Paul,

I like this shot but for some reason the background isn't working for me. Maybe it doesn't seem cold enough?

most people thought the backround was fine....except for the lines caused by the glass refraction from the table

Now that I take a second look I see the lines you're talking about!
Remember, opinions are like........everyone's got one and most of them stink!!!
Personally, I've always gone with sod the critics and if it looks good to me then it's good stuff.

Nyal
paul missall wrote:
> most people thought the backround was fine....except for the lines caused by the glass refraction
> from the table
>

The purpose of critiquing a picture is to allow the photographer to learn. It is both positive and negative. For example I love the way the light plays on the ice and how the tray almost seems to glow. But the background is distracting and tends to lead the eye out of the photo. Using black velvet as the background would have increased the aesthetic value of the composition.
As far as opinions go, the intent is to improve. I am a member of several photo clubs. When I first started to compete I entered my best pictures. Did I like what I heard? No, but they were right. As a result of listening and applying what I learned and saw in the winning pictures my photography has improved. I am now competing in the advanced groups, but I still have a lot to learn.

I wasn't totally satisfied with the backround either. I shot this about an hour before our photo group meeting in which the subject was "cold". Otherwise I would have spent time working on the backround. I liked the color of the backround but the imperfections and shadows distracted from the subject. I do like the black velvet idea though. Thanks for your comment. Paul.