This definately gives me a hesitant feeling, like the man doesn't really believe what he is preaching. On that level, I think it works, just because it gave me a gut reaction when I first saw it. I also like the darkness of the shot. It gives it a nice spooky aspect. -Taltos

For the most part I think unintentional blur looks like a unintentional blur and does nothing for an image.... but there are times when blur works in setting a mood.... I think it works here! For some reason it reminds me of a character right out of Stephen King novel. Fantastic yet spooky portrait! :~)

I tried to lead the eye away from the blur by over whitening the white areas of the image. Don't think it would do well as a print? Was thinking of calling it The Vicar of Panama (due to the Panama hat) I forgot that this guy and a few others were coming to the camera club I'm in, so all I had with me was my camera (still not got the hang of taking the tripod or monopod with me as well, who knows I may get a sharper image then?) I'm trying a bit of a trade off with the club members, I'm teaching them to use photoshop and they are going to take me through the picture taking process and how to get the best out of my equipment. I need to spend some serious time now, working with my camera while I save a little bit more and go for either the canon 300d or 10d depending on how my tests go with both of them.

At the moment, this is the main thing that keeps me at the club. I am providing them with lots of information and training in photoshop but get very little in return as far as photography techniques are concerned. I see a lot of images from competitions and from people doing the rounds exhibiting their images and have noticed that some clubs bring in nude models as well. I can see why they don't come to our club though, who would want to pose nude in a working mans club? Don't you all answer that at once.

Well, then, you've got some natural talent, because that is a really evocative image. I kept playing with it and playing with it all night long. I could not keep my hands off it. Sorry ... I'm gushing, but I never get to work with any sort of models in any sort of setting, and I'm just a bit jealous. I spend most of my time erasing stray people out of my landscapes.

Thanks ricky, just looking in your gallery your are taking some excellent shots yourself. I dont get the chance to get out that often, recently moved house so busy getting that sorted out. You summer storm should be put into the February contest here.

Already submitted it in a thread here a few days ago. Didn't get many comments on it (in the thread), so I hope it got into the challenge ok. As you can see, however, all of my shots are scenic or architectural. I don't have access to models, and I've never taken a photography class or been in a club that would give me access to additional equipment or drops. Eh, one of these days. As it is, I just enjoy traveling around and taking scenic shots.