February 2007 Theme Competiton Entries

This months theme is : Long Exposures

Clicking on the image will open up a new window with the original size submitted entry

Blue Wheel

Mark Says: The title is slightly odd –as the wheel is white! However, that aside, its an interesting shot, with the wheel just about on the intersection of the thirds, with the blue building taking up most of the other 2/3rds.
The tree in the foreground is a bit in the way, but generally a good long exposure.

Jess Says: Good colour overall but the wheel looks more white than blue. A little soft but a very nice composition.

 
Cave Castle

Mark Says: It’s a shame that the sky and foreground is so black in this shot. It would have been nice to see a little more colour in both areas as it does look a little isolated.
The exposure of the castle is nicely done though.
Good effort.

Jess Says: Good clear photo of the lighted castle. A bit too much black left at the bottom, cropping an inch off at the bottom would improve the image.

 
Boble and Castle at Tivoli Gardens - SECOND

Mark Says: Again a slightly less dark sky would have been a little better, however, the rest of the shot is excellent, especially the foreground bubble which makes an good starting point for the eye to look around the picture.
Very good.

Jess Says: Well balanced image, good crisp lights. Nicely composed with the bubble in the foreground. Well done.

 
Blue Lights at Tivoli Gardens

Mark Says: This could have been cropped a little tighter to balance the shot a bit better and lose some of the black space.
But the main area of the shot is very good with the reflections on the water adding to the mood.

Jess Says: Interesting subject, a little soft and a bit too much black left at the top. Very nice reflection.

 
Dangerous Place

Mark Says: I’m not sure how this was taken, but it does convey a sense of foreboding about it. I’m not totally happy with the pale swirls on the top left, which could be reflection through a window?
Good effort.

Jess Says: Interesting take on the theme, good composition and the B/W would work well but this is a bit dull. Looks like some odd dust or dirt on the lens or sensor that could have been cloned out.

 
Gateway to Windsor Castle

Mark Says: I like this shot a lot. There is a nice atmosphere about it, and there is lots to look around in the picture. I like the path as it leads the eye into the picture.
Very good.

Jess Says: Good composition and I like the toning work on this, gives an eerie feel to the image. Once again looks like some foreign matter on the lens or sensor that could have been cleaned up.

 
Nightcap

Mark Says: An interesting shot, though not one of the best this month. The “C” of Courvoisier is behind the glass and the foot of the glass has been chopped off.

Jess Says: This is mine so no comment

 
Victorian Market Hall ..... Stockport - WINNER

Mark Says: A little bit of flash has been used in this long exposure, and I don’t think it really needed as much, if any at all. The shot would have worked without – assuming that a tripod was available.
I like the hall being lit from inside too.
Excellent

Jess Says: Very nice clear, crisp image well composed with interesting subject matter. Well done.

 
Darling Harbour, Sydney

Mark Says: This is generally great shot, although the central lamp is a little bit too prominent for me as it keeps drawing my eye to it.
Some good colour in the fore and mid-ground.

Jess Says: A busy scene, good idea but the large rail and all the street lights distract from the lighted high-rises and I find the scene a bit muddled.

 
Sydney at night - THIRD

Mark Says: The sky really turns this into an average shot into a good shot. I might have been tempted to crop some of the bottom away, or recompose it to pull the bright horizon down and show more of the sky.
Good effort though.

Jess Says: Good strong composition, the detail in the sky adds to the overall view, very nicely done.

 
Atrium

Mark Says: This is my first this month. This was actually three separate exposures to try and keep the roof exposed properly and the brown seats exposed too.

Jess Says: Excellent perspective with solid detail giving a feeling of depth. Good colour and composition. Well done.

 
The Foyer

Mark Says: My second this month. Same building as above, with the doorway in the middle of the shot about where I took the first one. I should have cloned the blown lamp back in again – I did on another shot.

Jess Says: Nice perspective with good detail. The extra light in the doorway is a bit of a distraction but a good concept well done.