Focus is appropriate for this image. The soft focus at the bottom of the image leads the viewer up into the image and keeps them there. The yellow looks a little muddy (gray), and the portion of detail, and color at the bottom below the soft-focus petals reveals the low-key selection and processing. Compare the visual critique with the original. What do you think?

This image meets the challenge of low-key. Look close at the original and you will notice subtle color in the gradient between the cat and the low-key background. It seems the cat could have been processed a little better. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. Notice the difference? Is it an improvement?

The image meets the challenge of low-key. This photograph also shares the fascination of a child. One can’t help but smile when looking at the young man’s face as he stares in wonderment at what his father is doing. For this judge; the important part of the image is the look on the child’s face. Compare the side-by-side of the visual critique. Notice how I opened up the boy a little and cropped the image to eliminate the unnecessary elements of the image, including cropping out part of the balloon? What do you think? Did it strengthen the father and son connection?

The image meets the challenge of low-key. This was a challenging photograph due to the amount of light. It is usually better to expose a photo so there are not any blown out parts in the image. Exposing to include color in the fire would have been easy to do, the challenge would have been to have enough light for the fire lady. Compare the side-by-side visual critique for an example of processing. Notice how a tighter crop also strengthened the image?

The photograph is well done but notice how you can see a shadow on the background behind the model’s head? Is the model’s hand necessary for the shot? Not for my aesthetic. The low-key statement could have been taken a step farther through processing. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think?

This image is well done. The orchid looks good on a monitor but could be a little dark if the image was to be printed. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think? No points were deducted for this visual critique.

The photograph is well done but notice how you can see the background behind the model? Minimizing the white of the model’s eyes, by changing her angle of view could have strengthened the image. The low-key statement could have been taken a step farther through processing. Compare the side-by-side visual critique for processing and notice how the eyes were opened up a little so you can see the color of her eyes?

Compositionally strong and the color works well in a low-key photograph. Notice a little green in the background? The low-key statement could have been taken a step farther through processing. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think?

I think I’ve seen these in other challenges. This image demonstrates good use of light. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. Notice the slight, for lack of a better word, halo behind the marbles? They were eliminated on the visual critique and the marble colors were enhanced through contrast techniques.