The Pool Skater
by Dennisheckman

Comment:
It's a fun shot, but I'm not sure it meets the definition of focal point. My eyes keep jumping between the person and the shadow. But perhaps that's just because I love shadows in pictures. :) (not voting yet, just looking right now.)

Almost thru
by shambles

Comment:
Another great example of focal point (not voting yet, just looking right now.)

"Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life's problems." Homer Simpson
by markwiley

Comment:
Another great example of focal point (not voting yet, just looking right now.)

Reaching for the Stars
by darnok

Comment:
haha! This tree keeps reappearing! Though I can see why -- it's a wonderful tree. (not voting yet, just looking right now.)

primary control
by whiteroom

Comment:
This one makes me laugh every time I look at it! Great shot! (not voting, just commenting)

sea gull
by whiterook

Comment:
I like the over saturated sky -- it's quite a cool look. I'm not convinced about how red/orange the bird is, however. I'd be curious to see how it would look with the reds taken down a tad. (just looking, not voting)

Ascension
by hihosilver

Comment:
Ok, since I'm not voting in this challenge, and it's driving me up the wall, I'm awarding bluebirds to my 10 favorite shots. I'll post them in the posthumous awards thread after the challenge is over, but I just couldn't wait until then!

I said on another shot that I liked the dreamlike quality. This is even dreamier! Wonderful color. Awesome shot! Incredible background! Very nice!!

Here's a bluebird:

Swoop
by Magnumphotography

Comment:
Excellent shot! Love the ruffles in the feathers on the top of the wings. Love the subtlety of the purple on the face and neck. Beautifully done! (not voting, just looking)

Gullable
by Nobody

Comment:
The background is spectacular in this shot! Love the movement! Aren't laughing gulls great? (not voting, just commenting)

I Catch You
by kannewurf

Comment:
Excellent capture! What a great moment! Love the angle, as well. (not voting, just looking)