have to chuckle when I find you've only taken us to Pittsburgh. I'd say the focus is an issue, but I do so knowing these lunar shots, especially given the lighting and the ISO you were going for, are not all that easy to achieve. It is a striking image, with a decent amount of clarity, and I agree with Linda that the F/4 lens makes it all the more remarkable. That puts me over the fence to a full greenie.

Well done!
Jim

Annie, among many other things, this would make quite a fine -- and probably unique -- Christmas card. There are so many things to like about it: The light is what strikes me first -- the ribbon of light marking the road, the brilliant glimmers at the front of the church. The medley of color is nice, too -- the rich green of the water, the bank of cloud, the azure sky -- they all play well together. Finally, you've adeptly, skillfully employed the tripod and the long exposure, and that amounts for much of its special touch. I quite agree with Linda's nomination. This is a truly first-rate image!

Warm regards,
Jim

An engaging presentation, Joe! It's a very interesting way to lead us to the hill and the church, and I think it works.

All the color in the foreground really proves effective compared to a perspective that might have shown more of the church but at the expense of a seemingly much blander context.

I find it interesting, too, that you have a bit of green grass and much bare ground for Milwaukee in February. That must have been one of our relatively mild years! :)

I also like the way you've worked the willows in -- they've held what would seem to me to be a surprising amount of color for the time and place.

Excellent composition...and an interesting note, too.

Cordially,
Jim

Hi, Karen!

I haven't peeked into your gallery in quite awhile, and I'm so glad to stop by and find a fresh post. I really like the textures and tones of this image, the way you've framed it with the tree on the left, the low shooting angle, the good depth of field, the rich color. The sum of the parts is an impression of instant charm -- the sort of place you'd like to kick back with a blanket, a picnic lunch, and a good book or good company :)

Warm regards,
Jim

A unique and creative presentation, Leanne. I really like this. You've found a striking way to render and present a commonplace part of fall and you've done it with clarity, sharpness, and an interesting perspective. Nicely composed. Sometimes the neatest photos come upon us almost unawares.