Solitary
by Keith Maniac

Comment:
That's a very fine photograph, and a brilliant figurative as well as literal satisfaction of the challenge topic. Outstanding among the several exceptional qualities of this image is its composition. A lesser photographer (me, for example) might have cropped out or failed to include much of the dark area behind the subject's head. Yet it is this profound well of blackness that establishes the real power of the image as a stunning commentary on the meaning of darkness. Also superb is the focus of attention established on the subject's eye; it's a tiny part of the photograph, but everything takes you there; the light, the top edge of the slit in the door, even the nose and cheek profiles. Great leading lines! I think it's a fabulous achievement; so good we may even see the best photograph win this challenge. 10

throb
by tate

Comment:
Another of the many images in this challenge that I don't understand. It looks interesting, though. Rear lights of a car, perhaps? Is that what darkness means to you? I'll try again later. For now, 6.
Second look ... nope, you've got me. Sorry.

Religion - one of the most destructive forces in the world
by spook

Comment:
Bet you're getting hammered! I understand your point, but your execution of it is not as strong as it might have been in my view. This scene is too sparse to have much interest for the viewer. Sure there's the "dark spire and heavens" metaphor, but it's a bit thin. There are much richer and darker images of religion available that might have made your point with more force. But you do get marks for bravery. 6

"At the sixth hour darkness came over the land. . ."
by lwphotography

Comment:
I think the crosses are reflected in .... an eyeball? The quotation is biblical, from Matthew, regarding the crucifixion, which of course is the point of your image, but I still feel I haven't got your whole message (possibly my monitor is just TOO dark!). I'll return, but for now it's a 7 for a poignant, thoughtful entry. Back ... still 7. Good luck!

Porchlights
by mikala

Comment:
This is a lovely, evocative photograph which, by your title, is exactly what you intended. I like it more the longer I look at it. So far, it's an 8. I'll be back!
Still good ... & still 8. Good luck!

Falling of Darkness
by Kunta1974

Comment:
I hate it when commentators tell the photographer they should have cropped it differently, but I'd have cropped this right behind the bent elbow! Well I think I would have. It's almost a terrific image, but something seems not quite right to me, & I think it's the symmetrical positioning of the subject. Anyway, well done. 7

being without Jesus...a stormy post-life
by vtruan

Comment:
Interesting photograph, but a heavily laboured title. I see the point you are making of course, but I think that point would have more impact if it were more subtly made.

Country Shadows
by rayg544

Comment:
Well, it's a good photograph, and it is dark, but to me it's not really ABOUT darkness. The meaning of darkness, is what I'm thinking of. Is this really what darkness means to you? Whatever, it is a very appealing image. 7

Eclipse
by ninja

Comment:
I guess it's a real eclipse, which makes it an unusual subject, but not really a very interesting photograph. I know my "ho-hum" reaction does not do justice to the significance of the thing, but have you seen the photograph of Hillary standing atop Everest? A very significant moment, yet it still looks like nothing more than snap of a skinny guy in goggles on a snowy hill. Ironic, isn't it ... you've taken a good photograph of the ultimate manifestation of darkness, and I'm unmoved. Sorry! 5 (On the "bright" side, 5 is better than my own darkness image is doing!)

Solitude in Blue
by colourBlind

Comment:
Visually striking & should be well supported by the voters. I'm still not sure what darkness means to you; presumably this isn't it? Nevertheless, it's a good looking photograph.