Summer Afternoon
by mariuca

Comment:
The story is mysterious and moving. And it's pretty much left to the imagination. Its ordinariness enhances the heft of the image. Strong and rewarding.

The Morning Breaks
by cools98

Comment:
Lovely lines, tones and composition. The building atmosphere suggests the day to come, which could lead anywhere. Emotionally rewarding.

Fallow Doe at Sunrise
by SaraR

Comment:
How interesting that, however excellent the depiction of the foreground doe, it's the background that carries the weight of the image. The calling buck energizes the whole.

Soulmates
by ytshuva

Comment:
Won over by precious, and as your title notes, it's a real pleasure to imagine their lives playing out together. Warm wishes.

Flight of Dreams
by vawendy

Comment:
Another superb image of a bird, piling riches onto this site. Even without the curve of trailing droplets this would be terrific, but we'll happily enjoy the cherry on the sundae. The subtle, murky background adds additional atmosphere. Is there no end to this beauty? Makes me feel like tossing my camera in the dumpster.

Spoonbill
by cloudsme

Comment:
Here comes magic, all pink and odd. I like how the symmetry is obscured by the angle of the capture. Lovely background, too. The profligate abundance of nature, unhindered, is overwhelming.

When the world is surprisingly beautiful
by roz

Comment:
Great title for this lovely image. Hard not to anthropomorphize, as this bird seems just so joyful. The bokeh is evidence of beauty and happiness.

step
by jmritz

Comment:
The tender intimacy of people talking like this is almost intolerably powerful. Was grain ever used more artfully to create the feel of a painting? Wonderfully rich tones in this black and white. All the elements work together so well to render the fullness of life.
Another favorite.

Somewhere In My Memory
by grahamgator

Comment:
Sublime in its textures, tones, palette and mood, as the title confirms. Full of evanescent hints and a promising blossom, and hopeful lighting from below. The diagonally established halves, approximately, pleasingly mingle with each other, a tricky balance. It feels like this image is straight from the heart.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

sweet curls
by PennyStreet

Comment:
The quirky elegance of a young child. The light spilling over him from behind displays a delicate, subtle touch. The blown out background works well. Sweet curls, sweet boy.