Image is compositionally sound. There is a leading line guiding the viewer to a diagonal line leading the viewer to the end of the visual alley. The diagonal roof line on the left also leads the viewer to the end of the alley. Ideally, a diagonal line would lead the viewer to the subject or point of interest. Compare the side by side visual critique for a processing idea.

The image has diagonal lines so it meets the challenge but it feels like something is missing. The image is a little flat and has lost detail in the shadow areas. A change of perspective could have strengthened the abstract idea. See the visual critique: Keeping with the monochrome idea, processing for contrast and a tighter crop may strengthen this abstract image. Did the crop, change of perspective, and contrast add to the abstract idea?

There are diagonal lines in this average shot of an interesting subject. It is possible to include too much in a subject this interesting. The people in the upper left area of the image don’t do anything to help the image. So much more could have been done to emphasize the steps and diagonal lines. Compare the side-by-side visual critique for perspective adjustments and processing ideas.

Yes, there are diagonal lines in this shot, but this is also a photograph of someone else’s artwork. It seems to me the idea of the challenge was to use diagonal lines to lead the viewer through the image. These diagonal lines create an abstract image and notice the perspective. It was photographed from the left with the focal plane not parallel with the subject. Notice the converging lines? See the visual critique for perspective and symmetry composition ideas. Did the change help the image? Don’t photograph someone else’s art for a competition.

Good use of leading lines, both implied and actual. The diagonal lines lead the viewer through the image to the back out of focus area of the frame. The image could have been refined to clearly define the subject. Is the subject the man in the red shirt or the out of focus people near the vanishing point of the converging diagonal lines? Seems like a rhetorical question, but what is the photographer trying to convey. See the visual critique. Did the crop and processing strengthen the image?

Compositionally sound image. It is always a risk to take an artistic processing approach. The key to this approach is to make the image look like the technique was intentional and not covering up a poor photograph. See the visual critique for some minor adjustments, including adding some color to the sky. Anything goes with creative processing, including adding color to the sky.

The image meets the challenge with diagonal lines. Abstract images rely on texture, color (tonalities), shapes, and their relationships with each other, among other things. When color approaches monochrome (one tonality), the tone/color is important. Colors have an impact on the way an image “feels”. See the visual critique. Did the change in tonality affect how the image was perceived (felt)?

Interesting composition and use of sunlight to create the diagonal lines from the slide with shadows. It is a simply stated image and the matting adds a nice frame. The color of the sand and water work well together. A darker sky would have strengthened the tonal relationship between the complimentary colors of yellow and blue. See the visual critique for the idea of a darker sky.

Diagonal lines, C-curves, and S-curves lead the viewer through the image. The panoramic crop strengthens the image. Compare the visual critique image with the original. In the original, the lines lead the viewer through the image without having a point of interest (the entire scene could be considered the point of interest). The visual critique version leads the viewer to the bench on the edge of the cliff. This composition gives the viewer, in this case, me, a place to sit and think. The image could have had more impact if there was a person, or couple sitting on the bench looking out over the ocean. What are your thoughts on the critique composition?

The image meets the challenge of diagonal lines and the use of diagonal shadows adds interest to the pattern created by the texture of the palm frond. The image seems a little flat and with most monochromatic images, contrast is their friend. In case you are wondering, simply stated, monochrome is any image with varying tones of one color. It’s not just black and white. See the visual critique for the idea of added contrast. Of course, this is a personal preference issue, but what do you think?

Nice “play” on words for the title. This abstract image meets the challenge and the choice of monochrome most likely strengthened the image by making it about the lines and patterns. As previously stated; the Image seems a little flat and with most monochromatic images, contrast is their friend. See the visual critique for added contrast. What do you think?

Simply stated image with diagonal lines everywhere. It seems to me the use of monochrome helps emphasize the lines and patterns. As previously stated; the Image seems a little flat and with most monochromatic images, contrast is their friend. Notice the sky in the original is a light grey. See the visual critique for added contrast. What do you think?

