magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

It's done, right or wrong it was not his decision - but he keeps a wary eye on the crowd, they seem restless..

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Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Very interesting shot. Great use of light. Nice selections, masking, and blending done here it seems to me. The left side seem a bit crowded magneto man. Well done.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Very good choice of colours and the gold and bronze look very convincing.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Very interesting shot and well executed to boot.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

You're right Frank , it does look a bit busy but I wasn't sure what to do with it. A simple crop would unbalance the picture, maybe just darkening the area would do it. In the original it's more obvious what goes on there and and therefore blends in better. Thanks for commenting, it's appreciated.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks RG, I was pleased with the colours, although they seem to elevate his rank somehow!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you Billy, it's another experiment with Topaz. Certainly peps-up this image. I didn't expect the response received thus far!

fuminous Loc: Luling, LA... for now...

I like this a lot- very theatrical feel to it with tones of apprehension- bolstered by your monolog. Yes, knocking down exposure on the left would discourage my eye from wandering too long there. Also, that little ‘sprig’ on the lances/poles draws unneeded attention- it just seems too ‘happy’ for this image- too “Gumby-ish" while some of the brightest parts of the entire work are right at the upper edge; those could be toned down, too. Given you’ve added voice to the image, I’ll presume the warrior is the main subject but the top of the lances/poles is what I see most- much texture and detail in the rope and finials- which I like, but competes, with the character. Again, referencing your monolog, I like the facial tone and feel it’s just right. If the tonal value of the helmet- the horizontal piece across the eyes- could be brought up a tad and the rope/polls/lances/finials down, it’d fit MY interpretation of the image. But… heck, it’s your image and really good.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you fuminous, that's a thorough, fair and helpful critique - I had spotted that sprig and felt the same as you. I may go back and have another go at the whole thing - remembering which Topaz filters formed the basis of the effect is the difficult part!