Dark side of the gambling
by pgirish007

Comment:
This low key image really captures the mental anguish of someone who finds himself in a deep hole. It must feel that the only way out is to go deeper. It's set up and captured beautifully. The upflung cards, nicely catching the light, are marvelous, putting emotion in motion. The man's expression is telling, and driving the entire scene.
Personal second favorite of the challenge.

Wing and a Prayer - Falcon Chasing Dove
by cloudsme

Comment:
Here it is. The most penetrating, heart-in-the-throat image entered, in my humble opinion. Starkly real. Both about to plunge their wings downward, to close the gap or not. Beautifully captured and centered.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

Lookin' Sharp
by MaryO

Comment:
Really nice how that singular thorn is caught against a background of lovely, complicated bokeh. Like timorous balloons, or grapes to be skewered by toothpicks. I admire this tiny bit of focus surrounded by all that living blur.

Green eyes
by ladpupmoe

Comment:
Along with the sharp eye are the precise eyelashes. Most all else is to play against this slender slice of depth and, as is intended, we're drawn eye to eye. Mesmerizing.
Also, that candy pink nose is lovely.

Fly low and steady
by pgirish007

Comment:
Terrific capture in full flap, against a cloud-filled sky of geese. Or a smattering of popcorn. The sweep of dark feathers and orange beak and feet contrast pointedly against the rest. The whole is like a flag with a central motif. Well done.

The final cut
by Sisto

Comment:
Wonderfully cunning. The ax fades from heavy, sharp tool along its length to a culminating splash of red and into a glorious pastel quilt of flowers. This contrast is like pulling a rabbit from a hat. Fine achievement.

Energy
by Ammie

Comment:
Warmest, dearest entry of the challenge. The people are perfect. How the road winds away, sided by tall flowers, the whole also fading into the background, is artfully satisfying. Totally charming.

Silver Orb Weaving Spider (Leucauge granulata) with raindrops
by roz

Comment:
A delicate jewel set upon a pillow of greens. Such artistry never palls.

Balancing act
by LevT

Comment:
Classic. Shorebirds in silhouette at ocean's edge. And so beautifully attained. The bokeh is stunning. This is a silly question but, is it black and white? It feels like there's a whisper of blue around the circular bokeh, and some pink.
Personal favorite of the challenge.

Lockdowns Cause Airport Closures
by GolferDDS

Comment:
This is a terrific illustration of the results of the lockdown. The emptiness is perfectly conveyed by the depth of field and the receding warp and weft of desolation.
The only "living" presence is the dancing lines of reflected ceiling lights. All dressed up and no place to go. Very strong.