I think it's no.1 and no.3 for me. I love the subtle lighting in 1, picking out the details of the car, and reflections in the lights. And I really like the shapes in no.3 (I have no idea which part of the car it is!) it makes for a really nice abstract shot.

Unfortunately the distorted cockpit does nothing for me, my eyes are constantly flitting about trying to make sense of it. In shot no.4 my eye is drawn more to the well lit floor than to the car. Nice idea as a composition but my eye is drawn away from the car.

Thanks to everyone for your kind words about my entry. It just goes to show that sometimes it takes others to see the merit in your work. When I entered I had no idea it would get first place! Especially seeing as I'd taken a back seat in the forum for some time.

And thank you Hyram, not only for some great critique (by the way you're right, the colour version of my shot definitely lacks punch), but for pointing out I am indeed Unlocker's BETTER half!!

Fiona

Oh my god! What a return to the Competitions section of the forum!! My first ever win!

It pays to go on a business trip to South Africa sometimes!

Thank you Hyram, for a great subject, and excellent judging (yes, I am slightly biased). I've set up the next comp thread, and one for discussion too. I'm now off to skip around my livingroom...

Fiona

Here's the discussion thread for Fortnightly Competition #66.

As is the norm, I will bow out as soon as the first entry is posted.

Good luck and happy chatting!

Fiona

This is the first competition I have started and judged, so please bear with me!

Ok, this fortnight's competition is "Spring has Sprung"

This is open to your own interpretation, either typical images of the season, or if you are in a part of the world where it is not Spring you can take the subject literally. I like to think outside the box with photos, so the further outside the box your entry is, the better - you limit is your imagination (and the two week time frame!)

This competition will run from now, until 6pm UK time on Wednesday 27th April

Good luck!

Fiona

It's 2 and 4 for me. The clashing colours in 1 don't work for me, and I can't help feeling the dress code in number 3 is odd. I certainly wouldn't wear stilettos in that environment! The model's pose in 2 and 4 just seems to fit the environment more.

Fiona

Do they sell postcards and souvenir books? I often find that lots of places that ban photography (using the poor excuse of security) then insist on selling postcards and books showing their most expensive artefacts! I personally think it's in a bid to make you spend more money!! I just wish these places were honest about their reasons for not allowing photography, instead of hiding behind the security excuse.

I'm sure anyone interested in stealing, could just use the internet to find images, or simply buy themselves a guide book! If these places are so concerned about theft, they should invest in CCTV and allow photographers to catch the tea leaf in action!

Fiona

The reworked chimp shot is much better. It's still my favourite.

Fiona

I only own the 35mm macro, and I think Unlocker (Danny) will agree that the thing rarely comes off my K7, and that you would have to prise it out of my dead cold fingers! I find it so versatile: it's great for me for landscapes, and because of my love of flower macros, is a great all round lens for me. I can visit a garden and keep the same lens on all day! And the quality is excellent.

Fiona

Well, I've just entered my first competition in absolutely ages! Fingers crossed!!

Fiona