Okay...first let me say this was VERY difficult. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I chose this theme. ALL of the entries are great and if you don't get a spot on the podium it's because I literally finally had to just pick three because the competition was SO close! Thanks to all of you for your entries and making my job extremely hard.
One other thing: As I write your critique, if they are pets, I will be referring to them as "he" or "him" to avoid having to he/her or "it" every time. My apologies to the females. Okay, Here we go...
@coolguy4747 : This was the first entry and from the moment I saw it I loved how the cat has his arm set like a person leaning on a table or object. Like he is posing. I'm also drawn in by the Dachshund's big sad eyes. The natural light is soft like the blankets enveloping the pets. Very nice.
@mollyc : An excellent photo with all the right elements. I like the black and white, but can't help but wonder if this was in autumn and what color those leaves might be. That's one of the things that's great about photography...the mystery you can invoke. Lovely pet.
@Natalia22 : I'm so glad you came back! This is a great portrait. I love how the light is only showing half of the subject's face (see above as to what I said in
@mollyc photo about mystery). Photography is all about the light and this photo uses it so well. I also like the elements surrounding the subject of the portrait.
@Chuckeee
(I just noted that your account says that you are suspended. I'm
very sorry to see that and hope that you'll be able to see this).
This photo makes me smile! I love how both the lizard and your daughter have their mouths open as if it planned together. The natural light is nice as are the surrounding colors. This all comes together to make a really compelling portrait.
@Strider64 : FYI: Your first choice wasn't vain, it was a very nice portrait (I vote for the beard). This is a great portrait too. What a capture! Everything is so sharp and the earthy tones are really beautiful. Nice work.
@piatigorsky : What a precious image of this pet. Having chosen to shoot with black and white film really leaves a lot to the imagination, but I think it really brings out the kitty's big eyes. At first I thought the cat looked startled, but the more I studied it he looks more curious as cats are famous for. Nice capture.
@squawk7000 : What I really like about this portrait (well, several things) is that you've shown the subject doesn't have to be facing or looking at the camera to make a good portrait. I like the reflection, the items in the background that add to the photo instead of being distracting, and the light is great.
@lkalliance : Haha! Is this a "selfie"? Considering the studio type background I feel like the subject was having some portraits done and decided to have some fun. Great shot, good colors/tone, sharp, nice light.
@mtbdudex : What a cutie! I love the snow on his nose. I'm imagining you going for a bike ride in the snow and your dog running beside you. I could be WAY off, but it's a very nice portrait.
@_timo_redux_ : Again, showing that a good portrait doesn't have to be against a stereotypical studio-type background. The expression you captured is priceless. My only complaint is that the bits of red in the background ae distracting. I do love the way the pink tree blossoms fall over the subjects hair.
@Apple_Glen_UK : What an ADORABLE cat! I love his little goatee. The light is beautiful and the way the cat's head is cocked is a perfect capture.
@fauxtog : Wow! This portrait is really striking and those piercing eyes really pull you in (or make you run away ). A very unique individual stabbing me with the look you so brilliantly captured in those eyes. A very powerful portrait.
Now, the hard part. And, I'm not joking when I say hard. But, this week's winners are:
Third place:
@coolguy4747
Second place:
@Apple_Glen_UK
First place:
@Natalia22
Congratulations to the winners and really, to everyone because these were all great entries.
@Natalia22 if you need any help going forward and setting up next week's contest, you can ask me or any one of the posters here. If for any reason you can't take over the next contest, you can defer to
@Apple_Glen_UK in second place. You have 48 hours to move forward. Congratulations!
Thanks, everyone...it's always an honor.
Oh! One other thing: PLEASE take a moment and tell us a little about your portrait. Who is in the photograph (you don't have to use names, I mean is it your brother, your best mate, etc), where it was taken, what were the circumstances surrounding the portrait being taken. I have been staring at these photos all day and would love to hear more about them as I'm sure the other contestants would, too. Thank you!
