Chat- what does Xmas mean to you W/e Comp 30th Dec 1st Jan

[DigiDiva]

Well done Mark, a lovely shot and original idea that easily receive my vote.

Up - Wodm - I think the main point of focus should have been the camcorder rather than the person, as, to me, this was the main prop in the photo. I also didn't think this was quite on theme. Sorry.

Down -Deena - Nicely executed photo, liked the use of the D of F. Though it was very christmassy.

Mark has me curious now about the new theme!

[jimmyosram]

Great shot, demonstrating your PS skills to the max.

Up - The Joy From Giving
Really nice shot. Perhaps make the childs face a little smaller in the reflection perhaps, but a great effort.

Down - Liberty - London, Last Minute Shopping
Again another great shot. Exposure - spot on. Colours - true to the shot. Framing - excellent. Comp - bril. Nice work. If you every reshoot this, I wonder what a very low perspective would look like?

I voted for Having Fun. Excellent technical shot imho. Also, where did you find out where the Santa Fun Run was taking place? lol

[hedgehog]

UP - Twinling Stars
Deena, I really liked the fairy lights in the background of your shot, I thought the composition was exellent. The reflections of the star were a bit distracting in my eyes though... maybe it would have been a cleaner image with a plain star? Just my opinion

DOWN - Speding too much money
This was a fab shot, Cutter, and a novel idea! A clean, crisp image. Crackin'.

My vote went to Jimmyosram's Stars... I really liked this picture, thought it was stunning with perfect colours.

Thanks for the critique, Cutter... my shot personally made me want to vom, I just liked the depth of field on it because I can never usually get it right! Looking forward very much to the next comp.

[wavemachine]

Well done Mark, loved your shot as soon as I saw it very sharp, crisp and professional despite that it was tough call to vote as the standard was high with so many quality shots that hit the theme and a good turnout as well.

Up - Donero Santa

Really nice take on the theme, I like Santa as well I thought you had great focus and a really nice composition that drew my eye straight to good old Mr Claus, great colours as well.

Down - Jimmyosram - Stars

Great shot, composition colours and a nice touch with the Star my only very minor crit was apart from the star it was not obvious it was an Xmas shot but then there is nothing wrong with subtle (there you go talked myself out of my only criticism)

Thank you to kezpock and mondmagu for my votes it is really appreciated.

Looking forward to the next challenge.

[deena]

Congratulations to Cutter, a well deserved win! Very professional looking shot and an original idea. We certainly do spend too much money!!

My vote went to Kerbside's 'Liberty - Last Minute Shopping. Beautiful shot of a wonderful building. I went shopping there about 25 years ago, and it brought back a lot of memories.You've captured people rushing around and that's what I'm like on Christmas Eve!!

Up

DigiDiva's 'Family': Excellent interpretation of the theme. Good composition. If I had to make one comment it would be the reflection captured in her glasses. This is always a tricky one!

Down

Hedgehog's 'The Small Things': Nice christmassy shot, but I agree with Cutter, a tighter crop would have worked better, only IMO

My shot was taken using a very shallow dof. I was holding a xmas decoration in front of the xmas tree lights. I wanted to try and get perfect circles from the lights, so I'm pleased with the result. A good learning experience! Thanks to DD and hedgehog for your comments.

[DigiDiva]

Thanks Deena, I completely agree

[TwinnieE]

Hello everyone,
Well done to Cutter on his winning image!
This would have got my vote if I'd remembered to do it!
Sorry but you still won in the end!
Well executed shot in your own Cutter Style.
I've been ill since New Year's Eve!
Thank you Cutter, karenoliver, ogri1st for my votes!
Up Pea24 Having Fun
Great fun shot, with lot's to look at and it made me smile!
Down Reinardina. For A Special Friend
Lovely Chrismassy bokeh, and shot.

Thanks Cutter for a great theme.
Hope I feel better to take part in the comp this weekend.

Happy New Year everyone.
I made a short film if you want to watch it please
click here.
http://youtu.be/dnSKto3QueA

Thanks

[Reinardina]

Sorry I'm a bit late. Have been very busy elsewhere, most of it photography related.

In the first place of course, congratulations to Mark. As per usual a well deserved win. It was one of my favourites, with Chris' Mum and Don's Santa. My vote went to Don's picture.

Ups and downs.

Up: Twinnie's Snowman. Lovely winter shot; sweet and friendly with Jimmy's big grin.

Sorry to hear you were unwell. Hope you have recovered by now, and if not: Get well soon.

Down: Wodn's 'Don't point that at me.
You're as bad as my daughter, who hates it when I pick up my camera and look in her direction! From a photographer, I had expected a different approach!
The photo could have depicted my Christmas, only I am experienced enough to leave my camera out of sight!

[Cutter]

Wow three great shots so far, you are really making it tough for us late entry peeeps

[pea24]

Originally Posted by jimmyosram

I voted for Having Fun. Excellent technical shot imho. Also, where did you find out where the Santa Fun Run was taking place? lol

I didn't know. I was tagging along with the family doing some Christmas shopping (with my camera, obviously) and there they all were. Apparently it's an annual event called a "santa dash". Glad you liked it.