Last Light, Monday
by C_Steve_G

Comment:
Formidable sky and assuredly delivers the last light. The houses are crowded in by the immensity of nature. Diminutive and anxious. I'm not sure whether the foreground green expanse helps the rest of the image or not. On the one hand it adds to the predominant expansiveness, yet on the other hand the bright color is a bit jarring. The feel for nature's grandeur, though, is apparent.

Desolate Times
by Polar7

Comment:
Sure it's a vertical picture rotated into landscape orientation. So therefore it takes up a larger space on the page than it would were it "correctly" oriented. On the off chance that it's intentional, extra credit for devious creativity. Re-orienting my head, it's a rather pedestrian scene, not that interesting. Yet, I do see something that is very interesting. The darker trees to the left, the birch to the lower right and the slightly angled horizontal bench alongside the birch make a strong over-riding composition, which brings balance and peacefulness to the image. It's enough to elevate the afore-mentioned pedestrian-ness. To me that suggests a fine eye in search of a "worthy" (more interesting) subject. This marriage of eye and subject will give birth to some excellent photographs.

Before the lockdown
by Janja

Comment:
Handsome scene that brings to life the essence of place. It's busy yet orderly in the vertical whites of the window frames. The many people and bikes occupying this scene are balanced by the peaceful canal that opens in substantial width and narrows as it recedes under the bridge and beyond. Also by the sky above, interestingly modulated by the clouds, their flowing tones. The composition is well-measured. The dividing skyline affords a becoming negative space above. Though the overall toning works well, I'm a bit surprised that the image isn't in color, given the intent of the title. Overall, attractive and appealing.

Social Distancing is easy when the world around you is bleak and unforgiving
by RyanW

Comment:
The mood suggested by the title is forcefully conveyed. That said, I feel that this title is cumbersome and too literally states what the photo itself needs to reveal. This is a subjective opinion and at times deserves to be honored in the breach. Moving on, I very much like the grimness of the scene. The snow itself is dejected and slushy. The darkening sky only furthers this dim and uncomfortable tone, a dire reflection. You've chosen a strong moment to achieve this effect. The line of houses is somber and unavailing. I also like the framing of the dark evergreens. Nicely done.

Swamp Land
by Wildpurple

Comment:
It's wonderful how the upper realism morphs into abstraction in its reflection. Many reflections have this quality, but this transformation is just right -- departing from faithfulness to the original yet not muddied beyond recognition. The colors are muted and lovely. Because of the proportion of upper to lower the subtle blues of the sky are gently introduced. This lower half of the image alone would do beautifully as a fabric.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

Library_pond_entry
by hkpdso

Comment:
There's a comfortable amount of depth and breadth here. The reflections in the pond are appealing. The overall green and light blue are harmonious. The choice of scene seems arbitrary. It's always a personal choice. Personally, as I began to enter photos in the challenges it dawned on me that I need to ask myself why I'm taking this particular image. The quality of entries is often high and it takes some extra effort to draw out interest, enjoyment and appreciation in others. With time and practice the habit of concentration did develop for me, though I can't say my results often attained my goals. It's completely fine to find beauty in everything, though the voters' may not always share this aesthetic. Better results in terms of these challenges, if one so desires this, can come from expressing one's own feelings as gleaned from the vast world.

be right with you
by jmritz

Comment:
Beautiful explication of space. Quirky, fascinating composition. Lovely palette.
Personal co-favorite of the challenge.

Volcano land
by lei_73

Comment:
Personal co-favorite of the challenge.
Moody in a takes-your-breath-away fashion. The starkness is softened by the gentle toning. Usually we see a recession of mountain planes, so it's pleasing to see it work so effectively with more modest terrain. Fine composition.

Last of the sunset
by MargaretNet

Comment:
Personal co-favorite of the challenge.
Beautiful colors, sumptuous clouds, sparkling line of lakeside, I'm guessing, houses.
The mountains and their reflection, then the lights, like a kiss. Altogether alluring.

Milky Way over the Donna Kay
by HikerBoy

Comment:
First entry. Blue.
How excellent!
Randy, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."