Diagonal lines everywhere and the pops of color add interest to an otherwise monochromatic image. I review images on a color-calibrated monitor. The original image seems to have a colorcast. Disregard the rest of this critique if the colorcast was intended. See the visual critique for a color corrected version. Does it make a difference?

There are diagonal lines in this image with the river, the skiff in the foreground, and the building wall. The diagonal line of the river does lead the viewer to the building and sun, but as the title suggests, this image seems to be about the sunset and the Taj Mahal. However, the Taj Mahal is small in the frame, which diminishes it as a subject. This is a monochromatic image with exposing for figure and ground (silhouettes). The image is a little soft (out of focus) and there is a lot of unnecessary space on the right side of the frame. Was this needed for the Sunset at the Taj Mahal statement? Not for me. As for the sun…the sun is problematic and trying to expose a scene and not have a blown-out area for the sun is not possible. But, this can be handled in an image-editing program. See the visual critique for ideas on composition and processing. Did the crop reinforce your image title? Notice how the sun has a hint of yellow instead of pure white? ”.

I see the diagonal lines, but other than that the image lacks visual, emotional, or for this judge artistic impact. I see the pattern of the fruit – green apple, red apple, orange. In addition, I see each piece of fruit has the same orientation as its counterpart, but something is missing. This is simply fruit lined up (as in the title) and photographed on a piece of fabric. Without knowing what you were going for besides the diagonal lines, it is hard to comment on this image. If it was intended to be a still life, the choice of fabric and lighting would have changed the feel. I did, however, play with your image, and using a filter effect of rough pastels with a canvas texture and a little motion blur added for effect, gave your image somewhat of an artistic feel. See the visual critique. Did it change the visual impact of the photograph?

Plenty of diagonal lines including the line created by the walkway leading to the door. The image seems well exposed and the composition is acceptable. It may have been a stronger composition with the pedestrian walking in the middle of the walkway instead of against the railing. See the visual critique, where I move the pedestrian and added a little contrast. What do you think?

The diagonal line created by the window light was a good idea, but this image falls apart on execution. It is not good enough to enter an image into a contest that only meets the challenge parameters. The image must be well composed, exposed, and processed. It should also make a statement and have an impact. Zoom in on the image and you will notice fringing (chromatic aberration) on the windows and edges of the bar joists in the ceiling. Google “what is color fringing in photography”.  It also looks like there was some cloning and or patching in the upper portion of the corner where the light originates.

Good composition and there is a warm light on portions of the image. It seems the photograph would have benefited from a little processing, including removing the chromatic aberrations. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. Along with the processing for color and contrast, notice how the chromatic aberration was removed.

Interesting idea and artist concept. These type of images are hard to critique because it is presumed everything in the image is as the artist intended. I did however create a side-by-side visual critique, not for a recommended change but for an idea of color adjustment and contrast. Also; the double vision statement may have been strengthened if the ghost portion of the images was larger. I could have even been perceived as a mirage.

Good composition. The image looks a little muddy (grey). Some extra care in processing could have helped the color of the flower pop. See the side-by-side visual critique.

Who says there is no color in the Everglades. Great composition and the action adds interest.

Purple Gallinules are a vibrant bird. Your image seems a little bright for my taste. This brightness tends to washout (lighten) the color of the bird. Your choice of processing was your artistic statement. Compare my version. This is processed to my taste…no points were deducted, I just wanted to show the possibilities.

Yours on the left –My processing on right…what do you think?

Very stylized and artistic image. There are a few areas (I am going to call them flaws) that detract and diminish what this image could be. Instead of creating a side-by-side critique, I have added circles right on your image that correspond to the following: The circled rock on the left edge of the frame is out of focus. This out of focus area is inconsistent with the elements that are in focus in front and behind. The other elements that are circled are blown out. Also, keep in mind that reflections are darker than the element causing the reflection.

Well done…background and bokeh are appropriate…focus is good…processing is well done.

See the side-by-side visual critique. No points were deducted; I just wanted to demonstrate how a dark border/matt can change the way the colors are perceived. Do they look different to you?

Great capture of a difficult subject. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think? To dark? Richer Color? The eye has also been sharpened. Did the processing change the feel?

