His Own Little Island
by MaryO

Comment:
I'm not crazy about the lighting here--might have experimented with a toned matte look--but I'm in love with the composition and DOF you've used to create it. One of my top picks this challenge.

Jack
by roz

Comment:
Exquisite.

Beggarman asking for alms in the center of Seville
by jmespiga

Comment:
Not voting yet, but pausing to say I love this portrait. That face is perfectly observed, and the framing gives just enough storytelling context for the heartache to register powerfully. This is some skillful editorial work.

swimming lanes
by primabarbara

Comment:
This was one of my personal favorites in the challenge. It feels like it sits somewhere in the realm between well-composed snapshot and editorial sports photography--and i mean that as a compliment. Like it captures the dedication and enjoyment of an athlete in training rather than one enjoying their moment in the sun, as it were. Thats a wonderful twist on the challenge theme. 🙂

Race Day
by tjbel05

Comment:
Congrats on the red for this one! I love the way the rider's position in this shot conveys the athleticism involved in this sport.

Agressive snap
by LevT

Comment:
This was an obvious blue for me. Congrats!

Bocce Ball
by Barroness

Comment:
Way to subvert the popular narrative about a "retirement activity" and turn it into something that feels like it has real grit and verve, as I'm sure it does. 🙂

gravel riding
by Tiberius

Comment:
Another of my favorites in the challenge, because for me the action of the sport is almost dangerously intimate here. I find this image marvelously energetic.

Wibledon with motion
by toutoungi

Comment:
This one was one of my top three for the challenge. I think the choice to compose this with the motion blur was inspired and demonstrates remarkable restraint, not accidental exposure. Maybe that didn't connect with everyone, but it did with me. 🙂

When I grow up...
by toutoungi

Comment:
Absolutely love this image. I recognize it from another favorite in a previous challenge. This would rate higher from me in THIS challenge if it were composed into a poster form with something expressing the admiration/aspiration of its subject. But it's still a personal favorite for me.