From: caroleigh@c...
Date: Sun Mar 20, 2005 9:42 am
Subject: Critique: CJ Middendorf (Pencils - 5 photos)
I've been seeing your photography for a long time, CJ, and I think this
is among the best you've ever done! Woof!
Pencils in Motion - This is very, very cool. Unlike any
photos you've taken before, that I'm aware of. Good lines, good colors,
you filled the frame, the lighting's good. Could be a hair brighter --
not necessarily the pencils, but the background. If the background were
more white, I think the photo would really pop. Now, care to share with
the group how you did this? (Uh-oh . . . maybe you did already. I'm going
to go back and read your posting after I finish this.)
Pencil Shavings on Mylar - Complementary colors diagonalling
in from the upper right -- works for me! I dare not use the word "murky,"
but here, too, I think the photo could use a LITTLE bit of brightening
up to make it livelier. But let's go to the next shot, which I think is
brilliant . . .
Reverse Bouquet - YES! Quite clever, simple composition,
good lighting, interesting concept, hooray! Could it be a little lighter?
(I hear a heavy sigh.) I brought it into Photoshop and lightened it somewhat
and put it in your photo album to see what you think . . .
Bubble Bath photos - Ha! Excellent! Bright, vivid, colorful,
the bubbles are great. This would work upside-down as well. I like that
you went for a vertical format. This probably would have more impact had
you just included the three primary color pencils and left out the other
ones, that way our attention is directed SOLELY at primary colors. But
that's a minor point. Comparing the primary color photo with the next
one, the next one looks dull and oppressive, whereas your primary color
photo sparkles.
Kudos to you, lady! Terific photos. You should be proud of yourself.
Carol Leigh
