step
by jmritz

Comment:
The tender intimacy of people talking like this is almost intolerably powerful. Was grain ever used more artfully to create the feel of a painting? Wonderfully rich tones in this black and white. All the elements work together so well to render the fullness of life.
Another favorite.

Somewhere In My Memory
by grahamgator

Comment:
Sublime in its textures, tones, palette and mood, as the title confirms. Full of evanescent hints and a promising blossom, and hopeful lighting from below. The diagonally established halves, approximately, pleasingly mingle with each other, a tricky balance. It feels like this image is straight from the heart.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

sweet curls
by PennyStreet

Comment:
The quirky elegance of a young child. The light spilling over him from behind displays a delicate, subtle touch. The blown out background works well. Sweet curls, sweet boy.

Adieu
by grahamgator

Comment:
A warm, life-affirming image, with tons of effulgent sunshine. I feel happy to see this.

Fixing the Roof
by GinaRothfels

Comment:
Fine study of these roof tilers as work. The effective white framing enhances the overall diagonal subject. It's simple amidst a certain amount of complexity. I especially admire how it's the dust thrown up by the tile cutter that conveys the backlighting. Another fun detail is how the hat worn by the man on the left echoes the pattern of the tiling. Strong documentary style.
Another personal favorite of the challenge.

Golden Sunset At The Lake
by Drake

Comment:
Lovely take on the challenge. And it's said you can't transmute base into gold...

White Clover with photobomber
by roz

Comment:
No need to rhapsodize about a crown fitted with a jewel, as a flower and bee are more than enough. I like the direct statement it presents, the strength of beauty. Both the sun shot petals and the sumptuous bee are exemplary. A nice balance is achieved about the center. The background beautifully enhances the overall image.
Personal second favorite of the challenge.

Birds of a feather
by Ammie

Comment:
A very appealing photo. I like the soft colors and the creative use of a blown out sky. The highlight, as per the challenge, and pun intended, is the translucence of some of the birds' wings. In some respects they are become light itself, a transcendence of the material. I feel taken to a new realm.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

Rusting in Ryolite
by Yo_Spiff

Comment:
The hood looks like a snout. The sense of the whole is of a slumbering animal. The background desert is alluring.

roll
by Tiberius

Comment:
Natural, real life action. Strong image.