samartur, I am familiar with your image as I commented on it three of the times I saw it submitted here. I assume your score must have been close to an acceptance to warrant all the tweaks and resubmissions you made? Nevertheless, the image had merit as a line study but the nearly 1/3 of the lower half being in dark shadow (recovered in PP) detracted from the visual appeal, IMO. The sky was very plain and showed a good deal of noise, whether from the scan or otherwise, and sadly did not meet my personal judging critera.
I have seen dozens of great images from Zabriskie Point and encourage you to give it another try when you return.
here are a few random images that I found that either benefit from some sky interest or utilize the shadow lines in the composition.
good luck!
http://www.sfmoma.org/images/artwork/medium/51.3209.12_01_b02.jpg (Ansel Adams composed the lines to great effect)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sieren/6925128888 (this has a strong fan-like foreground with some pleasing sky color)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ladigue_99/8594037042 (uses an S-curve leading line to great effect)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dompix/4173115405/in/photostream/lightbox/ (emphasis on the white peak and inclusion of a field of stars)
---------- Post added 08-16-2014 at 01:38 PM ----------
Originally posted by stevebrot FWIW, I don't submit to the monthly contests or PEG. I have a dozen or so images accepted at PPG (Pentax Photo Gallery), but am no longer active there. I suppose a few of my images might make the cut, but I know that my work reflects my tastes, which tend to be a little eccentric at times. As a good friend once put it, "Your work is good, very good, Steve, but it has an edge."
For a sampling, here is the link to my Flickr account. I am just ending a strange phase so please scroll down a bit to the normal stuff.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/28796087@N02/
...
Steve
nice work Steve. I left a few comments on your flickr stream. thanks for sharing
Last edited by mikeSF; 08-16-2014 at 01:35 PM.