Rustic Charm
by RayEthier

Comment:
Looks like a postcard! Very lovely and serene.

Etherial
by librodo

Comment:
Best portrait I have seen so far in this challenge! The expression, pose, crop and colors are wonderful! This gets a 10 from me!

speedo
by Skip

Comment:
This is AWESOME! I love everything about this shot...the comp, crop, bubbles, use of B&W....simply wonderful! I think this is a 10 all the way!

The Tridge of Midland, Michigan
by xuan768

Comment:
This is really wonderful! Xuan? You get a 10 from me!

Ozzie and Harriet
by esdarby

Comment:
I think this is a wonderful shot. If I had voted in this challenge, I would have given a 7 or 8. The lioness' ear is slightly chopped off but that isn't a biggie. The emotion envoked is charming and by your title, humanizing.

I guess the "literal" searching people voted points off because of the contest discription:

For the purpose of this challenge, "wildlife" should be considered non-domesticated mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians living in a natural environment. Now that you know what to photograph, take your best shot!

Did you miss that they were to be living in a natural environment? This shot would have had to be taken in Africa on safari to get lions in their "natural habitat". That is all I can guess why the lower scores. It kinda sucks that so many don't consider the quality of the photograph should weigh more than the "literal" interpretation of the challenge. This photo is very well done.

I think you finished well, considering the scores.

Bass Harbor Light
by Neil

Comment:
WTG! Your talent has been well received! :-)

In the mood for Waltz
by nrulkov

Comment:
Looks straight out of the original film "Shall We Dance?" Very nice capture. The colors and lighting are perfect!

Frostbite
by Odie

Comment:
Brrrrr! I love the long exposure applied here. The focus on the ice is dead on. Nice comp too!

Ready to play!
by kteach

Comment:
Cute kitty! The green thing by it's ear is a distraction. The lighting is pretty good. The capture of it's expression is priceless!

Catch The Wave
by gliphix

Comment:
I like the way you can see the different stages of getting on the wave and riding it. This doesn't have the huge "OH WOW" factor that some surfing photos have that are more close up and in the action. This is more a spectator's perspective.