Weekly Competition #345 - Yellow Competition

Remind me not to enter a winning photograph again! Please! Phew! A stunning line up of entries this week, and all seemingly love things yellow! I’m no expert on judging and on technicalities. This comp is judged along entire subjective lines. What I have tried to do is get behind the lens of the photographer, trying to understand what they are communicating-yes skill is involved, but mostly communication-how they see the world, and how they want to communicate that view to others. That is what art is about, and photography is an art form. Criticisms are kept to a minimum, despite that I personally appreciate it. I hope the opposite is true-encouragement is found. Some here are accomplished photographers, and I approach this judging exercise with some trepidation!
All photographs are true to theme.
Thank you to all that participated, and having h ad a rather horrendous day yesterday, this has certainly cheered me a lot.

Yellow Cabs-Dartmore. The opening salvo with a tourist tour de force. The legendary NY taxi. So many of them. Cars are usually not the best photographic subjects (for me at any rate) but this has got me interested, not just the taxi’s, but that passenger too! She (I think) seems rather overwhelmed at all those yellow cabs. Well spotted, timing spot on and keeping at least two NYC logos on the cabs sets this firmly in the tourist world that is NY.

The Eye-Davidstorm. A beautifully crafted abstract, with enough reality to scare a few of us. Masterly use of shallow DOF. No need for the two reason for acceptance (flower and name) there is enough yellow there. Amazing macro, the lines of the compound eyes are just visible enough, and the mouth parts of the Fly (I think) are so sharp. Then there is the details of the hair. Excellent all round!

Fruit Bat-Aliengrove. As a wildlife lover, I am immediately drawn to this, and even more so by the fact that these creatures are little loved, and even less photographed. So kudos from me on that score. And even more kudos for sharpness, composition, and color. That claw across the body is so interesting, but the eye contact, almost an appealing look in the eyes, make this shot for me! Great stuff!

Anthemis Tinctoria-Johnriley. When I said Yellow is such a cheerful color, this is exactly what I had in mind-this is a real “make me feel good” kinda pic. Wonderful DOF, sharp where it needs to be, and centering the attention on the one flower makes for strong composition. The color is to die for! Gorgeous is the word all right!

Yellow Balconies-Johannes1. Don’t know why you have a problem with the symmetry-this is beautifully done, and commendations for a keen photographers eye, and choosing the angle. If you had not mentioned that they are balconies, I would not have guessed. Some reflections add to the appeal of this photo, but the architectural lines are a thing of beauty. Well done!

Yellow Underpass- Davidtrout. A stunner. Wonderful photographers eye, patience, and composition. Not that it will make any difference to this excellent shot, but I wondered if this was “fabricated” with those people silhouetted in this shot? Or just the right moment at the right time? In any event, a lovely atmospheric shot, and despite its urban setting, garners loads of interest, not to mention envy!

Sipping forecast –Simonarron. Well spotted, patience paid of here and timing spot on too! Some notes of abnormality -should’nt that gosling be on the water, rather than drinking it? Excellent capture, with the reflection, not just of the gosling in focus, but also an additional two in the reflection. Nice touch with the ripples. And gotta love that title!

Resting in a Dandelion- Sean282. I was looking through all the pics in this comp, and a few of the young people were here, and they all said- the one with the insect! And they were girls too- and you know- girls and insects-they don’t mix too well. All of which is to tell you this has loads of appeal-utilizing the yellow to create strong contrast and solid composition make it a contender here. Lovely details of the insect and the flower!

Weaver Bird-Michaelblue. Some pundits will have a problem that you have cut of the tail of this bird, but seeing that I am no pundit, it is very acceptable, especially considering that that beautiful eye is probably the focus of attention here. The claws and the somewhat faint feather on the beak adds a lot of interest, but more particularly, the angle of the head. Whatever is it looking at with such intensity? Sharp as a button, and details are amazing.

Ancient and Modern- Coker. Oh I love the simplicity and excellent creativity of this. Compositionally very strong, and despite what is probably an “arranged” subject, it retains steady interest.

Bunny Butter- Questionable Carrot. Bunnies and carrots- they do go well together. Excellent photographers eye. A Wow photograph imho. Focused where it should be on the Rabbit, everything else contributing (bokeh, context and color) to a fine image.

Yellow Umbrellas-Jim-w. An excellent photographers eye too, and equal to the task too! Appreciate the difficulty of how to shoot this one- and I think you have chosen the best angle and zoom. Loads of interest here! Beside the fact of so many, there is the added one of Why yellow! Perhaps adding cheer in inclement weather?

Hover Fly-Tyronette-A stunner, are you sure that is not a bee? Titles aside, another strong contrast, utilising the yellow of the flower to draw attention to the insect. Very well composed, and sharp too! Keeping the second flower in the picture has added a lot, especially a “natural environment! Amazing details in this shot!

Punk Rocker-AndrewA- believe it or not, that was my first thought too-Punk Rocker. A beaut of an image, sharp, and strong composition and colors, attention firmly on the yellow! Beautiful.

Yellow Attraction-JAK. I wondered how many bee shots I would get in this comp. This one is very pleasing for two reasons- one is the bee in flight-a rather difficult exercise, and the other is the lovely color contrast. Though the yellow is somewhat less, it pops wonderfully here against the blue flower petals. Appreciate the effort put into this one!

Fleurs-Perspicador- Ah, flowers-yellow ones in particular are lovely, as shown with this one-another sharply focused image, uncluttered, apart from that little bit to the left. Excellent bokeh too!

Yellow Crocus-GlynnM. Having never seen the yellow variety, only the white, this one has all the weight of interest for me, add to that excellent composition, color, sharpness and bokeh, and you have winner. Stunning PP too! Hang it, or sell to it some corporate company for them to hang on the reception wall!

