A peaceful morning to relax
by Mona

Comment:
This one got a bump for me for its compositional peculiarity. Thematically, the kite invites the gaze upward into the blue beyond in a way that I find quite effective as a visual choice.

Zzzzzzz
by Art Roflmao

Comment:
This is thematically clever. But the part I'd like to comment on is its tidy presentation and rich color toning. Nice balance. Enjoy your nap!

happiness
by PennyStreet

Comment:
The portrait-like processing works for me. Soft and dreamy. :-)

Where Time Stands Still
by Gudjonotto

Comment:
Gorgeous.

The Lake
by MargaretNet

Comment:
It takes a lot for an aerial landscape to hold my attention as long as this one did. And the sense of distance from the landscape--of being "over and above" it all--is thematically resonant for me. Surprised this one didn't place higher (no pun intended).

Jetty
by DistantColours

Comment:
As atmospheric as it gets. Congrats! Glad to see you on the front page with this one.

Before the Day
by kanaj

Comment:
That's an incredibly generous and kind comment you left, Melvin. Coming from you, it means a lot, because you have demonstrated a propensity to think and create with evocative storytelling and atmospheric drama yourself. So I feel like I know EXACTLY what you mean. And actually, your instincts about the progeny of this particular shot are spot-on! It is literally a serendipitous out-the-car-window phone shot I barely had time to compose properly because I didn't want to ruin the atmosphere by alerting this jogger to my presence slowing down enough to capture it. I had one or two exposures and had to immediately resume my speed. I only got away with it at all because this is the (mostly quiet) street we live on. But this guy frequently jogs early in the mornings, and I know quite well myself the mental health break a quiet morning jog like this can be.

4. May
by PennyStreet

Comment:
So glad to see one of these composites in the mix. A true work of urban art!

Unapologetic at f2.8
by markwiley

Comment:
Looks like another winning portrait. :-)

Crystal Drops
by KristjanUnnar

Comment:
I wondered how many would interpret the theme this way. The title was what clued me in that this was your interpretive take, and it was a risky way to go, but the image itself is quite balanced and lovely. I continue to admire your handling of color--especially blues and reds.