TOTAL SCORE = 7 out of 12
1. Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion. There can be impact in any of these twelve elements.
Score: -1
2. Creativity is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.
Score -1
3. Technical excellence is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the physical print.
Score +1
4. Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.
Score -1
5. Lighting—the use and control of light—refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.
Score +1
6. Style is defined in a number of ways as it applies to a creative image. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.
Score +1
7. Print Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.
Score -1
8. Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where the maker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.
Score +1
9. Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.
Score +1
10. Color Balance supplies harmony to an image. An image in which the tones work together, effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.
Score +1
11. Technique is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presentation media, and more are part of the technique applied to an image.
Score +1
12. Story Telling refers to the image’s ability to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.
Score -1
I liked the original photo you had before you cropped it. Removing the posts in Photoshop would have given the photo more balance. The tracks in the lower left corner could have stayed or not. One expects to see tracks with train cars.
When I looked at your photo, I did not receive any emotion from it. I liked it, as I like all train shots.
I believe that a shot showing the sides of the cars with graffiti on them would have added creativity and more interest in the scene. I like the angle, but a more straight on shot would have showed the graffiti better, instead of it being a mish-mash of colors splashed on the side of the cars. Composition would have been improved with this change.
I did not perceive a story in this photo, rather a straight forward shot of cars on their rails.
HDR photography is even more of an artistic attempt than standard photography, and as such, is more of a personal satisfaction, than something created to appeal to another. I liked the colors and the contrast as Rick did. As you and I use Photomatix more we both will get more proficient at eliminating the halos and ghosts. For a first attempt, I think it was very good. You will get better.
If you would get 10 critiques, you will get 10 different opinions, as a critique is just that: someone else's idea about what they might have done differently. I have learned that when I take a photo, and post process it, if *I* like it, that is enough. Others compliments are appreciated, but are not a validation of talent, which you obviously have, but just a little icing on an already wonderful cake.
This forum is a great place to learn about the basics of photography. Enjoy.
I think you could either crop them out or take them out with CS5. The overall picture would benefit.