In equilibrium
by Sisto

Comment:
Lovely image of a beautiful child playing with this apple. The apple is fraught with overtones of nefarious incitement, yet here he's having his delightful way with it. His innocence evaporates any darker implications, and now it's merely a piece of fruit, a plaything. The soft lighting and light blue background are perfect. The color follow-through of red shirt, lips and apple subtly draws the eye along, as does his gaze.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

A Summer Scene
by GolferDDS

Comment:
Impressive craftsmanship. The hummingbird is terrific.

The ice sheet is melting.
by skewsme

Comment:
Sometimes, as here, the title is everything. Maybe not this ice, but we all know, with anguish, that the earth is taking a disastrous turn. Maybe there's still time to
forestall and limit the damage, but that's a big maybe. Your stark image speaks to the sad peril. I like how the ice shimmers and kind of blows out, setting up the heavy message.

On Edge
by Lydia

Comment:
Clever, funny and gracefully executed. This little fellow is my new hero.

Life on the edge
by mariuca

Comment:
The juxtaposition of the lovely crocuses and the sudden drop-off into a gulley is startling and moving. It's tough enough for these flowers, but it sure does also resonate with us humans. Many, if not most of us, understand what it is to be in a perilous situation, as shown here. Fine image.

Dark side of the gambling
by pgirish007

Comment:
This low key image really captures the mental anguish of someone who finds himself in a deep hole. It must feel that the only way out is to go deeper. It's set up and captured beautifully. The upflung cards, nicely catching the light, are marvelous, putting emotion in motion. The man's expression is telling, and driving the entire scene.
Personal second favorite of the challenge.

Lookin' Sharp
by MaryO

Comment:
Really nice how that singular thorn is caught against a background of lovely, complicated bokeh. Like timorous balloons, or grapes to be skewered by toothpicks. I admire this tiny bit of focus surrounded by all that living blur.

Green eyes
by ladpupmoe

Comment:
Along with the sharp eye are the precise eyelashes. Most all else is to play against this slender slice of depth and, as is intended, we're drawn eye to eye. Mesmerizing.
Also, that candy pink nose is lovely.

Fly low and steady
by pgirish007

Comment:
Terrific capture in full flap, against a cloud-filled sky of geese. Or a smattering of popcorn. The sweep of dark feathers and orange beak and feet contrast pointedly against the rest. The whole is like a flag with a central motif. Well done.

The final cut
by Sisto

Comment:
Wonderfully cunning. The ax fades from heavy, sharp tool along its length to a culminating splash of red and into a glorious pastel quilt of flowers. This contrast is like pulling a rabbit from a hat. Fine achievement.