What? (In Honor of Leroy)
by scarbrd

Comment:
This is just too good. Way too good!!

The final stage is acceptance
by vawendy

Comment:
for what its worth, I prefer this one. the tree is more ominous, seems larger, the boy already looks defeated (in the other he still has a chance). One thing to remember is often the absence of color forces the eye to look at the shapes - emotion comes out more powerfully is there is not a central color to work off of (as in this image, the color is inconsequential to its meaning).

If I was going to shoot this image again, I would get closer to the boys side, at a lower angle, to put the tree in an even more overwhelming position.

when working in black and white, it is often easier to control the shades of gray the colors will turn out to be by working in your channels palette rather than layers - do a layer adjustment on each individual channel while viewing that channel only. In the case of this image, I manipulated the reds to turn out white and darkened the blues so the sky would be more ominous and the string and the kite tail would show up lighter and more visible (I popped it into photoshop quickly).

I liked this image for the challenge because it was a metaphorical end - you didn't beat me over the head with a literal end. Alas, I didn't vote, but probably would have gotten at least a 7...

duck tape makes silence
by oche

Comment:
there are many pictures in this challenge with tape over the mouth. According to some commenters, they were better; I disagree. This image shows silence of a different kind - a forced silence, a dangerous silence. Some of the others are trite - they are essentially just a person with tape over their mouth. With your composition, processing and toning, your image shows emotion. I really like it and think you did a great job generating a reaction from the viewer. At least this one. Forget the votes...

Splash
by mpeters

Comment:
forget the cropping advice - that is part of what makes this special - the wall is there but not so huge that it over whelms her. Beautiful image.

Angel Awaiting
by LindaLee

Comment:
You did an amazing job here, especially with the hair! I couldn't believe the change from the original I saw.

She rides the wind
by rinac

Comment:
Very free spirited. The inclusion of the birds and the echo of her clothes with the wings and the waves really give this image depth. The tones work well to convey peace. well done! 9

My Inspiration
by Chippie19

Comment:
I think the depth of field here is beautiful. The soft focus perfectly enhances the subject and works very well with the soft colors. Amazing job. 9

tide and time...
by Ecce_Signum

Comment:
I love the tones, the noise, and the blur. It sets up the scene wonderfully and fully conveys an emotion attachment. 9

Left Standing
by bucket

Comment:
How did this get a 5.3? Nevermind. It is beautiful work.

Ovation
by Lydia

Comment:
Well taken image and beautiful color. However, I don't see 'sound' only the potential for sound.