Rugged To The Touch
by Joey Lawrence

Comment:
Another nice image featuring this very good model; she swaps her chains for bricks! It was an inspired idea to have her feeling the texture of bricks like this, especially with such a captivated expression on her face... it makes your texture image into something special. You don't just show the texture, you show us what it feels like. That's two very fine & creative challenge interpretations in a row! 8

Retired
by kongphooey

Comment:
USS Wisconsin, I think? Nice tribute to a grand old warrior who knows a bit about the value and the cost of Independence. 7

Walking my own way
by eirasi

Comment:
Appealing composition ... sparse and stylish. Very nice effect of the water-saturated sand through the midground. It's one of those uncommon images that evokes non-visual sensations for me; sounds and smells. Good job. 8

Solo
by HighwayFlower

Comment:
Very nice composition, and a fine idea for the challenge. One of those rare situations when the subject has more impact because he's looking away from the viewer rather than towards. 7

The Getaway
by Cooz

Comment:
A very fine image. Love the composition and the unusual light. Exceptional tonal range from deep black to pure white, with clean, visible detail at every point (I peeked at the histogram; it's weird lookin'). And of course the subject escapee is brilliant for this challenge. 9

Hang on!
by MikeO

Comment:
Remarkable photograph ... it is so unusual and graphically spare that it actually looks fake (I know it's not). I imagine it will rate very highly in the voting, and I will look forward to your revealing exactly what is happening here. I found it fascinating, but somehow a tiny bit too two-dimensional to make any serious impression on me. Hope I haven't offended you too much! 6

Breaking the Binds
by Prime_Time

Comment:
Well, I guess I'll be unpopular because while I think this image will probably win you a ribbon, I don't much like it. Not because it's a poor photograph; it's technically very good, and the composition, indeed the whole execution, is visually striking. Moreover, your idea will have universal appeal as a depiction of independence; very dramatic and theatrical. My problem is that it seems too contrived and obvious; the sort of image an advertising agency would come up with ... a two-syllable photograph for an audience with limited vocabulary. I apologise in advance if you think my views insulting, especially as this is obviously a work of a highly competent photographer. 5

Fisherman at Dusk
by Bear_Music

Comment:
I like fishing shots, and they do so often convey the fisherman's self-contained world (thus independence, I guess, although to me it's more a feeling of solitude). This is a beautiful scene and accurately conveys the velvet quiet of approaching evening ... very evocative. My only disappointment here is that the fisherman is perhaps a little too distant, and thus not prominent enough to justify his titular status. But I still love the feel of this image. 7

Solitary Pursuit
by Pooba

Comment:
Unusual and effective surfing scene, mainly due to the interesting surface he's walking on (is it a breakwall of some kind?). The silhouette of the surfer looks good against the sparkling detail of the ocean, especially as the rail of the surfboard has caught some light, which gives better definition to both the board and the surfer. And the solitary seabird is also very good. 8

The big leap.
by marvin

Comment:
Perhaps not the most artistically breathtaking image, but it's the perfect depiction of the challenge topic. This little guy looks exactly like he is nervously contemplating a first step that will change his life forever. Well spotted and well photographed. 7