tim_klein1

Technically, I wish it were a bit sharper. (I don't know anything about underwater cameras; Is focus optimized for underwater use in some way, such as being shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum?) Still, it's sharp enough to not be distracting and the softness may even add a bit to the dizzying feeling of the photo. As for the horizon: I agree with the comment that it works in this case and I think it contributes to the emotional impact of the image (fear or exhiliration, depending on your point of view).

This is defintely a great shot though! I honestly don't remember ever seeing anything quite like it. Kudos for originality.

I just don't understand the 2's, 3's, and 4's for this photo. Are there technical issues with the image? Sure, a few. Personally, I'd like to have seen a little more detail in the face.

Just look at the photo as an expression though! It's simply fantastic! Excellent job Chris.

Nicely done, Ian! Good capture of a peak action moment.

The only suggestion I'd make is that maybe you could try to have the headgeared fellow in the center toned down a bit. There's just enough depth of field in the photo that he's in pretty sharp focus and the white headgear draws attention away from the foreground action.

Also, it's been 3 or 4 months since there's been a sports POTW. Thanks to the elves for the change of pace (finally)!

I agree with all of the comments about the feeling and emotion that this photo evokes. It's pleasantly eery and just begs for closer examination and exploration!

The tilt of the horizon line and trees on the left hand side of the photo are very distracting to me though, and give the image too much of a snapshot feel. A viewer will tend to skim over an image like this; take it too lightly.

As another reviewer mentioned, the horizon should be level. In addition, the trees either need to be evenly vertical, or they should be bowed towards the center on both sides of the image. As it is, the trees on the right are relatively vertical while the trees on the left lean dramatically inwards.

If you can perform some perspective correction to straighten things up, you'll have an incredibly strong image!