Final Farewell
by dan_pendleton

Comment:
This is my favorite of the challenge and the only 10 I gave. Not only do I like the interpretation of the challenge theme, but there are little details all over the place that involve my mind and imagination. The mournful posture of the man and upside down flower bouquet barely being contained in his loose grip...resignation to his loss. The depth of the footprints...neither cold nor snow could keep him away. The irregular rows of tombstones and the array of trees in the background emphasizing the clearing in which this man's beloved's grave sits...somewhat apart from the others. The lack of color. The contrast between black and white. The sun fighting to be seen through the grey sky and leafless branches...hope? Yeah. I like this one a lot.

A New Life For Her
by melongrind

Comment:
I love your interpretation of the challenge. What better demonstration of letting go than the father of the bride giving away his little girl. Although I like this photo just fine, wouldn't it have been neat to have been able to capture that moment inside the church where he actually releases her to her new life? Anyway, nice job.

Light on White
by Marjo

Comment:
If only this were a real rose. As a matter of personal preference, I don't care for the textures that expose it as being a silk flower, however the colors, lighting and placement are fantastic. I'm not voting on this challenge so don't worry about your score being affected but this comment, but you might consider a different kind of border. The black seems a little harsh on the right side of the photo. Just my opinion.

Decorative Tulips
by banmorn

Comment:
Wow! I have seen some of the most beautiful florals in this challenge, but this one is oustanding even among those. the colors are so vivid and the lighting makes them leap out of the darkness. Your choice of borders is good. I wouldn't change a thing.

Fantasia
by Gordon

Comment:
Wonderful literal interpretation of the challenge. I'd be surprised if this doesn't finish in the top 5...or top 3. Good luck!

Bear versus Man
by wkmen

Comment:
Interesting. I like the bear quite a bit, but the knife (although important to your theme) takes something away from the image to me. Great use of light and negative space.

Seasonal Bouquet
by RHoldenSr

Comment:
One of my favorites of the challenge. After the negative comments about borders in the past week or so, I'm glad to see that you went ahead and used one here. It's a perfect fit to this shot and makes it feel very worthy of framing and hanging. I can't give you a vote, but if I could, it would surely be a 10

Renaissance
by KarenB

Comment:
This is such a fantastic still life, I wish I'd seen it in that challenge a few weeks back. The lighting is perfect as is the placement of the fruit. This is a picture I can see framed and hanging in my kitchen or dining room. I think you should definitely consider making it available for purchase after the challenge. Good luck.

Four of a Kind
by Konador

Comment:
I love this entry into the Chinese Zodiac challenge. Very very well done. You captured these guys (gals?) at the perfect moment and I love your choice to keep the photo in black and white. I can't give you a score, but if I could, it would surely be at least a 9. Good luck in the challenge.

The Ox
by jjbeguin

Comment:
I can't vote on this challenge, but I wanted to let you know I think this is one of the best entries. The ONLY thing that I'd like to see different might be cleaning up his snout, but I reckon that's not the easiest thing in the world to do. You take the shot while you can and this is an excellent interpretation of the challenge. 10 (if I could give it to you)