geri

Yes, I know this was posted a few years ago; but here is my impression, nonetheless:

 

Your capture is well-spotted and well taken. It looks as though it could be a scene from a movie, (the larger dog appears to be giving advice to the smaller one):

 

"Look, I know you've just arrived, so listen carefully! From now on, here's what you've got to do..." :P

 

And the smaller dog focuses his entire being on the sage words coming from his companion. Okay, LOLOL, maybe my imagination is overactive! Or maybe the scene you captured brought on this imaginative dialogue. ;) Either way, I love it!

 

Wow. There are no words for the various things that attract me to this image! The beautiful scene outside is framed perfectly by the window... I say "perfectly" because I would not want to see this shot from a "straight-on" perspective, as if I'm almost looking out of the window myself. It's been done and done and done. *cliched*

But this has so much mystery; I find myself wondering what's "behind" me in this room as much as I want to lean forward and see more of this glorious town! Beautiful image!

"...I comment on are the ones that shout out to me with interest, excitement, and the need for praise..."

This has been debated over and over in the feedback forum. Why give a negative review without leaving tips for improvement? (I can answer that: because it's easy to do). And before the haters step in to ask me, "Well, where are YOUR photos?" I will answer by saying that I won't answer that. Instead, I'll say that many photographers here could benefit their *fellow* photographers by responding in as helpful a manner as some of the 'non-photographers'.

 

"...If I stumble upon a picture that is less than appetizing to my eye I either skip by and give the rest of the portfolio a chance or within my comment strive to make the photographer understand what could be done to improve their ability to capture an appealing (to my eyes) photo..."

Right. As a non-photographer, I have wondered why so many that do take pictures... don't do that. Sure, I can add my bit; but I am only able to respond from a visual-only perspective that is not based on knowledge of technique. How many times have I seen low ratings from photographers, with no comments? Or comments that do nothing to help the photgrapher improve? Too many. So, I stopped paying attention to rantings along the lines that "non-photographers shouldn't be allowed to rate (and/or) comment". When they step in to help, I'll sit back and soak up the wisdom.

 

"...it's just there for fun."

Welcome to my world. I use 3D programs such as Vue, Poser, and Bryce. It's just for fun, but the rest of the world seems to want to take it all so very seriously. I have seen more praise and bashing over those 3D images in one day than the rest of the content on my site has gotten in almost 2 years. VERY FEW will give lucid and helpful suggestions. As far as I'm concerned, they can go blow. Tell me something that will help me to improve, or *inserts expletive*.

 

"ALI---I'm not exactly sure what your comment means...I invite you back for a comment/critique that might actually help..."

< mean >Err... in order for him to be helpful, you would have to be able to understand the comment, no?< /mean >

Just to say... I have browsed your portfolio, and you have some very beautiful and interesting shots! The diversity of styles and settings enhanced the experience all the more. People should take the time to take a gander at your work. I will certainly be back. ;)

Ahhh, it's too bad that this was removed and resubmitted. I had said some wonderful things about this pic. Hope you saw it.

Wow. Wanna hear something funny? I was looking for the "digital alterations", and at first I only saw patches of vegetaion. When I made my way down to the very bottom, I said to myself, "Hey, looks like two eyes..."

 

Then the child's face in the far left hit me, and suddenly it was as if something had been unlocked, and I was able to see into another world, and discover the phantoms that were willing to be seen.

 

(Not that you're striving for this), but I wouldn't be surprised if I encountered this on a book cover one day. It's the type of image that induces fantastic imaginings, while also stunning the viewer with the creativity of its composer.

 

I'd buy the book just for this cover! :P

...for your response. Just want to add, I was only being humorous about the camel's spiked 'hair'. It adds a cuteness to him, and another aspect of what makes him look sweet & silly at the same time. I never once thought you added the hair. Anybody can see, he was "born to be wild"! : )

There is vibrance and joy in those eyes! Great moment; I feel his happiness.

I can honestly say that your picture made me feel as if the camel was about to speak. This is great, what a face! Brought a smile to my own... (Did you give him that spikey hair-do for effect?) :)

I love...

 

the light,

the clarity of the frog,

the softly blurred background,

the sweep of the leaves...

 

But mostly, that it made me instantly coo, "Awwww!"  I'm fascinated with frogs, and this one looks so sweet! Thank you for this picture.

"I think much of the problem with male nudes that the general public find offensive about is because male genitals are on the outside and any frontal nudity will expose his genitals..."

I see your point, Gianfranco, and it's true. And I know everyone has his/her own perception concerning this. You made me think a bit more about this issue. It is for the very reason that you stated, [that a man's frontal nudity exposes his genitals, sans 'special posing'], that I personally am not offended or repulsed at a picture of a penis. He's naked? *Bam*, there it is! However, a woman spreading her legs feels more 'personal', and 'intimate' to me. I think there is a reason why there are so many ageless sculptures of nude men, where the penis isn't hidden; (and as far as I know), no nude sculptures of women with their legs open.

