(I'm not sure where to put this post, so I'll start here... perhaps a new thread is more appropriate)

Character Lighting........

The more I look at the images seeking critique, the more one thing is jumping out at me, and it's almost starting to be a pet peeve...

If a person uses a character to tell a story where this character is sort of a main actor (rather then some side shadowy figure) it is important that this character is well lit.  I don't mean a reflector in their face kind of lit, but lit in a wat that speaks 'this is the main character in the scene"  Not in a way where a number supporting actor elements (ground, sky, background, etc... overwhelm it.)

Good check for this is what I call a squint test (I'm not sure of it's proper name)... Back away from the monitor, squint a little bit so all you see is fuzzy shapes, and lights and darks (very out of focus). Ask yourself these things:
What is the first thing I notice?
Is this the first thing I want to have noticed? 
Does it help tell my story?

General art theory rule in the images is that a large contrasting mass will attract the eye. Two contrasting large masses of similar size on the image will compete for attention, and the viewer will become confused as to which one to look at, and that will prevent them from feeling 'drawn to the image'

If you intend to have a fine shadowy image, take a look at PJZ99's work, it's a great example of succesful shadowy images, where not seeing the main characters face is not distracting. 
The reason being is that she doesn't have other bright or sharply contrasting elements making a distraction. Her images send a strong message that you're seeing what you are meant to see.

[Kitty runs off the soapbox before someone reaches for a squirt bottle]

Hi, my namez: "NO, Bad Kitteh, NO!"  Whaz yurs?
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