Yeah, I don't think a photocopy is allowed, I mean it's a photography contest. IF you didn't use your camera to shoot it, then it doesn't really qualify, don't you think? Try reshooting it with your camera and create more DOF, like friiskiwi suggested.

Of course it is allowed, and I'm sure that I learned a thing or 2 from it, thank you.
I can understand the the note is important to you, and it's an excellent shot for showing what is written on it. Good photograph to document it, but it isn't artistic, Jaws was wondering if it had been scanned/photocopied. I think you would have got a much more artistic shot, photographing it in the box, perhaps with some sunlight from a window. Do have a go at re-shooting.

Is this scanned? I mean, did you use a camera to photograph it?

That's wild! I had to see the SBS to see the turtle. GL!

Wow, that's quite a filter.

I like this image. Is the mosaic intentional around the edges? It's a soothing image and your design in the eye along with the colorizing is appealing.

cool work author...gl

So cute and orange. Nice shot!

Nice sharp high res..

cool shot...gl

cool shot and great title...best of luck

Very cool shot author...GL...look like nice neighborhood...GL

here in MI we got some warm weather so stuff is melting and have hardly any snow left.

lol you have no idea MnM how its a freakin mess haha.... i'm curious, where are you from author? Over here, we still have a loooot of snow (at least 5 feet everywhere)

Melting snow? I bet it gets dirty as ya'll that get it have to go through that... does it last long? Great shot btw

There's nothing about when to upload, just that it has to be TAKEN at 3pm.

well done

Good luck!

Very cheerful.......Yummy! On theme GL
JB

cool delicious work...gl

Beautiful scene author...best of luck

Love the idea! I do find it a little over saturated but I will have to come back and look at it again, could just be my mood and after seeing the previous submission the difference is a little striking. I would also suggest some slight ripple lines to give the swans a sense of movement, they seem a little static right now.

Other than that it is a wonderful composition and well thought out! Great concept. I am going to come back for a second (and possibly third) look before voting though as I think this image will just get better and better each time.

Nice idea!

Wonderful!

beautiful!

Lovely work, romantic colors!

That's totally cool and it should be out there =)

cool and delicious....gl

Very fun and nice pastels.. (you might want to put FROSTING and Cherry in the two other parts.. but that's just me) fun image.. good luck

keep working on your technique, you obviously have a good eye, and that is much harder to learn.

not exactly a close up.....is it?

The question is... will you still be laughing in 10 years when that's still all he does?

ohhhhhhhhh... my sincere condolences

Nice effect, but I have trouble finding what's in focus.

I feel bad critiquing a shot that you love so much, but I can't help but feel this would be better if there was a stronger focus on the flowers in the foreground. This shot does have a nice vintage feel to it though.

Beautiful, would vote higher if full res available..

Its a shame it is so out of focus.

Sometimes simple works and this is one of those times IMO!

Nice enhancement, that is so true, you did a great job there.. I have to agree with the people who expect more then "just" an enhancement, as I am one of them! Totally agree with @Greymval. I wish you the best of luck author!

Great job

Honestly, I'd say it's a great angle but the focus could have been better.

This is sweet. Nice job! A definite enhancement!

In short, you`ve made an adjustment...not a manipulation. A nice adjustment though

It does look way better than the original.

People are not hate-commenting on your entries, they see your potential and want you to show them more, because it seems you have the skills to do it.

This is the reason why some "ridiculous entries" don't get criticized, cause the commenters don't know what to expect or ask from the author, and explaining him how to improve & grasp. fundamentals, might take too long.

People here also vote on creativity, imagination wow-effect, and by force of habit they expect more complex work.

Your entry looks gorgeous, as i said .If, for example, you would make it a portrait in a hands of a girl you would find as stock, voters could also appreciate your blending skills, your composition, your patience to search & find the right source & stuff like that.

I'm Not trying to tell you what to do, or make you modify anything, I'm just explaining how things work around, in my opinion.

So you just changed the contrast and maybe some gradient? That's kind of not enough even though you've made the original look much better..gl..

The background doesn't convince me but the cat looks really pretty.

He's a little cutie - you did a great job, looks like an original!

very nice work author...best of luck

Diaper Pins on the Cap? OH MY GOD THAT IS CUTE!!!!, good luck author.. beautiful job (and it looks like nothing was done so that makes it all the better.. GOOD LUCK

Cute, but try adjusting the white balance a little, (remove some yellow)