First off thanks to everyone who
has taken part in this. It's been fun to see things progress in the
competition.
Bracket A
This shot from David Spiegel has an interesting mix
of shadow
and sun. I like the paddlers position in the frame too. It's certainly
a shot that makes me want to go kayaking, even if it is slightly over
exposed in the whitewater highlights.
The foreground rock included in this photo by David Spiegel helps give
a
feeling for the
location. Outside of that it isn't a shot that makes me want to go
kayaking, it looks like cold, low volume class II.
Contestant 1 vs Contestant
2
I like the moment that's captured here by Harald
Glanz, that
precise moment when the paddle blade is planted for a key stroke. I
also
like the rock framing the image and color contrast with the water.
Unfortunately it's quite back lit too.
I love the old bridges in Europe, and having a waterfall like this
under one is just too perfect. Unfortunately it feels like a shot that
was taken from a waterproof point and shoot in the eddy. Still it
reminds me yet again that Italy needs to be on the list.
Honestly I prefer the submissions
from both contestants in Bracket B,
but that's not how this competition works. This is a tough round to
call. If I were to choose a contestant's pictures to show to someone
what
kayaking means to me I'd choose Harald's shots, thus he ends up with my
vote. Shannamar votes for Harald as well as the popular vote, so he
sweeps this round and advances into the finals.
Bracket B
I rarely like black and white kayaking photos, but
for the most part I like this one. It has a nice mix of tones and I
like how it draws the eye up the canyon. On the other side I don't like
how the paddlers face is almost completely black.
This shot by Eric Adsit has some lighting issues yet remains an
interesting
shot. It just makes you wonder what's going to happen. The log overhead
also frames the image well. There is something I can't explain about
this photograph that evokes the excitement of kayaking.
Contestant 3 vs Contestant
4
It's a gorgeous sky in this image by Jakub Sedivy.
It's a fun, creative shot but without the paddlers face just misses
that special something that would really make it shine.
This is the most creative shot of middle Palguin
that I've seen. It's a great moment and fantastic composition. I think
leaving the paddler at the bottom was a good call to help add depth to
the picture. If the river was flowing in the opposite direction it
would make a much more compelling feel. I also think the image is a
little too cold on the white balance, and that too much noise reduction
has been applied, giving it a plastic-wrapped loss of detail look when
a little noise would cause less harm.
Once again we have a
tough round. Eric Adsit's second image
just has a special feel, and I think that played a big part in him
garnering all the
votes for this round.
Provided contestants get their images soon the final
round will be up soon, stay tuned and thanks to everyone who voted.