Yes, you can. See side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas.

Simple but appropriate composition. See the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think? Is the subject emphasized more?

The rainbow takes this image up a level. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. What are your thoughts? Did you notice the missing element in the visual critique?

Appropriate composition. See the side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas. What do you think?

This image does show the color in nature. The composition is simple and expected. For clarity, expected means average. Judges look for something above average in order to score higher. See the side-by-side visual critique for a processing idea. What do you think?

There is a rule in composition that you should not photograph even numbers (except for two). The rule – photograph prime numbers: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, etc… You have found a way to break this rule. While there are four birds, two art Rosette Spoonbills, one is an Ibis, and the other is a Redish Egret. Add to that…the Redish Egret is the anomaly since he is looking the opposite way of the other birds. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did the processing strengthen the image?

While you did capture color in nature, the image feels expected. Meaning, it seems to be an average composition. Compare the side-by-side visual critique for other potential changes. Do you notice the changes? Did the visual critique help or hurt the photo?

I recognize that place. That cypress dome off of Gator Hook trail hasn’t been that dry for a while. You don’t often see an image of this area shot tight with a portrait orientation. The vertical orientation works for this shot. The path leading through the image adds interest. The photo however looks flat. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think? Also zoom in tight to the upper left corner and you will see chromatic aberration fringing. This could have been fixed in Lightroom or Adobe’s Camera RAW.

Pretty subject and this classic composition is appropriate. Compare the side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas. Do the slight darkening, lightening, and contrast help?

Interesting composition. Typically having something in the foreground could be a distraction. The tree on the left in this image adds interest by framing the waterfall. It would be interesting to see a shot with a longer shutter speed to show more motion in the water. Also, see the side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas. Did opening up the colors help the image?

Good choice waiting for the Roseate Spoonbill to do something. Action like this adds interest. The Ibis does not add to the image and it is rather close to the corner of the frame. Also, notice the two small birds at the lower right corner of the frame. There is nothing neutral in an image. Elements will either help or hurt the photograph. See the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think? Is it a stronger image without the other birds? What about the processing? More dynamic?

This is an interesting subject and expression. The question is, was the body of the lion needed? My thought is no. The interest and action are in the head and mouth. Also, notice the processing to open up the face and eyes. Compare the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think?

Interesting photograph with a warm feel. See the side-by-side visual critique. The old cliché states, if an image is not good enough-you're not close enough. Did the tighter crop and subtle image processing improve the photographer's statement?

Well done and simply stated image of butterflies mating. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did the processing improve the shot? If not, why?

well-done image with appropriate composition and attractive bokeh. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did the processing and sharpening improve the photographer's statement? If not, why?

Great Pandas are exciting subjects. Unfortunately, we can only photograph them in captivity. I was fortunate to photograph them in the Panda preserve in China, so I understand the draw. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did the tighter crop and processing for contrast improve the shot? If not, why?

Full disclosure, I have seen this image and know who the photographer is. This image received a critique through the South Florida National Parks Camera Club. The photographer looks like he edited for the critique. See the side-by-side visual critique for another option. What do you think? Did the crop and processing add a different dynamic?

Interesting idea with a difficultly lighted subject. I think I know what attracted the photographer to this shot, but it seems it was left lacking with the processing. The camera cannot see what we can. It is up to us to finish our vision with our processing program. I see this as a high-key image. See the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think? Did processing to high-key reinforce the artist's statement? If I missed the mark, tell us why.

While this may be a good action shot, the light was working against you. Notice the muddy shadows and the blown-out areas at the bottom. Also, notice the chromatic aberration near the corners. (see the cropped visual aid, you may need to zoom in to see it)

This is an average photograph that may have benefited from additional post-processing. See the side-by-side visual critique for some ideas. Notice the eye and background. Look for other subtle differences in processing too.

Typical straight on an (almost) portrait. Processing feels a little heavy-handed with saturation. Zoom in tight on the eyes, and you will notice blue and cyan fringing. While some may say this is pixel peeping, it's not. An image should be evaluated for its quality and printability. Those colors will show up in print. The bright background doesn't help this image either. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did converting to monochrome strengthen the image? It did hide the blue and cyan around the eyes.