 

"Despite some negative reaction from some posters of an image of a penis I think to be fair you also get similar negative reactions if there is an image of a women with her legs parted showing her opened vagina..."

Errr... not really. Saw one recently, followed by comments like "Nice smile", and "Beautiful". There was no eruption of controversy.

A very human-like expression from the dog makes this both unique and humorous. Dogs are very emotive creatures, but few capture this type of stare.

 

The tones remind me of an old photo, but the young lady's style is clearly modern. For me, this adds an interesting contrast.

...it works for me, because I was initially taking in the textures, observing that the colors work together very well, scrolling down to see the rest as I was wondering what it was... and BAM! There's an eye!

 

Well, that was my reaction, and the photo "got me". I love that, the little eye, peering out amongst the nest and feathers.

Knicki, all I can say is:

 

                                 LMAO!!!

LOL, Knicki, I looked at the names of the raters, which I know may or may not reveal the person's true gender. There are predominantly 'male' names, which, if truly reflective of the gender they indicate... would say something to me (emphasis on *me*, no stone throwing, please), about a reason for the low rates.

 

I don't want to destroy Bill's comment area here, (too late?), but I think discussion of the perception of this subject matter is acceptable. SO....

 

It is the reception of this type of image that intrigues me. As a female, I am able to look at photos featuring both male and female anatomy as art, if it is presented as such. I wondered if there was an issue here, where gender barred the viewer from being able to appreciate any aspects of this image.

*GASPS*~~~ How beautiful! Reminds me of how as children, my brothers and I would run outside in the morning after a nice rain. Finding webs like this was priceless to us. This is so lovely, the necklace woven by creatures and Mother Nature. Thank you for this photo.

This is very original; the first time I've seen a photo presenting the male anatomy in this way. Black & white is great for this image; avoids being what some might call 'graphic', and offers nice tones. Love the idea of the material here.

 

"It seems to get a lot more low ratings than most of the nipple close ups on the site. I've never seen anything like it..."

Well, Bill, neither have I. Made me think about this as a "work", and not an exploitive image.

It seems that the female anatomy is supposedly an acceptable, often photographed, and highly admired subject--even up close & personal-- and is presented to both male & female viewers. At least, here in PN. I'm thinking--and it's only my guess-- that the gender of the rater has some correlation to such low rates.

 

Then again, I wouldn't know. As of this writing, there are 40 rates, but only 10 comments excluding your own. One more thing: Wendi made me laugh!

I see you mentioned that this is not a setup. I would have been supremely surprised if you said otherwise; his gaze is so intent, so searching, so fixed in this portrait... that it's as if he's completely unaware of everything around him.

 

There is a wonderful feeling of spontaneity... he just decided, "I need to touch this..." Your capture of this moment speaks of your instinctive ability as a photographer, knowing the 'right moment'. This photo illustrates that perfectly. One thing more that is fascinating about this is that the angle makes it seem that the portrait is preparing to kiss him. Wow. Amazing image.

Wonderful composition and textures! The claws stand out very well against the black, and I was immediately drawn to them. This made me think of an archaeologist's find, old bones prepared for display. In every picture of yours, I always see something special.

Sorry for the 2nd post. Just wanted to add: I love the contrasts in the larger photo. I looked from the bottom up, because I was already familiar with the lower half. From there, travelling up, there is a wonderful difference as the eye leaves the softness and hits the sharp, well-defined rock(s). But, as you continue to the highest point, the hills at the top flow, bringing a sense of symmetry to the photo as a whole. I really love this picture.

LOL, Bill! : ) I can't say exactly for how long, but I stared at this quite a while. I kept looking at the shadows, examining the textures... I even thought I saw a light blue speck that may have been something "human-sized".

 

The shadow at the top made me imagine that it may have been from a great mountain; but I realized I didn't know enough about how sizes affect shadowed areas, so I eventually braved the question. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It made my day, I got a good laugh at myself. :)

The textures and flowing lines are amazing. It seems as if the hills had been suddenly frozen in the middle of a once-fluid journey.

 

I can't discern the true magnitude of the area, since there is no object that would help define the size; but it seems you took this from a great height. If this is so, I'd be very interested in knowing where you were (bridge, precarious ledge), when you took this.

I, too, saw this in your forum post, and was led to your folder. What a great moment you captured; his expression is the very antithesis of the wares he holds. Can you imagine children being inspired to approach him for a balloon?: )

 

Great composition; I'm greeted by these symbols of happiness as the balloons fill the picture, but there in the corner--! What a face!

I like the way you incorporated that one bit of life via the leaves into a predominantly cold, hard setting. Very effective! Also, the formation the steps take as they ascend produce a pyramid-like effect, which makes this even more interesting.

It's such a gorgeous copper tone throughout the picture; it's a shame about the spots. I read your details and saw that you didn't manipulate this, so I'm hesitant to ask... Did you (or would you) consider cloning them out?

I read your comment about the light edge. It makes me feel as if something magical is encroaching upon the bird. I like the softness of the picture, and the way the bird is flying toward the viewer.

Not suggesting that it needs to be "fixed", but did you consider making the light evened throughout the picture?