Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist=Antoonio

Heya girls and boys. I'm sending four of my works to biggest digital photography competition in our country. There are no subject, but image should be photo-based and digitally processed, all kind of digital photography allowed there, four images. So, I picked my personal favorites already. These are the ones I'm probably gonna send. But as you know, we are too close to actually see our own works. Thats why I'm asking yer opinions. If you have 15 minutes to spare, would you be so kind and take a look at these and compare to ones in my galleries. (if you have 24 thumbs/page, all my photo works are in first four pages. man i have posted there a lot, but i think you can figure out works that are photo-based) I would be really curious about opinions from those who have judged photos before, or are professional with these things. But everyones opinions are as good as others. Are these the pics I should send? If not, what would you choose/change? Thank you gals & guys for your time and support. -Niko http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist=Antoonio

1) "Tool"

2) "Guard"

3) "Beast"

4) "Hatman"

Alpha, where are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu??????? Niko, I think 1(Tool) or 3) Beast, but they are all good.....I just think 1 is outrageous....one of my personal favorites of yours....and 3) is very otherworldly and beautiful....I love the reindeer man and Hatman, but my guts say 1 or 3. Syyd

But Sydder, I'm gonna send all those four. Guestion is, is there more suitable pics in my galleries? And thanks mindreader, 1 and 3 are my personal favorities too. :o) .n

Oh god what an idiot, I should learn to read between my blonde streaks. Off to your gallery!

Antoonio 1. I looked through your galleries. Damn fine stuff. 2. About this contest--are they judging individual pieces, or the pieces as a set, or the artist, as exemplified by his pieces? It seems to me if it's the first or last case, then you might make some different choices...but if it's the intermediate case, then you should probably stick by your choices. Sue

Tool is great but after looking over your gallery Im as undecided as you lol. I also like "Love" and "Witch". Good luck with the contest Antoonio. You do some amazing pieces.

Niko, I know it's just my opinion, but I would enter Hatman among whichever get through - the others are all real good, but you can tell how they've been done, whereas Hatman - well, it just has that quality whereby you look at it and it's there, lots of little things that gel together so well........ if it's a photo comp then lighthouse has to be in with a chance, too.....I love that pic! oh, and autumn - not just coz it's great, but there has to be the statutary nude entered.....lol Good luck whatever you enter! (",)

Alpha, don't you think that (if he'd complete the tool one) it will be a very dynamic image that'll pull everyone's attention at the blink of an eye....usually judges don't spend much time looking at material. Especially in offline contests, they often place all entries on one big table, so you'd need to get the most attention. Just me $0.02 :)

Gee Antoonio this is a tuffie. Have you considered ICE, KNOW YOUR ENEMY and DOCK B&W? I think those make a good set of alternative images which also show off your skill. Bsteph

...oh boy, thanks guys. Sydder, thank you for your hints via messaging. Sue, I dont know how are they judging. Announcement says "All kind of digital photography images allowed" and one person can send 1-4 pieces, so I think each work are individuals. Thats not exact translation, but seems that I can post anything that have something to do with digital photos. JStorm, thank you. bow Alpha, I think its 'anything goes'. And I tought "hear no, see no" too, but resolution is not big enough. I cant thank you enough for telling me to do bigger reso pics, Thank you. I owe you one. I dont really know what are they looking for, and dont have more details. This is first time for contest this big here. At least first time I have noticed it. Dont know the judges or last years winners. I'm kind of going to war blindfolded. There are no rules for print size, so gonna print A4's. Pixel sizes was something starting with 2 (magazine is not with me now). Jordy, I agree, Mad Hatter piece is gonna be in. Rork, damn, I did not tought that, OF COURSE they will put works on table. Judges always do. And Tool is gonna be in. Bsteph, I tought Ice and dock B&W, but personally I rate those four pics higher. And Know your enemy is hand drawn, no photography there. :o) ...I think I'm gonna stick to these. Or gonna change nr2 to that lighthouse pic. So there would be even one more traditional pic. Glad to notice that we would choose basically same pics. Thank you guys, from my heart, you are the best. Its nice to know that I can always count on you, the forum. -Niko

Niko...sorry I'm a bit late! I love your work and this is a really tough call. I know you've probably made your mind up already, but here is my humble opinion, for what it's worth: One of my favourites of all your pieces is "Love" Of the ones posted above "Hatman" and "Beast" are on top of my list. I agree with Alpha in that "Ligthouse" is a real gem too. "Witch" would also be one of my considerations. Just to throw a spanner in the works (no pun intended...well maybe just a little one) and disagree with just about everyone (including you), I would give "Tool" a miss. Sure, it's a great piece, but it seems a bit generic to me, and (IMHO) just doesn't have that 'Antoonio' feel to it...? Whatever you put in, you will shine Niko! Good Luck!

Punkie, many of the pics I used in "Love" are scavenged from net, dont want to take credit for it. ...I think I'll get that lighthouse too, there is just that something in it. And tool does not have Antoonio feel in it? Well mister, there are my face in that piece, so there better be that feel. ;oP Thanks for your comment. -Niko

And a very handsome face it is too! It just doesn't look very comfortable attached to that hardware!! ;-)>

Well its nice to see everybody helping, this forum is fantastic. I just have to say that after viewing your galleries, I kind of came up with more than a bunch......some of your work is cooler than sliced bread....