The Cement Works
by Giles

Comment:
This is a beautiful shot -- it was in my top three for the challenge.

Embracing Life
by jagar

Comment:
Something we all need to be reminded to do once and a while. Wonderful image.

silly boys
by PennyStreet

Comment:
Fantastic shot. Congrats on the top ten finish.

honey berry
by colorcarnival

Comment:
Beautiful shot, Michelle. Well conceived and executed.

Solstice Sunrise
by giantmike

Comment:
DPC is a really tough crowd. I think this is superb.

Il Chitarrista e La Gioconda
by nam

Comment:
Rich layers of goodness.

Moored Boat and Kelp
by nam

Comment:
This is a tough crowd. Wonderfully composed shot.

Birthday Boy
by Melethia

Comment:
I need to be a better commenter. This one connected with me and I lingered for a while. I liked it and gave it a 7. I remember thinking that it was a bold choice for the Best Of challenge because I thought many would mistake this as a simple snapshot, and that alone warranted a comment. I had trouble formulating a sentence on why I liked it, so I moved on too quickly -- back to the hundreds of Best of 2012 and December Free Study images still left to vote on.

Had I not been in such a selfish hurry, this is what i might have said:
I love the way this image captures the buzz of birthday activity and the mayhem of the cupcake table. I love the arms, the small girl pressed up to the table. I love the children's faces focused on the cupcakes out of frame and the eye contact with the one adult in frame. A moment well captured.

Hope
by Neat

Comment:
This is a beauty. I thought I commented on this earlier. The bird, sky and reflection of light off the water -- it all combines for an awesome image. Nice job.

Winter's Pure Embrace
by jagar

Comment:
Beautiful shot. Underappreciated in my view.