How did I do?

[Andre Reinders]

Now, I usually get good feedback from my photos, our photo club has a monthly themed projected images, and an open web based competition. I usually do well in the web competition. This month my flowers placed 9th and my little waterfall was not in the top 12 - out of 18. I was surprised, can you give me some feedback? I thought the flowers were not as good as the waterfall.....

[Julio1fer]

Andre, I like both of them. The waterfall is quite surprising (although maybe a shorter exposure would have given a more natural effect). The flowers show delicate colors and a strong diagonal line which gives movement to the picture.

I have no idea of what the competition was, but maybe people were just looking for something else. In any case, don't worry too much about ratings. Just shoot for your client, or for yourself. As we say down here, everyone else is wood.

[Andre Reinders]

Thanks for the comments - the competition was an open themed, web based one, that we run monthly for our photo club. I usually do well, and was surprised because I thought the shots were half-decent. Also, there are some months where the club's talent really shines though in the entries - I didn't think this was one of those months
So I expected to do better - oh well, just wanted another perspective to see if I was missing something.

I am not worried in the least. I like the photos, esp the BW one.

[JohnR]

Yes, the waterfall is very nice.

[radiophoto]

Andre, I love the texture you've got in the waterfall rocks -- but I think a shorter exposure time for the waterfall itself might have been more effective.  It loses its essential waterness and appears to be more mist-like.

Pete

[jtzordon]

Both are technically fine, but compositionally they feel a little too tightly framed for me.  The flowers seem like you were trying to squeeze everything in one frame.  The waterfall doesn't give me any sense of context.

[Andre Reinders]

Thanks for the comments - I usually frame tight - so I am not surprised that was mentioned.

I am one of those who like the long exposure waterfalls, maybe I will play with shortening the exposure a bit - bust just a little

Thanks!!

[Glenn Thoreson]

Andre, I like your waterfall, but it could use a few changes in technique. I think a little fill light to open up the black behind the water would help. Just a hint of detail,is all. I think the trend in moving water photos is changing to a more natural look. A faster shutter speed to get those drops hanging and give a little detail to the water would be nice. I don't think stopping the action entirely is the answer.