A tender moment in time. Making time stand still is a photographer's specialty. The image is well composed and exposed. It may have benefited from a little post-processing. Zoom in to the rocks in the upper right and the sea lions back, and you will see fringing. This effect will show up in a print. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did the post-processing to darken the background and open up the eye and face improve the photo?

Strong composition, good exposure, and sharp focus in the right areas. This shot is an excellent example of how rules are allowed to be broken. Rule - Foreground elements should be in focus. Rule: Lines leading out of the frame (like the lizard's back and tail). The fact that the foreground elements are soft helps with the legs and tail leaving the frame by disguising them. That was a lengthy way of saying, well done!See the side-by-side visual critique for some subtle post-processing ideas. What do you think?

Probably one of the best shots I have seen of a squirrel. Not because of the pose, but due to the color palette. The image is sharp in all the right places and is well composed and exposed. See the side-by-side visual critique for alternate processing ideas. Did my post-processing add some punch? Was it even necessary? Also, notice I dealt with the bright spot on the right of the frame behind the tail. Did that attention to detail help the image? See the side-by-side visual critique. Did the processing strengthen the image?

Good specimen shot. You seem to be down at his eye level, and he is sharp in the right places. Birds, or any animal, with black and white tonalities can be challenging under direct light. The camera's meter tends to over-expose in these situations. Underexposing by a stop or more would have preserved the white feathers' details and darkened the legs while still leaving enough exposure latitude to open up the blacks. I tried to emulate this in the visual critique. See the side-by-side comparison and let everyone know what you think.

Well done. Great timing and strong composition. The focus seems a little soft. The beads of water on the back add interest. See the side-by-side visual critique for processing and sharpening ideas.

Good timing and composition. The open mouth of the needlefish seems to be screaming for help. I understand that nature doesn't always give us the light we want or need. The osprey is mostly in shadow, but the needlefish is well lit. I am also noticing some edging around the wings and fish. It seems this could come from replacing the sky or maybe sharpening. Not sure what caused it, but it is there.

Great action shot and the focus seems to be spot on. The image is well composed. See the side-by-side visual critique and let everyone know what you think. Can you see the minor adjustments that I made?

The image is sharp where it needs to be and has a classic profile composition. It seems like the background had some work done. Notice the fall-off or blur transition under the head. See the side-by-side visual critique for processing ideas. Does the processed image have a little more impact? Does it look less flat?

A very challenging subject on more than one level. Dark birds with white feathers tend to lose detail in the whites due to overexposure. Exposing for the whites will still allow opening the darks in an image-editing program. The shape of the subject makes it a compositional challenge too. See the side-by-side visual critique. Did opening up the subject and darkening the background help? Compositionally, what about the square format?

Whales up close are tough to photograph creatively. Not sure they make a lens wide enough. This is a good shot, and the timing is right. I can almost smell his krill breath. See the side-by-side visual critique. I applied a slight color correction to subdue the cool tonality on the whale. I also emphasized the coolness of the water. What are your thoughts?

Let me start by saying this is a well-done image. What follows is my thought process (conversation with myself) when viewing this image. "Wow, that is a pretty shot, why is it pretty? Look at that yellow mat, the grasshopper, and all the important parts are in focus, look at the bokeh, perfect, wait, what's that grey blob between the lower-left petal, does it help the image? Wow, that mat is a beautiful yellow; wait a minute, is the mat the subject?... I can't stop looking at it; it pulls my eye away from the subject; I have an idea, let me try opening up the middle of the flower and the grasshopper's eyes, I like that better, need to deal with that area between the petals, that's better, love the mat, not again with the mat, need to tone it down so the subject can speak louder than the mat, let's add a hint of sharpening for effect, done, now to create the visual critique". Well, now you know what I go through to critique these images. See the side-by-side visual critique and let me know what you think. Did I help or simply disregard your artistic statement?

Well composed and has an artful feel. It looks a little soft, and not sure the mat frame color does anything for this image. The mat, of course, is a personal choice, but for my aesthetic, it takes away from the image. See the side-by-side visual critique for a slight lightening and a mat border color change. Again, these changes are subject to personal taste.

