Birds and Blooms
by Marjo

Comment:
This shot is fantastic. I know how hard it is to capture hummingbirds, and you have done very well here. The background is great - just enough to tell that this is a nice, green, outdoor setting, but nothing that detracts from the bird. Well done.

Summer at the Farm
by L1

Comment:
I only have very few photos in my favorites. I usually wait until something really hits me to put it in there. I just added this one as a favorite. I saw your outtakes, but I'm glad you chose this one. The boys are sharing this watermelon, which makes it look even more like it is a rare summer treat for them. The overalls make this shot even greater. Great job on the desaturation, nice contrast, and wonderful colors in the watermelon. A well-deserved blue ribbon.

Kicked out
by movieman

Comment:
This is not only a nice shot, it's hilarious! Although some might argue that, if he's in the dog house, it may not exactly be out of place (I've been there a time or two myself), it definitely leaves me wondering. What did he do to end up there? Will he go back inside and apologize? Where is the dog? :) Nice shot, good contrast.

Rainy Day
by Sonifo

Comment:
I'm shocked to see this one so low. Many commenters seem to think that you didn't notice the grain, or that it is there on accident. I think it would be difficult to get this much grain in your camera on accident - it is very obviously done on purpose, and I find it to be very effective. One commenter mentioned that perhaps you could have left the grain out of the umbrella, and put it in everywhere else. That is an interesting idea that might have worked as well. At any rate, I think this is a fantastic shot, with a wonderful mood. Nice contrast in the B/W areas, and great idea.

Three Penny Opera
by agrimace

Comment:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

Well, you have definitely met the challenge here. And, your idea, in theory, is a creative one. However, in execution, there seem to me to be a few things lacking. There is a lot of detail lost in the pennies. Also, everything seems to be just slightly tilted a little. Beyond that, your photo doesn't include many interesting elements - just some words and some pennies. I think you need to find something to add interest here. If you showed the edge of the program, you could also find some other element from the opera to include off the edge. Finally, everything seems to be very monochromatic.

Sorry if I sounded harsh!

Steve

Bee
by Jacko

Comment:
If this is who I think it is, I'm guessing this bee is dead, and has possibly been in your freezer for weeks, waiting for this challenge. Anyway, nice detail, very hairy. 10.

Lights Out
by bruski

Comment:
Unbelievable. I expected a top 10 finish on this one! Well, I'm adding it to my favorites, anyway. I still really like it. I guess I can see the point that the neck of the lamp perhaps could have been included in the shot somehow, but I really like this just how it is. I gave it a 9 (the highest vote it received, apparently), and I stand by it. Congrats on a nice photo.

Little Bear River
by dsidwell

Comment:
Well, it's easy when you live in a place where the mountains are so beautiful!

Seriously, wonderful shot. Very emotional and thought provoking. I've always been a big fan of your work, and this is no exception.

Rush Hour
by moodville

Comment:
Nice colors, nice composition. I like the little puff of exhaust - I think it adds to the shot. 10.

Garnish
by crabappl3

Comment:
This is a fantastic idea, and a fantastic shot. I love the high-key aspects here. Very nicely done. 10.