Total judging points: 27
Judge's Comments:
1. The photographer has a good eye. The magnolia seed pod makes an interesting subject. This judge does not find the soft focus of the edges of the pod to be a major distraction (able to be partially by sharpening filters or software). This judge suggests using adjustment layers to increase the exposure/brilliance of the seed pod and reducing the highlights of the background so as to add impact and separation. Some viewers might recommend cloning out the leaf tip in the upper left corner. This judge noticed it but did not consider it to be a major distraction.
2 I love the contrast in this image, and how the restrained highlights accentuate the color and the sheen of the red berries. I also like that the seed pod is framed slightly off-center, giving the image a more dynamic feel.