There are things known and there are things unknown
by ThingFish

Comment:
On the get-go, this incredible blue is peacock intense, from hereon in my standrd for paradise. Inwardly I'm vibrating, outwardly sweating cannonballs. To reluctantly go on, the entire construction puts palaces to shame. Oh the rust, shedding blue for a brown whose shade I can't determine, perhaps "life-giving," sumptuous and deep as it is. Earth and sky. Is the white an undercoat or moonlight? Is it superficial to luxuriate and steep in such color? Maybe, but it certainly thrills and uplifts me, invites simple exultation. Handsomely framed on three sides by greenery. Hang out here and forget your cares, dream anew. Nice title.
Thank you.

If the shoe fits
by markwiley

Comment:
Here it's not enough to see and feel the image, we also have to read and think it through. The irony of contrast is terrific. A tender domestic moment is surmounted by a huge battle scene, European interlopers crushing the native Americans, of course. In the name of flag and righteousness. How perfect that the couple are coincidentally wearing red and blue. These notions fill the atmosphere and float the photo into a very interesting realm. The compositional axis of meaning flows along the upper left to lower right diagonal. Nice title.
Thank you.
(An aside: Has anybody noticed an upswelling of support for returning the land to its prior, shoved-out inhabitants? It seems history depends on where you slice it.)

At The Bus Stop
by DistantColours

Comment:
Some images that have so much potential to be boring nevertheless offer a sparkle and tone that launches them into a higher orbit. Here's one. I like the lean of these women, their anticipation, their peering into the future. And so ably placed by the edge, focusing outward. Their colorful outfits and bag are gently, mostly, echoed on the street and bus stop. They're crucial to the scene, but I also feel that they're props for this beautiful day, lit with expectation and timelessness. It's in the sky trees and brick wall, a kind of emotional alpenglow. Even if it's processing that imparts this sensation, it gladdens the heart. Nice title.
Thank you

Gesture (a dog's reach should exceed its grasp)
by Bear_Music

Comment:
An entrancing, fun, distinctive image that brings on a smile. A constellation in the far reaches of the universe, brought to life, happy and welcoming. As a child would have it. Quirky and works so very well, and I'm grateful for it. The composition, the colors, the vignette are all adroit. I'd put this on my wall to keep me honest. And what's aglow behind that door?
Thank you.

pedimentary
by skewsme

Comment:
Fine imaginative leap to see this design as a pediment. I looked up "pedimentary" and Google insisted on sedimentary; but there is a company that offers pedimentary doors, in case anyone's in the market. This is wonderful, so clean and compelling, a crisp outline that thrives on negative space. The bird adds immeasurably in completing the image, a living finial that animates the whole. Even the gray sky shines. The wood siding is sumptuous, each slat an individual swatch of texture and tone. Perfect in black and white. Nice title.
Thank you.

Deadbeat
by PennyStreet

Comment:
I so much enjoy this type of photo, flat on, too ordinary for those who don't see beauty everywhere. Please, I'm not crowning myself, it's just a talent I admire. Yes, its reduction to abstraction works well, its lines and interuptions, but it's the simple beingness that endows the image with force. The great thing is that it's right here now, and I see you know that. The meaning of the title isn't apparent to me, but I'm certain it's worthy.
Thank you.

passed
by mefnj

Comment:
I've been looking lately to photograph dead flowers, summer being what it is. This flower - rose, I'm assuming - is a gorgeous revelation. In partial shadow, guarded by a thorny branch, it has found a quiet corner to pass in peace. So do some animals when they sense their time has come. It's what I would want. Here's the process. There's the still-beating heart, muted red to pink. It's the resplendent, glowing brown that I linger upon. So rich and warm. It's as if this flower has reflowered, a spark of karma, a second spring. Nice composition. The light seems aspirational. Imparts refreshment and serenity.
Thank you.

Above the surface
by Janja

Comment:
Against all experiential and scientific dogma, it does seem that reflections sometimes do break away from what they purport to reflect. Rebirth, do-si-do, change partners. This image is a compelling example of just such a casual shift. How I love how the water grasses flourish beneath the tree. And the jittery staircase, lower right. What fun! Mostly I adore how whatever's floating on the surface seems like static on an old black and white tv set. Rod Serling approves. Here we go, screw the commercials. "It's been a wonderful visit, now beam me up. I'm not kidding, beam me up....."
Thank you.

walkies
by aberration

Comment:
I really enjoy images that are more glancing hint than statement. Here we have to work out what's going on, even play detective. It took awhile to see the person and dog in the distance walking up the stairs. Understated and evanescent. It's a compact, dynamic composition. The shadows are like red herrings messing with our perception, abetting confusion and misdirection. What tickles me most is that in addition to spacial depth, which is aparent, is depth in time. From the paw prints to the walkers is a fullness, a span of time made palpable. Now the image comes alive, breathing. A marvelous and satisfying achievement.
Thank you.

Another Beautiful Day
by mariuca

Comment:
There are so many places this could be, but I'm fixing it at what I know, Central Park in NYC. Pardon me if I'm wrong. In any case, I've often tried to make something of these somber, elegnt tunnels, to no avail. I didn't have the magic ingredient - children, and dancing within the overspilling light. The leading lines of perspective are subtle. The lit up electrical conduit pipe coming from the upper left, and the lights, which I'd probably avoid, serve to relieve and punctuate the shadowy interior. At the far end ot the tunnel, were blown highlights ever more appropriate? A revelation for me.
Thank you.