I can see why you posted this in another forum to get opinions. Seems here no one has downloaded the image or looked closely. Resembles a mutual back slapping club does it not? Hardly a vehicle to learn or improve ones photography.

The folks who talk of over processing etc are invariably the ones who do not master post processing. Just look at their porfolio on here and you often find a decent shot crying out to be worked on to bring out its full potential.

Simple fixes to improve photos - Learn how to change skies (there is no need for white skies or blown skies) and master the basics of PP. Mr Olysonycanik give you RAW files so you can make the most of an image.

Sister I would say your lucky cos you do not have to remain close to family. And wife? I would question your taste in women. lol

Trailer trash are your words and the words of no one else. A suggestion for a further shoot in another location can in no way be considered a personal attack. Your reference to people who live in trailers is a personal attack however.

The tats are so overwhelmingly awful its not easy to look beyond them. However I would say given the equipment you had to hand it was a very successful exercise. The "model" looks relaxed and comfortable. She has a pleasant smile.
Some of the backgrounds could have done with tidying up a little. The chair in the xmas tree shot?
The girl appears to be in denial about her true size and the tightness of her clothing has caused wrinkles which are distracting.
If you repeat this assignment with this particular young lady denim micro shorts and a small crop top with location in a trailer park may work better.

Well Bob you did call it Glass a creation did ya not?

(Download)

Reading the comments of all participants I think you got thoughtful and polite critique. I cannot see where "photo albums" come into the equation? I did ask if you had any more shots from a beautiful place you wished to share.

It obviously has pleasant meanings and memories for you. That's lost on the viewer as it lacks any sort of wow as Erich pointed out. One for the family album and no more. The scene deserves more careful thought and planning to get the great shot which looks as if its there.

Just behave sensibly in all the countries you mention and you will have no problems. Theft is an issue only if you go into certain areas of any country. The wise tourists never have a problem the dumb ones deserve all they get. The only time the Russians will take notice of your camera is if you are stupid enough to point it at such things as military installations. But the KGB were disbanded a few years back so an interview whilst naked and hung up by your thumbs is most unlikely. Being politely asked to delete the shots is all that will happen.
Relax enjoy the trip stop listening to horror stories. Just always be polite and if your not sure just ask a local. Do not eat seafood bought from street vendors and if travelling alone take condoms cos South East Asia has a very big AIDS problem.

Are you going to share them with us?

Scotland is an incredibly beautiful place apart from the skies which are very often exactly as you have shown in your shot. My further thoughts are if all you wanted to show was relationship between small people and a large urban area was it necessary to travel to Scotland?

I'm sure in your home this is an attractive display. Not sure that transforms into a photograph one would wish to study or ponder over for any length of time.
Whilst the lighting is attractive and sets the right mood its competing with other nativity scenes and and I fear would not get the full attention you possibly hoped for.

Fine photograph Mr Pops technically as good as it gets.Having the table end in the background gives it some realism.With your skills I would have expected something more original but maybe you know what the judges want? For my taste its a little too twee but if the judges are from the blue rinse brigade you just may have a winner. I wish you luck in any case and assuming first prize is Ferrari might I suggest you lend it to friends ie me at weekends?

Very nice shot indeed.

Surely if one just requires straight critique of work one would post in the Critique Forum and one would not expect side issues to be brought up. The interest of this section seems that areas such as motivations and philosophies are regularly carried over into the conversation and learning the views of others only widens our perspective.