Alan Lichtenstein, QPSA
September 2026 - GAZING AT THE ICEBERG
About the Image(s)
We visited Antarctica in 2007 when hardly anyone else was going there. My visit there is detailed in the most recent issue of THE PHOTO TRAVELER (Volume 14 issue 3-Summer 2026) and you can find details of my trip there at that time, as it was a far more rugged trip than one can take today. But in searching my library for images to send to Lisa Cirincione, I came upon this image which I now offer for your comments.
Gear: SONY DSC-W5 built-in zoom lens, lens open to 13.7 mm
Data: ISO 100, f 7.1, 1/640 sec.
Metering: Pattern
White balance: Auto
EV = 0
Dave: January 13, 2007
7 comments posted
Very good composition. The orange colors contrast so well with the subtle blues of the icescape. The ice cliff behind is dramatic and balances the zodiac. Should be entered into competition. Posted: 09/02/2026 09:32:42
Thanks for your critique as well as your opinion, that I value very highly. Your comment "should be entered into competition" about one of my images two years ago started me on that path. However, I have beat you to the punch with this image, as I've been entering it into competitions and it has gained an acceptance into virtually every exhibition in which it has been entered and has won several lower level awards. But I got lucky with this image. The conditions were just right. Posted: 09/02/2026 10:03:53
In rereading your recommendation, I just reviewed the guidelines, and realize I ought not to have submitted this image, as it has not only gained acceptances but has won minor awards. But anyway, I would still welcome and appreciate any technical critiques that can be offered, so please do comment on those aspects, as well as any other composition and creative suggestions that can be made. Posted: 09/03/2026 12:36:49
Well, luck is always a factor. I don't understand your quote of the guidelines. What does submission here have to do with having gotten awards?
Posted: 09/03/2026 18:05:12
Posted: 09/03/2026 18:05:12
The guidelines, which I ignored unfortunately, stated that images that have been granted acceptances or been awarded should not be submitted to study groups for comment because they are known to have merit. So, my apologies. Posted: 09/03/2026 19:10:11
I think that rule is bs. I have learned a lot from looking at images from better photographers than I am, and I am sure you have too. Posted: 09/03/2026 20:11:13
Well, Tom, you're right there about learning, and I totally agree with you on that. Everybody can always learn, even with images that have been judged to have significant merit. There's always something that could have been done to make good and great images even better. But you're a member of the Travel Division Board, and if that's your view, again, with which I agree, I would be willing to support you if you lobby them to change the guidelines. Posted: 09/04/2026 06:29:21