Oceanside California
by thelsel

Comment:
If you don't win the blue ribbon I'll be surprised. This one is perfect. - 10

Back Garden With Pond
by simbamba

Comment:
I really like this image. I find it looks like the noise reduction was a bit too much. NOt sure if maybe it was that the shutter was open and the wind was blowing the trees for the blurr or if you used NeatImage or NoiseNinja. I find it has a really arty feel. I like it a lot, but the blur is a bit distracting. - 8

Denied Entry
by leaf

Comment:
THis is no offence to the people who did get a ribbon, but I'm shocked that this one didn't edge in just high enough for one. Congrats on the high placement though. Well deserved!

Mating Dance?
by photom

Comment:
I've been stalking our local "heronry" every day for a month hoping to get a shot like this but I've had no luck! This is definitely the best one in this challenge. If you don't win a ribbon I'll fall of my chair. -10

Swimming into the Sunset
by Sonifo

Comment:
Wow! This one is really stunning. I LOVE the colours reflected on the lake. Superb composition. Good luck - 9

Symbol of Strength
by silverleaf

Comment:
For some reason we always get a lot of american flags in these challenges. I like to vote on a) uniqueness and originality b) good composition c) excellent lighting that makes the image "pop" (I have trouble with this myself) d) good DOF (if appropriate) and e) a crisp, clear image free of tons of noise and compression artifacts. I'm starting to feel the american flags are not as unique anymore. This one has good composition and the lighting (compared to others in this challenge) really enhances the image, plus it's sharp and clear. The deeper blue in teh sky may have worked well, but overall it's very nice. I realize I'm only one voter. This is actually one of the best flag images in this challenge (or in others) and I know it is a symbol of strength to the many americans who participate in these challenges, I'm just finding the symbolism doesn't speak much to me and it's not a very unique idea anymore - 6

The Power Of Love
by gamba

Comment:
Beautifully shot!! - 10

True Strength
by shophand

Comment:
For some reason we always get a lot of christian-specific symbols in these challenges. I like to vote on a) uniqueness and originality b) good composition c) excellent lighting that makes the image "pop" (I have trouble with this myself) d) good DOF (if appropriate) and e) a crisp, clear image free of tons of noise and compression artifacts. I'm starting to feel the religious and american symbols are not as unique anymore. This one has good composition, but the lighting doesn't really make it pop. I'm not sure what you could do differently with the lighting. Maybe if it was taken at a different time of day. There is very little light noise and the image is sharp, but it just needs someting extra to grab attention. The lighting may do this for you. It seems like there is a lot of noise and pixelation. I realize I'm only one voter - the Christian thing doesn't really bug me, but I'd just like to see something a bit more original or unique. - 5

Graceful Strength
by SharQ

Comment:
Beautifully shot. Love the overall effect. Great composition. Love the negative space. -10

Confrontation
by jitams

Comment:
MAN! This is awesome. I love egrets and herons - my favorite species of birdlife. -10