jacqui1

Hi Alf

WOW!!....... This is a stunning image as it is.....but when viewed large, it comes to life!... I love the eerie atmosphere you have created.... the broken branches look like parts of skeletons, slowly creeping towards the haunted house.......excellent composition and very apt title too ..... My sincere compliments Alf

warm regards

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

I love this image,firstly because B & W images are a particular favourite of mine,  but secondly because it is such a striking image...... Viewed large this image comes into its' own..... Very dramatic and powerful.... The detail in the rocks is superb and the moody mythical look of the sky is just sublime!...... Again, I "feel" your image....composed so well and creating such atmosphere..... you have raw talent, an excellent "eye" for photography and  convey the image perfectly...... Excellent work Alf!

Warm regards 

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Viewed large,  this image is stunning..... The Heart of Stone surrounded by that spectacular sky and choppy but calm looking sea is just a visual delight!  A beautiful location steeped in history,  as always I feel like I can step right into your images and feel the atmosphere..... well done Alf!

Warm regards

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

I think it may have been an oversight on your part,omitting the words "VIEW LARGE" because I did on this image and it is stunning!..... Black and Whites are a particular favourite of mine and so is this image now!  The clouds are just sublime....rolling across the sky,giving a volcanic feel to the atmosphere of this image.... When viewed large the reflection really comes into its own,the little ripples hugging the rocks... Absolutely stunning image IMO...  Well done Alf!

King regards 

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Fantastic image!!...... I know you haven't suggested "VIEW LARGE"  but I did....and wow!!..... The reflection is a visual delight,as is the whole image Alf..... I always love to read the narrative with your images,telling us of your adventures and mishaps leading up to the triumphs of capturing images like this one......well worth the sacrifices.... excellent work Alf ...... and may I recommend future viewers..."VIEW LARGE".... it's worth it :)

Kind regards 

Jacqueline

Alf......

I clicked on this image to "view large" and WOW!......Breathtaking image Alf!....... IMO the composition is just perfect...... Feasting my eyes all over this image,I felt I could step into it.....smell the freshness of the morning air.....stroll leisurely across the bridge,hear the water gushing down the stream......The title has captured the very essence of the scene......what an idyllic place to have a morning rush... Well done Alf!

Kind regards 

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Your search was not in vain,this image epitomizes "The Beauty of Plants".  The Black & White version is an unusual but impressive take on this image, it really works!  The blurred background in contrast with the crisp,sharp image of the flower gives this a 3D feel...... 

I have viewed the colour version, and whilst it is a beautiful image in its' own right, my personal preference is definitely with the Black & White version, a sure competition winner :) ...... I think this is an exceptionally outstanding image!!......  Congratulations Alf!

Warm regards

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

It is clearly apparent that your better understanding of the software has undoubtedly enhanced this image Alf.....the natural soft colours,the crisp mirror image and the inclusion of the rocks completes the impressive composition of this outstanding image..... it ROCKS Alf!

kind regards

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Time and Tide wait for no man.....not even an Anthony Gormley statue... Another pertinent title for another outstanding image..... I am delighted you retrieved this image from the "rejects" file.  I agree with your theory,this image has many redeeming qualities... the composition,the soft curve of the shore line, the alluring soft colours of the sunset, the solitary figure standing tall and eminent... A very thought provoking image.... very well done Alf!!

Regards

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Once again I find myself  looking at one of your images and mouthing the word "WOW" as I do .... This is a superb image Alf, and the title is so apt,  if I am right in thinking it relates to the visible splits in the protruding wood? You never fail to capture the essence of your chosen subject....one can not help but get lost in your images...... the breathtaking dramatic composition makes you feel you are stood right on the waters edge,feeling the elements and completely lost in the moment..... I love the B & W tones...........Truly astounding Alf.... Awe inspiring.

My sincere compliments

Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Another superb image from you..... and well done indeed Sis!....... I love the B & W, the composition is just right and the subject is pure delight..... The story behind this image and the title are, as always with your images, a pleasure to read....... it seems there is no end to your photographic talents...which, I for one am delighted about....... keep them visual beauties coming .... well done Alf!!

Kind regards

Jacqueline

Alf

I looked at this image and mouthed the word "wow"...... then I read your story, and I laughed ... and winced at your antics..... This image is outstanding.....and I can only reiterate others comments....but I have to say,having read your story and the risk you took to capture this image just goes to prove IMHO why your portfolio stands out from the rest....you are always prepared to go that extra mile to capture that extra special shot.... Well done Alf...keep them coming!

