Apple and Pear
by DistantColours

Comment:
This was a favorite for me, and the simplicity and elegance of its execution is what kept drawing me back for another look. I've decided it feels like a cheeky cover image for a mental health article on masking and impression management. :-)

hare hare
by Tiberius

Comment:
Congrats on a well-earned Red here. A top pick for me. I wanted to comment on this in voting, but then as now I struggle to articulate what about this is so effective for me. All I know is it registers as exotic, emotionally evocative, and just plain artistically compelling--something greater than the sum of its component images.

On the other side
by Neat

Comment:
Sublime. Surreal. Contains multitudes. A terrific example of an image artistically bridging the gap between the legible and the ephemeral.

Portrait of Unrest
by markwiley

Comment:
Quite an achievement, this one is. But the most impressive thing about it isn't the refined compositing technique--exceptional as that is. It's the way the artist's intention and expression shine through in the execution rather than getting overwhelmed by it. Bravo!

Freedom of Expression
by PennyStreet

Comment:
Chef's kiss on the title for this one. And a striking, gallery-worthy composite, at that. Invites lingering and reflection, instantly accessible yet containing layers of interest for further dialogue. A top pick for me this challenge.

Ant on the Precipice
by organic

Comment:
Astounding detail and a science textbook-worthy illustration of exoskeletal detail on this subject. If this is composed using focus stacking, I really covet some tutorials on how to achieve this level of precision with a macro. And the color processing is superb, to boot!

Like a Polaroid from the Past
by noraneko

Comment:
If the timeframe had been right, this would have been a magnificent entry for the upcoming Complementary Colors challenge. Those orange boats really pop against the blues of this composition. Magnificent, and a standout in the challenge for me.

Mount Washington Cog Railway
by bobnospum

Comment:
This one was one of my top picks for this challenge. The perspective here really does elevate (no pun intended) the sense of natural drama around the train. Congrats on the top-five finish!

a busy place
by primabarbara

Comment:
A top pick for me in this challenge. The perspective really does make the photo, especially given harsher (midday?) lighting here. The overhead really takes great advantage of those shadows. Congrats!

He collected
by JulietNN

Comment:
Not sure what "He" collected here, but stoked to see this perspective collect a very worthy Blue. :-) As was said below, this (and its companion in a previous challenge) would make a wonderful gallery series. Congrats!