Wednesday C&C * Wednesday C&C "No Theme" Thread #906 / Revived #126 on 2025 08 27*

Welcome to the Wednesday Comments and Critique (No Theme & No Brand) thread!

We are dedicated to continuing the great tradition of this C&C thread because we are convinced that looking at, and talking about images is vital for better photography.

Our tried and tested concept (almost 17 years and running!) is a weekly "peer-to-peer" photo comments & critique encounter, in which you GIVE and RECEIVE.

The idea is simple: you post a photo or photo-based image that you have made and get critique on it. And in return you give other people your honest but constructive opinion of their images.

Any Theme, Any Camera, Any Style, Any Subject.

We are still figuring out how to create the convenience of threaded view on this new forum.
For now, let us agree that you post an image or essay with a title and short explanation, and that all comments include the image as a quote.
Replies to comments may or may not include quotes.

THREAD GUIDELINES – THE SHORT & SWEET VERSION
• This thread does not care about brands. It’s not about the tool, but the image.
• Post one image or essay that you have made and would like to get comments on.
An entry can either be a single image or a short essay. With an essay we mean not a collection of random images without any connection, seeking C&C on more than one of them. We mean instead a limited number (3 to 10) of connected images that together try to tell a story, create a fuller picture of a situation, event or location, etc.
• Add a clear title to your post to distinguish your entry.
• Look at the other images/essays and give your comments on at least one of those.
• For comments, try to go beyond a simple pat on the back or a short dismissal.
• Do you like an image (or essay) ? Try to explain WHY it appeals to you.
• Negative feedback is OK (we all want to learn), but be polite and constructive. Try to explain why the image (or essay) does not appeal to you and how it might be improved*.
• Please stay on topic, i.e. concentrate on the image and the photographic comments, without getting into politics or other distractions. No non-photographic arguments.***

The critique you give is vital.
What was your first impression? What catches your eye about an image? Why?
What do you like, and what distracts you? What would you change?

Fiddle with the image in your head - composition, perspective, color balance, exposure.

PLEASE NOTE CLEARLY:
Unless the original poster specifically states (for every individual posting offered for C&C) that they do not want their image(s) to be downloaded, altered or reposted, it is understood that within the context of this thread, other participants are free to download and alter the posted image and repost it in a reply for C&C purposes. That reposted image may remain permanently within the week's thread, or you may remove it after a short period of time if you prefer. The downloaded and altered images are not to be used for any other purposes nor uploaded anywhere else than within the context of the C&C in this thread. No copyright disputes here!

Encourage - it is a scary business putting your work up for other people to judge!

More general feedback is also welcome.
Do you know something about taking the same sort of image that would make matters easier - share your own as an example in your reply.

Have fun, be respectful and let’s stick together!

THE WINDMILLS OF KINDERDIJK

We spent a couple of days in Dordrecht (South-Holland province of The Netherlands) last week.

After our visit to the (lovely) little city, we ventured 20 minutes (by car) north towards Kinderdijk, the UNESCO protected site of a collection of 19 windmills (of two general types), that were not used for producting flour, but for pumping water out of the farm lands and onto the canals. Very impressive 16-18th century technology, since replace by (first) steam engine pumps and later electrical pumping stations. Most of the mills are still inhabited (two are museums open for visit).

A great spot for a hike or a bike ride.

Although I think that the site must also be spectacular with very early or very late daylight, it is not bad in the afternoon either (certainly if one is blessed with nice looking skies and moderate contrast).

What an idyllic place on earth. I particularly like #1 for it's orderly fashion these windmills are situated. Probably great place for a picnic and dreaming about the past...

Beauty

Long, long time ago I gave my aunt a small vessel as a gift. I have recently rediscovered it among my possessions after she passed away. I still admire it for it's intricacies and sheer beauty.

Architecture and symbolism?

Pete's post last week prompted me for a dig into my archives.
Before you ask, a wa lens and keyhole distortion aren't factors here.

Water Lily Study

American native lilies are hard to find now. They were once plentiful, but are being eradicated by game and fish managers because boaters and watersport enthusiasts hate them. I found a few yesterday in the wild.

In response to Roel's marvelous photos of Kinderdijk - I evidently posted this without a quote but it is in response to his beautiful images.

Wonderful captures of a very special place. I spent a day there a decade ago, and it was exactly as you've presented it. Endless fun for a photographer and lover of history. It was photographic art of Kinderdijk by Dutch Artist/Photographer M Mourik that propelled me to go in the first place. She once had a website named That Mysterious Dutch Light. I was determined to see it for myself and I found it there. Of all my travel photos from everywhere I've been, I have only one printed and hung in my house, and that is this one I took at Kinderdijk. It is a large canvas in my living room. Love the place, and thanks for helping me relive it!

Lovely memories of a special location. I like that shot with a gate and the path. A dream place indeed.

That post in the middle is very intriguing with vertical lines running from top to the bottom. 2 Bank buildings at the angles and wrapped like boxes are certainly eye catching. Light is contributing factor as well in overall capture of a scene. Excellent.

Wonderful study of a plant. We see a lot of details and angles and together with somewhat subdued light we have great series of images in very atmospheric environment. Well seen.