Express Yourself Critique Reader photo by James M. Nowak, Toledo, OH This was one of the better pumpkin shots we received (and we received quite a few). While the juxtaposition of the sky, tree and pumpkins makes a nice image, we’d prefer not to split the frame with the horizon. The print is a bit underexposed too; perhaps because of the use of a polarizing filter. Reader photo by Laura S. Dent, Callao, VA This is really a pretty scene, and photographer Laura S. Dent tells us that no computer manipulation was involved. She captured the colors just as she saw them. We’re more than a little bothered by the decision to crop off the sailboat mast. Why not shoot this as a vertical image, concentrating on the dock and the boat? Reader photo by Karen Harris, Lincoln, NE Very thoughtful and balanced composition, and the exposure is right on the money. PThis shot illustrates an all-to-often flaw in an otherwise excellent image: an off-center main subject that is not in focus. The solution: pre-focus on the monk, recompose and take the picture. Reader photo by Danielle Spinola, Pittsburgh, PA This gorgeous sunset is one of the reasons we love Hawaii. Nice job of dealing with the challenging exposure. Our only complaint with this image requires a very simple fix: Please crop the shot so the horizon line is straight. we hate to see the ocean flowing downhill. Reader photo by Cindy Brooks, Oklahoma City, OK Another beautiful sunset image. We like the way the photographer used the trees to frame the scene on the top and both sides. We’d like to open up the shadows a bit for a little more detail; easy to do with the Highlight/Shadow control in Photoshop CS. Again, we prefer not to split the scene with the horizon. Reader photo by Kathy Salmon, Oxnard, CA Nice composition and good exposure of a springtime poppy field in California’s Antelope Valley. This photograph seems a bit “over manipulated“ for our tastes; i.e. too much sharpening, contrast or saturation added (or perhaps a combination of all three). We tend to like our nature a bit more natural. Your Feedback We’ve given you our opinon of your photos, now we want you to share your opinion! Send your feedback to: Express Yourself Feedback, Photographic Magazine, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 or email it to: photographic@primedia.com We’ll print your comments in an upcoming issue. Your grand prize selection was right on the mark this time. A creative, vibrant image that brings out great thoughts about beach vacations. Sharon E. Lowe via email