Once again I'm going to try to comment on the whole PUG. As usual a strong showing by all, and I like the fact that we started with some B&W entries.
Clown and Little Girl, by Paul Stenquist: Very non-stereotypic. The clown looks bored and tired. Feet, by Simon King: We forget how tiny we are at birth. A little more depth of field might have helped. Mother and Baby, by Christian Skofteland: The expression on the child is priceless. I like the grain effect. Was this a severe crop? A House Divided, by Ollen Mullis: I like the mystery of it. I also like the tonality. Was this a color print or negative converted to B&W? Rule of Thirds, by Francis M Alviar: Given the PDML *discussion* on the rule of thirds a nice parody. Also a nice photo in its own right. Lobster Pots, by Frank Theriault: I find the dock on the left side disconcerting. I would like to see a photo from a slightly different perspective In My Own Backyard, by Robert Poe: Another mystery. Is it an old corrugated steel building or translucent plastic? It looks B&W, then you notice some subtle hints of color. Makes you think, I like that. Just Like Dad, by Mark Mangum: The innocence of youth in red coveralls and a baseball cap. Clich�s upon clich�s. 1968, by Joseph Tainter; Looks like the 1968 I remember. My Lantern Sounds Like a Heart, by Andre Langevin: Nice available light shot. It sounds like a Zappa-ish song title. Dance the Night Away, by Maris V. Lidaka Sr.: I like the dramatic stage lighting and it does not look over smoothed to me. Mitre Peak, by David Mann: St. Ansel would approve. Niagara, by Martin Mielke: Nice placement of the boat and rainbow in respect to the falling water. Paradise, by Albert Fekson: Post card material. It's 38F and raining here, I want to be there instead. The Beach, by Bruce Dayton: Has a 60's vacation brochure look. Footsteps, by D. Glenn Arthur Jr.: A similar titled photo won a number of awards at a Ct. PPA convention one year. Simple is often better. A Fuji Moment, by E.R.N. Reed: Proving again that photography for the masses has so degenerated that besides PHD (push here dummy) cameras Kodak has to add stand here dummy signs. I'm sure Eleanor would have not needed the sign to recognize a good shot BTW. Members Only, by William Robb: LOL Best Friend, by Peter Alling: Reminds me of the cartoon character Droopy. I would like to see it a bit darker though. Sumatran Tiger, by Max McRae: Nice Kitty. I like the framing of the blue flowers and out of focus green leaves. Nice Parrot, by Claude Kaltenrieder: Nice portrait. It possibly could use a bit more contrast and maybe a bit of sharpening. Birds of a Feather Stick Together, by Butch Black: Mine, No further comment. Wet Rose, by Don Williams: Nice shot. I would not have recognized that as a rose. Was the water judiciously applied? Clich�d Flower, by Ramesh: I would like to see with a tighter crop and a little less blue/cyan. Two's Company, by Kathleen Leickly: Great adaptation of this month's theme. Nice photo in its simplicity. Blue Iris, by Steve Larson: Nice lighting and exposure. Little Blue Flower, by Gerald Lewis: I like the tight crop. Greetings From Tulip Town, by Harald Rust: Says spring to me. It looks a little too magenta to me. Blue Orchid, by Bob Sullivan: Gorgeous composition and lighting. Keawakapu Beach Tree, by Dan Matyola: I like the composition and the dramatic lighting. Colosseo in Winter, by Facit: Wonderful lighting. Sleeping Dogs, by Steven Desjardins: I like the paradox of the mural verses the real dog. A Postcard from Naples, by Gianfranco Irlanda: Looks like a postcard to me. Stars and Stripes Everywhere, by Tadek van Bussel: Nice composition. I salute you. Banner Yet Wave, by Stuart Hayes: Looks a touch red/magenta. Recycle, by Boris Liberman: An interesting photo of something common. The old Self-portrait-in-a-shiny-object clich�, by Mat Maessen: I love the idea. My PDML gallery portrait is of the same clich�. Winter, by Valentin Donisa: After this winter, too familiar a clich�. Old Wagon, by Brendan MacRae: I love monochromal images. Temple Pillar, by G. Sridhar: India has some interesting architecture. Nice use of lighting. I like the long aspect ratio. A penny For Your Thoughts, by Fred Widall: I won't add my 2 cents worth <VBG> To Infinity and Beyond, by Mishka: The glow on the tracks makes the shot. Montzenboro, by Ralf R. Radermacher: Looks a bit muddy. Yet Another Sunset, by Amita Guha: Yet another place I'd like to be. It's Like a Postcard..., by Jaume Lahuerta: Nice composition. Would like to have seen a bit more D-Max. Disclaimer: The opinions here are my own and do not represent the opinions of anyone or anything else. Take what you like and leave the rest. BUTCH Each man had only one genuine vocation - to find the way to himself. Hermann Hess (Damien)
