Weekly #810 - Spoked Competition

Well, a hearty thank you for all your submissions, and for giving me a nice Monday morning headache induced by having to judge what I can only describe as a feast for the eyes. Not forgetting the inspiration. Such high quality images that I had not imagined for a relatively simple challenge about spokes.

Hazyj-Lemon spokes- an out-of-the-box-thinking opening salvo, a very pleasing one at that. Your lighting technique as paid dividends, and using a geode as a background has worked well too, though I initially thought it was pudding (sorry my chocoholic tendencies does that to the brain). Quite like the juxtapositioning of colors and textures of the lemon slice- transparent on the top half, and solid no-see through bottom half. Comp, color and details all good.

Davidtrout-Spokes built for speed- A stunning comp, matching DOF and an almost dominating but of red makes this a very pleasing image to see You do get a sense of hidden power here. Nostalgia for any lover of locomotives!

Perspicador-Rainbow- and another equally pleasing out-of-the-box-thinking with this submission, with the wheel popping beautifully from that garden setting. A veritable color wheel, the DOF is solid, as is the comp. Good one!

Garethjmorgan- Car 34- what a delightful image, a spectacle I wish I could have seen. Muted colours (with just titbits of red) has given a great sense of grave mood, despite its humorous nature. Spokes abound. There is of course the inevitable questions- why the bike, the trailer, or even the beach? All of which makes for a great documentary image. Comp spot on!

MHOL190246 –Paddle Steamer Wheel- kudos for a creative composition, DOF is wonderful, and of course getting a sense of motion, with that water turbulence, is very nice. And what to say of the colour yellow, just of its attributes are evident here, warmth and attention grabbing. Patterns and textures add to the delight of this image! Well done!

Pipinmels-no spaces, spoked too soon- Lovely shot that brought a smile and laughter. Love the juxtapositing here, with the straight lines of the architecture and the circulars of bikes and drain. Most appealing is the pop of colour throughout this image. Solid comp, DOF (tried reading that sign but seemingly the DOF ends there) and as with MHOL190246’s image, textures, repetition and patterns all add to a very pleasing image!

Drofmit – failure of spokes- a seen-before-but-still-so-delightful image that cracks me up. Excellent street documentary shot that also begs a lot of questions, How, what, where, who? Solid comp, DOF and colors! Mr Dali would approve!

Tyronet2000 – All spoked- One for petrol heads and a beautifully shot image. Museum pieces are for the most, a difficult exercise with loads of clutter. An excellent example of isolating a subject here. Despite the excellent DOF, attention remains on the old beauty. Colours too are very pleasing. I’ve got a divided mind about the wheel on the bottom right corner- on the one hand it adds to the theme of this contest, as well as the museum feel and atmosphere of the image, on the other hand it seems to detract from the central piece. In any event, the lighting has been very well handled,

Johnriley-girls on spokes- a delightful balance of humanity and technology, beautifully composed shot, with solid DOF. I like the echoes of colours in the image (intentional?- probably not) between the wheel and wall, and the lasses clothes. Great setting for portraits, well used!

Sueriley – Old Spokes- Stunning! A tight crop to enhance the old girl, DOF serving that purpose so well, apropos the comment about yellow in MHOL190246’s image, applicable here, but much more subtle. Texture, patterns form and shape blend so well here. Yes, I want to enter, and run my fingers down that velvety interior. Angle and comp has made that girl connect!

Rayw-driving force- Oh yes, power oozing image, excellent composition, and DOF, and once again a pleasing juxtapositioning between the lines and circulars. That pop of gold of the coupling is just lovely, and adds a lovely touch to an almost drab colour the train wheel. Great shot!

Retsoor- a Very big wheel- excellent composition and angle to this one, the blue skies with some clouds is very nice,
DOF and some muted flare combine so lovely together. So many connecting spoked throughout the image, quite mesmerising. Well done

Phew, what an exercise. I’ll need to go and get a cup of tea after this!

1st place to Sueriley - the old girl is as inviting as ever.
2nd place to retsoor - stunning composition.
3rd place to garethjmorgan- excellent documentary shot!

HC to davidtrout and drofmit.

Thanks Noel for a topic that inspired some really good entries and also for your expert comments. I had Sue's excellent carriage entry down as a possible winner so its congratulations to her and to Retsoor and Gareth.
Thanks for my HC and congrats also to Tim on his HC.
David

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PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Congratulations to the Winner and other placings. Very good images and good critique from the judge.

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Regards
Stan

PPG

Well done to sueriley - cracking image and thanks to Noelcmn - good topic and excellent critique

Congratulations to Sue and other podium places. Thankyou Noel for an interesting competition, prompt judging and an excellent critique

Michael

Thanks Noel for 2nd place and for an interesting subject and good comments. Congratulations to Sue for the winning shot. Well done also to Gareth for 3rd and to Tim and David.

Thanks Noel, and well done to retsoor and Garethmorgan. A great set of images from everyone

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Best regards

Sue