Meet me at Rio at sunset
by daevans

Comment:
Real, because there seems to be a conspiracy afoot, and I believe in conspiracies over rational journalism any day.

Actually, I can't tell. The flame looks phony as it's presented, more like a movie explosion. The overall stylish noirish atmosphere is very enjoyable. The composition is nicely balanced.

Bicycles Galore
by GeneralE

Comment:
Obviously fake, because someone would certainly notice that bomb at the bottom center of the image, so where's the swat team?

But really, this is so slickly achieved (I've no idea how) with the switcheroo of the bikes and storefront. And so lovingly pedestrian.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

hybrid
by tnun

Comment:
Real, and a threat to picnickers everywhere. A forewarning of the havoc wrought by the chemical assault on the environment, a nefarious harvest of sadness and hand-wringing. Look out for Siamese hedgehogs, hippopotami, fire ants and velociraptors.

Real, and a nice capture. Perhaps a small crop from a larger image. Perspective can be everything. The tail sure looks as one. The sparkle on the water sets the birds off well.

Matryoshka
by Alex_Petrini

Comment:
Fake, because the idea that a photographer can pull off posing as a mote is implausible. A yak or refrigerator, maybe, a photographer, no.

While interesting on its face (no pun intended, really), what intrigues me is the rather flat Caucasian skin tone background. This sets off the eye in a surreal fashion. It seems to float in space, taking on its own individual existence. Weird.

Industrial Puppet
by P-A-U-L

Comment:
Real, because after the 2016 presidential election, and okay, I was somewhat delirious, he peeped into my third floor bedroom window, winking and honking like a goose.

Real and wonderful.

Slot Canyon Sunrise
by mefnj

Comment:
Obviously fake, because when Moses beheld the burning bush cameras were not yet invented, I think.

Beautifully contrived with paper or something re-imagined as masses of rock, then adorned with figure and foliage. Looks great in black and white. A tour de force.

The road ahead
by GeorgesBogaert

Comment:
This was my top pick. What great lines, shapes, tones, textures, power and fluidity in the swirling mass of roadways overhead. A redefinition of the urban sky. Their stirring movement and music can take your breath away. And then these three intrepid Ulysseses on motorcycles below bring balance and "purpose" to the image, the opening moment of open adventure. The complicated patchwork of light and dark are well-served by the choice of black and white presentation.
I'm kind of embarrassed to have shortchanged this fine photo with a measly 8.

My favorite Nifty-Fifty
by pgirish007

Comment:
My, my, all those ghosts skulking amidst the bits and pixels!

the object of his attention
by tvsometime

Comment:
The animation in his face convinces the viewer that "the object of his attention" is someone special, which gives depth to the situation.

Rock painting
by Ammie

Comment:
Not only is the dog's shadow lovingly placed, the texture of the rock gives his or her head a startling dimensionality. A charming image.