I typed this up in PM discussing the photos with another member.. I thought it wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment on the photos since i know who shot which photo (or majority of them at least from the top of my head).
But meh, i guess i'll post this here too. I commented the photo like it was presented all by one individual. Who shot which has no effect on my critique.
Okay, here we go (in private)
1- Lovely composition and good use of DoF. The picture tells a story all by itself, the foreground foliage and dirt gives even more to the "story" in the picture. But what i don't like is the expression on the lego, some may find it funny but i was kinda clueless until someone else pointed it out that it was suppose to be funny.
2- I see an expression yes.. It fits the theme, but i don't like the picture, the glare from the glass(?) and the wire fence really killed the picture in my eyes. It looks more like a snapshot then anything. It's disappointing because the subject is genuinely interesting.
3- This photo is genuinely the only one that "touch" me. I did in fact giggled IRL when seeing the picture.. and i think that means alot from a frozen image.. Sure composition isn't the best, the metal pole on the right shouldn't be there.. but it's slightly blurred out by the DoF.
4- Decent composition and good use of depth. But it took me a few seconds to realize that he was stuck in snow. Him facing away didn't help either since i couldn't see what he is "feeling".
5- Lovely vivid/ warm colors and the environment compliments the subject. I can see that he's expressing himself thru martial arts. The look on his face shows that he's truely enjoying what he's doing. Only gripe about it is the background above the boardwalk have such dead colors for a lively energetic photo.
6- I think it's great that they desaturated the bg and the carpets/curtain so it doesn't pull attention away from the dog itself. Shooting from eye level is great but it doesn't do much for me. The dog is bored and it looks like a typical snapshot with added DoF. Maybe i've seen too many pet photos :shrug:
7- Crazy sharp.. first words that came to mind. But lighting can be better. I don't like how the dof drops off on the lower jar, i think this is one of the few photos that can actually benefit from less DoF area. Composition is good, i like how the cat is looking into the "narrow" end of the frame making the viewer (in this case.. me) wonder what caused the cat to make a face like that.
8- Artistic but poorly executed. The bokeh seems like the prominent subject here, it's just too distracting IMO, and the face being out of focus doesn't help either.
9- Excellent capture, the colors are great and the pose is excellent. Shooting down on the subject in this photo does work imo. Only think i don't like about this photo is the somewhat "busy" bokeh.
10- I don't know which one is the main subject. The man is sharp but the child who is clapping is not. Composition is odd and cropping off at the neck doesn't work IMO. Another snapshot like shot.
11- First words that came into my mind. Dark and underexposed. Just a lack of dynamic range. Her eyes are beautiful and that mysterious look on her gives a great expression (like how a chick is checking you out at the club.. sorta
)
12- Excellent composition and excellent depth. Not a fan of the post processing work done. The tux is complete clipped and lost all details and same for majority of the wedding dress. I'm not sure what that puddle is doing there.. it doesn't seem to add to the image. If it's a posed shot.. I would try to somehow work around it.
13- Funny but seems like another typical snapshot. I feel that the main subject here is the women but somehow the man is sharper. (not high enough shutter speed i think). There also seems like a odd "red eye" effect on the women.
14- Cute baby but lots of distracting elements in the shot. Another snapshot type photo :/
15- Very good picture and great use of lights to reflect the mood.
Lastly i just wanted to point out. I
can see the theme "expressions" in ALL the pictures in one form or another. Just need to think outside the box a little. It's up to the photographer to interpret the meaning, if everything is set in stone.. then everyone will have the same image : /