Nice action shot. Look close, and you will see that the eye is soft. Eyes should be tack sharp. You did get the all-critical catch light, though. The bread was extremely bright, and there were other elements that did not add to the image. See the side-by-side visual critique. Notice how I eliminated the unnecessary so the necessary can speak? I also sharpened the image to demonstrate how important the focus is. What do you think?

Fascinating subject. Unfortunately, it's not enough for a subject to be interesting to be worthy of submission to a competition. Notice the blown-out piece of food the gorilla is holding? The entire image seems over-exposed and needs to be color corrected. Under exposing from the meter reading, about two stops would have given a better exposure. Also, a tighter crop would have strengthened the statement. See the side-by-side visual critique. What do you think? And, what is that white line and loop above the ear? I removed it in the visual critique.

Classic composition and image are well exposed and focus on critical areas. See the side-by-side visual critique. Does the subtle processing make a difference?

Good photograph with appropriate panoramic orientation. See the visual critique. Did the subtle processing improve the image? Notice I also removed the steps at the end of the seawall giving the boat a way out for the "lonely day ahead."

See the visual critique for a processing idea. The challenge was to photograph something with a "wider field of than the human vision." This shot is not wider than the human vision. The score reflects the image not meeting the challenge description.

Nice wide shot and the panoramic orientation is appropriate for the subject. See the visual critique for subtle processing ideas. Did it make a difference?

Well done, and the starburst and passenger relationship makes the shot. Take a look at the visual critique cropped version. What do you think? Did removing the lights at the ceiling and changing the ratio make a difference? No points were deducted since my post-processing was to my taste and maybe not yours. I wanted to show the possibilities for image refinement. What do you think?

Simple but effective composition. The horizon line is well-suited for this subject and crop ratio. See the visual critique. My edit is on the bottom. Did the simple brightening and contrast enhance the milky way?

The elevation of the camera and the angle of composition are well thought out and executed. The depth of field is appropriate for this image. See the visual critique. Look for the subtle differences. Do you notice them? No points were deducted since my post-processing was to my taste and maybe not yours. I wanted to show the possibilities for image refinement. What do you think?

Yes, this is an unusual and simply stated view. It is very tough to critique an artistic choice. Something this unique and straightforward needs special attention to processing to emphasize the artist's statement. See the visual critique. Did my post-processing make a difference?

Wide-angle with good leading lines. It seems to me the statement could be refined by eliminating what I perceive as unnecessary. See the visual critique. What do you think?

A necklace with circles placed on a statue meets the challenge, but the image doesn't have much impact. The photograph also looks soft and flat. See the visual critique. Did processing for contrast and sharpening help the image?

The image is well composed, and the exposure seems adequate. See the visual critique. Does the processing for brightness and contrast do anything to improve the photograph?

Interesting play of light and shadow to create more circles. The image seems flat (monotone). See the visual critique. Did processing for contrast do anything to enhance the shot? Side note: your sensor needs cleaning.

Well composed and exposed. This image has many lines (linear elements), but these support and lead the viewer to the circles, unlike the bicycle wheel. See the visual critique for a processing idea. What do you think? Does the enhancement help anything?

A Circle necklace on a leaf meets the challenge but falls short on impact and emotion. See the visual critique for processing and cropping ideas. Did removing the bright and visually inconsistent corners help strengthen the statement? What about processing for contrast and color?

Interesting and seemingly well-thought-out composition. The square area drain on the right adds interest and acts as the anomaly. See the visual critique for a processing idea. Did the processing add "pop" to the image?

Interesting idea, and yes, there are circles. See the visual critique for a processing idea. What do you think? By the way, it's a little unnerving having you inspect me when viewing your image full screen.

Nice job creating these circles. Polaris is in a compositionally strong location. See the visual critique for a processing idea. What do you think?

The image meets the circles' challenge, and the composition works with the square orientation. See the visual critique for processing ideas. Did deepening the color through processing help with what the viewer experiences, even if it is richer in color than existing?