Duck- Geordie01-Oh I love this one! Way cool, good for a laugh, and I love the creativity displayed here! Whatever is that duck standing on? Should’nt it be in the water? Sharp as a button, and the outdoor blue and clouds adds a lot to this. One to be proud of!

Outstanding in her field- JudithAnn-outstanding is just the right word. A wow photo- though I suspect a little darker would give it greater impact. Beautiful contrasting colors, and nothing here distracts from the centre of attention. Beautifully captured, another one to be proud of Judith! Super sharp too! Best bokeh I have seen for a while!

Reflections on the beach-Billyspad-Lovely, a lot to absorb here. Reflections, boats, trees sunlight and tranquillity. All the elements that make life worth it! What is that black streak towards the upper left? It’s a bit distracting. Love the colors on this one.

Soap and Flannel-Ken2390-for sheer fun and creativity, this is wonderful! Never mind message in a bottle, the wife knows how to get a message across about getting the hands dirty with the gardening duties. And personalised too! Great shot, keen photographers eye!

Yellow Lily- kenvinroy- a beautiful arty shot-looks like a painting. Love the PP here. Excellent use of vignetting.

Two plus one-BForbes- Awesome. Super sharp, minimalist, and any flower lovers eyes will goggle at the beauty of this! So very well balanced compositionally! One to hang on the wall.

Yellow car-Mochibo. Besides the brand name of Porsche, which alone earns interest, this has added values-Fisheye perspective, angle, and misty conditions too! What stunning contrast between the bright “cheerful” yellow and the dull grey depressing background. Excellent stuff!

Golden Sunrise-Paulb531. I love sunrises/sunsets, always good for yellow and red. Lovely perspective here, that little bit of shoreline with the pebbles is a lovely touch. And some silhouettes of buildings and cranes all add to the appeal of this image, but I like best the yellow reflection of light on the water. I want to be there, and take a few deep breaths. So, yellow has been used to cheer me up! Well done!

The Yellow of Norway-Dromfit. Another beaut! Norway has yellow?  Ok, so I learned a thing or two. Lovely composition, DOF is solid, stunning to look at and absorb all that yellow! Shouts Autumn, the best season of al! I personally like taking shots of leaves- they are so full of character and present tons of photographic opportunities. I’d guess you think the same. I did wonder if making this a tad darker, or trying to bring out the outlines of the leaves would enhance this more.

And onto the winners, which I am really in a quandary about. This was exceedingly close-at one stage I thought I might have to resolve to the biblical method of choice-throw a dice or toss a coin.

HM’s.
The Eye by Davidstorm, Bunny Butter by Questionable Carrot, Punk Rocker by AndrewA, Fruit bat by Aliengrove.

3rd Place- Yellow Underpass by Davidtrout

Joint 2nd Places- Yellow Crocus by GlynnM and Outstanding in her field-JudithAnn.

1st place- Two plus one by Bforbes.

Congratulations to the Winner and other places. Thanks to Noel for an interesting subject, the judging and the comprehensive comments.

well done all

Nicely judged, Noel...
it is quite daunting having to work through all the pix!!

Thanks for the comments...
I did try it darker, but that also had an effect on the brightness of the yellow...
I nearly entered the pic of the whole tree...
but it still wasn't a patch on the close up shots...
the colours [or lack of... the green in the background was one that never "turned"... it just went dull brown] weren't at all as striking.
For the full "Maple effect" follow this link to the maples.... they've only been this good three times in ten years!!

Well done to the winners and to Noel for the judging and comments

Well done Noel, if that was your first judging job you handled it expertly. Congrats to Barrie, Judith, Glynn and the HCs and thanks for my third place.
To answer your question, the silhouetted figures in my underpass photo were not added later. My style is to find a location and then lurk until the right people walk on stage.
I was curious to see you used the phrase 'despite its urban setting' as if urban is in some way inferior to the countryside.
I find urban settings more photographically exciting than landscapes but then we all have different tastes thank goodness.
David

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

Thanks for that Noel! I wonder if you are just getting me back for making you judge. But I have to say you have done it very well, especially having chosen a subject to attract such a full, varied and high standard entry,

I'll just add my congratulations to those mentioned in dispatches and go off to think about the next subject.

Many thanks Noel for a great competition that I thought was excellently managed.

Thanks also, of course, for my joint second place with JudithAnn .

Comparing the excellent early entries with what I could find, looking for yellow, in my archive convinced me that I would have to shoot something new and was lucky enough to get a break in the weather on Saturday morning to capture the Crocus.

Congratulations to Barrie for the very well deserved winning entry, my fellow runner-ups and everyone else for another fantastic set of images.

Glyn

Plenty of contenders this week. Picking a winner was not an easy task I'm sure. After the 50 shades of grey we've had over the past few months, looking at yellow was quite uplifting.

Well done to the winner and all those placed

Well judged, Noel - a sizeable task neatly accomplished. And compliments to Barrie et al: there was many a potential winner this week.

Well done, Noel, great judging and lots of really good entries. Congrats to the winners and HC's, and thanks for my HC!

Well done Barry and the other podium placers and thank you for my HC.

Great compo theme.

Well done to Barry for the win and to the other podiums and HC's
Thanks to Noel for the comp and judging.

Jim.

A really great competition this week with lots of superb images. Well done Noel, excellent all round and congratulations to Barrie, the Podium places and the other HC's!

Regards
David

Thanks judge for your comments and great work. I am so pleased with second place.
Also congrats to all the other winner. This was a beautiful set of photos!

JA