Kind regards 

Jacquieline

WOW!  This image viewed large is stunning!  The composition is perfect (as always).. I love the effect of the light filtering through, it feels as though the image is embracing me, pulling me in and the reflection is absolutely fantastic!  Very well done Alf

Regards Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Grace is beautiful and you have captured the "cheese" position suberbly, I love the B & W ,an exquisite portrait....would have rated it 7....well done!

Regards Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Yet another "wow" image from you, this one epitomises nature at its best,  well worth the 5 year wait!  Perfect composition and the colours are fantastic!  Perfect title, perfect image, you never fail to deliver Alf!   An absolute visual delight.  I second what Sarah said....get it into print, along with all your other outstanding images!!   Very well done Alf!

Regards Jacqueline

Hi Alf

Firstly, I have to say I love the title....you really caught the early flight with perfection!  I love the blue tones,they create the perfect atmosphere.  I don't think the small stones should have  been cloned out, they add to the ambiance.......this image is beautifully composed and as Keith so rightly says, enlarged, this picture has the "wow" factor...as do so many of your images Alf......simply superb!

regards Jacqueline

Hi Alf

I returned to read your response to my critique and was a bit shocked when I happened upon Emmanuels critique,  my first thought was,  is he viewing the same picture as  the other 30 odd have commented on!?  I will adress further comments to Emmanuel,  my first being,  "Work a bit more on this genre"  Alf made it perfectly clear this is his first ever attempt at "Street Photography" and I have to say,  for a first attempt,  it's not a bad shot!  Jeff has it spot on with his comment "The picture stands alone" the narrative,albeit very touching,  witty and informative,  was not necessary in order for you to connect with this image,  however,  I took the liberty of looking at the links you posted of your images of "Street People" and I have to say,  this one http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=10854430 looks rather like my local Rabbi and this one http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5784947 has an uncanny resemblance to my wealthy Uncle Frank!  In making a comparison Emmanuel I would have to say Alfs image "screams" street people at me,  whereas yours unfortunately do not.  In your second critique you say you were not attempting to belittle Alfs efforts and how you merely commented on this particular photograph (and left links to your "Street People" which implies to me that you were saying "here's how it's done properly).  As a fellow photographer I would have thought you would have given constructive critcism and advice.  In my opinion your comments bordered on insulting,  suggesting the guys in the picture come across as "loafers"  I would be interested as to how you concluded that from two guys with only a cardboard box between them and a cold concrete floor!  You seem to feel you are adequately experienced to make a comment like that when your portrait shot of Jay Hoin doesn't exactly "scream" street person at all,in fact,in my honest opinion,not even a whisper!  I have taken the liberty of posting your image links for further comparison and contemplation.  Keep up the excellent work Alf!

Regards

Jacqueline 

Hi Alf

What a thought provoking image this is,you tell the story compassionately.  I have to disagree with Boris as I believe in some circumstances less is more and in this particular instance I think their surroundings are very much shown, as cardboard boxes and as much shelter from the elements is all these men have, apart from their humour of course.  The title is just perfect as it truely reflects just how fragile life is.  The composition and the colour tones are spot on, the black and white works so well with this image and just goes to prove that landscapes are not your only forte Alf, excellent work,thank you so much for sharing!

best wishes 

Jacqueline

Alf

You have captured the very essence of the title of this image.... Superb composition,  colours and light... if I were to have Dreams of Tranquility,  I would end up here every time!!  Well worth the 1600 miles in my opinion!!.... Top marks if I could have rated it .... Thanks for sharing Alf

warmest regards

Jacqueline

Alf.........I really like this cityscape, it looks sharp and with just the right exposure, I think the colours look natural too, although I confess I'm not familiar with this particular area. I think Martin must be looking at a different image than the rest of us, but having seen his portfolio I suppose his inexperience must be forgiven... Great shot Alf!

Regards

Jacqueline

Alf

I absolutely love the picture,the title and the poem.........it is a spooky/mythical looking picture.... The poem fits the picture perfectly...but then it would..... and the title is very apt..... Hades....The unseen.... "There is no queue, no people standing"... considering Hades and his brothers defeated the titans and became rulers of the underworld and sea......Hades landing.....the pier reaching out to the sea...the underworld.....I can imagine Hades rising from the sea and landing on the pier....just perfect Alf......you are not only a photographic genius you're a literary one too. I am a keen and regular visitor to your porfolio and I have to say its brimming with superbly composed shots,you clearly have an eye and talent for capturing excellent shots....congrats Alf and keep them coming

Warmest regards

Jacqueline