Hi Marlene,

Thank You for the comment. Well...the second is (the red one) the eye  I have "seen "  taking the shot of the flower. This is only my vision..Lol ,  you may say I need to see optomologist , and this might be good comment as well.

Huggies,

tofi

No Valerie I didn't aim for 2D... it just happens... :D Joe, the 20% of blur is just my loss :( Thank you so much for the comments

Thank You Doug, very beautiful Blue Heron and very good picture. Congratulations!!!!

Hello Again, I figured a new thread might be helpful, since the visual appeal of a novel, is rather tedious ;) TwoPynts, I think your photograph is terriffic! I would have never known what that was until you told us..... which makes it all the more "scratching the head" kinda thing... and for many, including myself, it allows for imagination. I think it would be unnerving perhaps NOT to ultimately know what that is.... but it allows for something so simple in life (like with all things) to be admired and given the time of day. To me, I can't say that like the cows, I have a personal connection..... was never allowed to drink in my childhood years ...... hehe But, the visual appeal, and the sharpness of the photo is extraordinary! The amber colour is so warm, and soft. That perfect amber is hard to find...... the droplets of water are stunning, since they are so sharp and look like little gems. I can almost taste the honey in my mouth! Mmm.... a nice refreshing honey lager! :) Great photo! and what I think is even more compelling is the meaning behind it...... that sometimes the finer things in life are meaningless and hidden to us, simply because they aren't explored and brought to our attention as you have shown us with this beer condensation. Cheers, (no pun intended :) ) Tofi

Hey Everyone! I'd have to disagree with you Richard, on this particualr "cow" issue... :) I think that you're right in what your saying about there being a visually appealing component to what makes a photograph "successful"... in terms of contrast, texture, lighting, etc.... however, the other issue at stake which you have voiced your opinion about-- the intimate connection... remains ambiguous and variable. For me, for instance, the photograph of the four cows brings back pleasant memories of my childhood running to get a cup of still warm milk fresh and "straight up"... ;) At that time in my childhood years, there was no pasteurization as yet.... (geez, i'm old!!! ) and so looking at that pictures evokes a lot of emotions and feelings for me. So, all in all, the picture of an "ordinary" group of cows, is perhaps (and is) much more successful as a photograph than say, a photograph of lions from a local zoo. Am I making sense here? I think what I'm trying to say is that the term "successful photograph" or even "authenticity" is one of great ambiguity. One that considers such things, should have an operational definition to go with it, otherwise its as good as .... ??? well, who knows.... As you have probably gathered, a large factor is personal connection. If I can visually look at a photograph and be inspired, or be in awe BECAUSE of, and due to the fact that it evokes memories, or it evokes some kind of internal feeling within, then its automatically scored brownie points with me.... and simultaneously, I'll notice and comment on some of the strengths and weaknesses of the visual appeal, the more technical stuff. Since everyone likes to add their two cents, I guess I'll have to add a third cent, Hugs to all, Tofi

Hi Geert, I think that there are a few different points you are touching on. The first one being, object that is BEING photographed, and secondly, the quality of the picture itself. I am not a professional photographer, so perhaps my viewpoint might be shallow...although I'd like to say that there is no such thing as a perfect object that one can photograph for the image. The criteria of a perfect photograph really depends on the viewer.... you know what they say, the typical cliche term of "beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder"... I beleive it works the same way when it comes to capturing an image, and what one makes out of it. Also, it relies on whether I am viewing the photograph from a scholarly point of view (professional) or from the eyes of the heart. It also depends what one is looking for. The criteria changes for every person over time, just the same as one's values and outlook. So, for example, Picasso never got recognition while he was alive....right? It was only after his death that he became so worldy renoun. Also, when one looks at a photo, he/she might be looking for something in particular, and this will all impact the impression the person receives. A lot of "ooh's" and "aahh's" might come from a lack of knowledge or language limitations. After all, a good photograph for me, is one that evokes in me some sort of personal and intimate connection with the photograph itself. Brightest Blessings to you my friend, Tofi PS: Kimmie: You are a darling sweetheart..... I love all the picturers in your gallery!!!! Ditto to all that Geert said about your little girl!

Andreas, my Friend, do you think that thanks to Kimmies M&M car you can "split" so fast ???????? When I will get my old Ferrari from repairs...I'll catch up with You, You, You....... Huggies,

Very well done...excellent. Definitely would catch my eye in the store.....