The Poet and his Dragon Hat
by Bear_Music

Comment:
I think that this photo most accurately hit the target, he is gazing right into the camera giving viewers full access deep into this poet's soul. The shot looks as though it were taken by simply tilting a camera right up at his own face. The title of the photo also gives enough information to let you know who he is while the simplicity of the shot still leaves plenty to the imagination as far as who he really is and what stories lie behind those eyeglasses and those faded blue eyes. He is crisp and clear and remains the main subject matter of the photo with just a blurred view of the sky and a mature tree behind him - other's who entered the challenge seem to complicate their portraits with busy backgrounds or other subjects - cats etc in the shot. I think of "Patience Taught By Nature" by Elizabeth Barret Browning when I see this photo - His rugged skin has seen many seasons of hot and cold and though he wears a hat made for adventures, even bearing a dragon's image on it, his expression is so gentle and patient - it seems to have come from years of experience. There were a couple other entries who also hit the target but this one was my absolute favorite. Well Done!