HOLY #%@& I made it!!!

[Xia_Ke]

I entered the "In Hindsight" shot in the LPS contest round 7 and I made the top 10!!!! Got 3rd overall!!!! Holy chit!!!!:yikes: :yikes: :yikes:

[Frog]

Way to go, Xia!

[Jimmy B]

good looking shot Xia!

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks guys The thing that I can't get over is after this thread I wasn't even going to enter this shot. The only reason I did is because I couldn't come up with anything better...LOL

[schrackman]

Congrats, XK!

I think what makes this photo strong is it's composition and harsh light contrasted by its deep shadows. It's kinda like two extremes in one shot, and that's probably what the judges liked about it too. Who knows. Photography is so subjective sometimes that it's hard to say. Did they tell you why it rated so well among the judges? That's something I'd like to know if I won third place!

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks schrackman They post a feedback thread but usually takes a couple days before all the judges get around to posting critiques. Here's the link to the feedback thread. Here's what one judge posted about it:

In Hindsight. #63 Xia_Ke. The first time I looked at this image, I clutched my mouth. I have looked at it several times now and it haunts me more each time, brings me to tears. In fact I’m crying openly about it now as I write about it. I feel so much pain in this image, I find it difficult to move on and talk about my other selections. It definitely taps into my own pain for people close to me. The black marks on the wall represent an essential mystery in this shot. Does the man have a head wound and that’s his blood smeared along the side of the wall and he’s quietly dying...alone? Is that the devil himself escaping this man’s soul? First this image made me openly weep; and then it leaves me with unanswered questions. Brilliant.

[Alison]

And a self portrait too!!! Woohoo!!! Congratulations!!! :thumbsup:

[mn shutterbug]

Congratulations. It must be a great feeling.

[swmdrayfan]

My heartfelt congratulations, Xia.

[another view]

Congrats - nice work!

[Xia_Ke]

(Note to self, just because you're celebrating doesn't mean you have an open invitation to drink as much as you want. Damn, that was some good scotch though )

Thanks everyone! All I've got to say is it never would have happened if not for everyone here. You all helped me a lot with the critiques of my shots and your constant encouragement. This place is definitely the best on the web and I'm very thankful to have found it.

[Old Timer]

Just goes to show those people over on the Gallery know how to select photos of the week!!! Congrats on your honor Aaron. I've like this one from the get go.

[polarbeardiggers]

way to go!, and many congrats,it give us all hope who have entered photo contests,and still waiting for the deadlines to pass, i'm really excited for you,and the one judges comments is just hair raising,you must be very proud of yourself, and we are all proud of you too,keep up the good work.

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks OT and polar Now the problem is, what the hell do I shoot for the semifinal round?!?!?! Those rounds have no theme and are an open shoot! I feel some more grey hairs coming on now