The Toque
by montrealmaggie

Comment:
A concentrated image that seems to be a distillation of this man's determined nature. Looking straight into the camera, his glasses, which can hide person, here hides nothing. I like the plain-spoken rawness. The title seems to be a deliberate attempt at understatement, but it doesn't work - not at all a criticism. And I've learned that what I've always called a beanie also leads a hitherto unknown sophisticated existence. Fine portrait.

Heritage
by MichaelC

Comment:
The most here I am portrait in the challenge, and good for him. He seems to be holding nothing back, which is rare and admirable. I like how he's facing the camera from a half-turned body, giving the image additional dynamism. I can imagine him being an actor. Bravo.

father and son
by mariuca

Comment:
The forward son is sturdy and sharp, the father is a bit uncertain and of diminished focus. Herein lies the story, which expands the image from portrait to saga, perhaps to overstate it a bit. Well-rounded, brash image.

delight
by floydian

Comment:
Charming. She's all that concentrated emotion packed into the only focused part of the photo. Such joy can empower the universe. This image hits you like a locomotive. Terrific, impressive picture.

scout
by JustinM

Comment:
First, I love that she has a bright lamp on her forehead -- it establishes her personality, intrepid and determined. With no background to speak of, only darkness, and minimalist clothing with but a dab of texture, her face is all that's there, and it absolutely commands appreciation and admiration. Creative, strong image.

Love
by craigdm

Comment:
Her natural delicacy and grace are quite winning, the movement of the wind. She's comfortably situated between the strength and detail of the logs upon which she balances and the hazy background. Her smile is natural and happy. Her shirt confused me at first because I'm constantly assured that Subaru is love, and nothing so frivolous as children, but I guess we can share.
Fine image.

Horizons
by whiteroom

Comment:
Both soft and dramatic. I can't be sure of gender or age, but he/she seems to be a thoughtful soul. The lighting, the chiaroscuro effect, determines the impact of the image, which I feel is strong. Also, a commentary on race might (or might not, for that matter) be being undertaken. Something like, I can be made to look different, by ignorance, lack of empathy, camera lighting, but I am just who I am, like you and you and you. The tones are deftly handled, especially in the intergrading of dark and light. Beautiful liquid eyes. I think the framing choice works quite well. Nice title.
A fine, compelling image.

Dia de los Muertos... The Artisan.
by jomari

Comment:
Of all the wonderful images in this challenge, I enjoy this one the most. Her face, which feels far from posed, radiates warmth and kindness. She's taking real pleasure in her work with the skeletal dolls, which softens the divide. There's a sense of ritual here, of celebration. Also a sense of serenity. The black border is subtle and complementary. So fine.

Medea
by rooum

Comment:
An air of nonchalance and confidence is shown in this fine portrait. Without effort she fully inhabits the frame. I like how the top of her face and her right shoulder are so bright, forcefully contrasting with underside shadows. This brings her forward. Her hair, aside from those spiraling tendrils, is allowed to blend with the background, nonchalance and confidence on the part of the photographer. The extent of the scratches, in support of the overall mood, seems warranted. I want to know what she's feeling.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

The Yearling
by hahn23

Comment:
Terrific portrait of this coyote (and not a wolf, I guess). No posing here, just the entirety of her/his being. The steadfast gaze gives no quarter. The focus is perfect. A great image.