This is an edited version. I've, of course, got the original as well if you wanna see that. I've found I get the best critiques when I say very little, so:

I just find it gross! I can smell it from here!

Hmmmm, I have a crappy lcd monitor here at work, so I could be wrong, but this shot appears to be over-exposed. The white parts of the cigs are blown out. Or perhaps the contrast was boosted too much?

I'm having a hard time picking out the subject of your photo. My eye wants to find one cigarette or something in particular to focus on, but they're all rather small in the frame and similar.

Spike

This is an edited version. I've, of course, got the original as well if you wanna see that. I've found I get the best critiques when I say very little, so:

Hi Mike....I'm not sure if you are looking for a critique of the aesthetics of the photo or the composition.

Composition wise, I don't see anything that catches my eye. Nothing draws me to it.
Aesthetically, IF I were a smoker, this photo would definitely make me want to quit! :)

No offense, but that's my honest opinion.

See right there is why I like posting here so much. Thanks for all the great critiques thus far. I went back to my photos and nabbed a less-blown-out version and tried my hand at a crop.

Well, I just don't like it. To me it's a picture of something you saw, but it doesn't work in any way for me...it's not art, because it doesn't have an artful composition. It's not really photojournalism, either. At best it's effective propoganda against smoking.

Sorry, I don't see any reason to look at this picture. I find at my gut level I just want to look away. In fact, I scrolled really fast to get down here to the Quick Reply box, and made sure I didn't have any part of the picture showing. I think if there was something about this picture to look at, I would be drawn to it, no matter how gross. I know I've looked at really gross pictures in newsmagazines and havent' been able to look away. This one doesn't do that for me.

Well, I just don't like it. To me it's a picture of something you saw, but it doesn't work in any way for me...it's not art, because it doesn't have an artful composition. It's not really photojournalism, either. At best it's effective propoganda against smoking.

Sorry, I don't see any reason to look at this picture. I find at my gut level I just want to look away. In fact, I scrolled really fast to get down here to the Quick Reply box, and made sure I didn't have any part of the picture showing. I think if there was something about this picture to look at, I would be drawn to it, no matter how gross. I know I've looked at really gross pictures in newsmagazines and havent' been able to look away. This one doesn't do that for me.

not all art is pretty and some art is meant to disturb or evoke unpleasant feelings. the photo sends a message and a message is a great 'element' to have in your photo. i would be interested in knowing why mike (mikehulsebus) took this photo. in my case, having a father who died from smoking, i would have also taken this photo for the exact reason that you stated: effective propoganda against smoking.

i do think the cropped version works better. however, i would have liked to see more close-up texture and maybe a further crop to focus on just one disgusting cigerette.

The simple, concentric circles are not at all interesting to a viewer. Too simplistic of a composition. The cig butts add nothing to break it up. The angle is that of every single person that ever stood next to an ash tray and looked down.

More interesting use of the curves, something that leads you through the frame, would have helped. Same with different use of the cig butts. Getting down low, or closer, or further, something we don't usually see, would also help. Show us something we've never seen before.

Not trying to rip into you, sometimes you do great, sometimes you get a dud, no big deal. :)

Take care.

See right there is why I like posting here so much. Thanks for all the great critiques thus far. I went back to my photos and nabbed a less-blown-out version and tried my hand at a crop.
Now that's a better composition. Can you imagine showing your great grandkids this shot some day and having to explain what it's all about?

Sebastian, that's exactly what I meant to say, but couldn't find the right words to say it. :)

Its things like this that make me glad we have banned smoking in all public places here in ireland.Yuuuuuck !!!! I prefer the second image and well done for having the guts to post such a revolting image.
Bobby

Wow, I must say i'm happy with all the responses I've gotten. Heh, it's kinda funny, revulsion seems to be the overall thought on this one. I did have some lower down shots, but they were all ruined by glare on the waters surface (in fact I did some heavy editing on the first to get rid of the glare--don't have a polarizing filter). Thanks for the insight, hope you'll all be as honest with all my future images :)