Left behind.
by Geocide

Comment:
WOW!
This is incredible, and as I sat up from my slouched position I suddenly saw more, much more. I really hope voters have their monitors well calibrated to see the details of this very subtle image.
On my screen the colour tone seems just a touch greeny but not overpoweringly so.
A beautiful and slightly haunting image.

Classic Black
by dan_pendleton

Comment:
I like this! I wonder whether it would be more striking if the shirt where white, and perhaps a white handkerchief in the pocket? The main subject would still be black...?? I appreciate that may not have been the look you were after, I'm just thinking aloud in terms of what I might prefer in an image.

Alone In The Dark
by sahko

Comment:
This is beautiful and the negative space that surrounds her is integral to the image - my preference would be to crop a cm from the top and add it to the bottom so that her head is further up in the frame and her feet, even if in deepest black shadow, aren't so close to the edge of the frame.

Tax Time is Here
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
I'm surprised this wasn't more popular with other voters, since I like it so much... I think it's stunning.

Focus On Happiness
by labuds

Comment:
I see from your comments that you did indeed get a number of people referring to the previous images using similar technique, previously submitted on DPC. My feeling is that your version is very creative, as you said in your own comments, the reversing effect of the droplets completely changes the symbolism of the images and, by use of shallow DOF, the image reinforces your titular suggestion to focus on happiness. I think your ribbon is well-deserved. Too many voters here seem to believe that if they haven't seen a technique or idea before on DPC then it must be original/ better whereas it can often mean that the photographer looks further afield than DPC archives for inspiration.

Found Moment
by unknowndeath

Comment:
What a wonderful little spot - I love the bridge swooping across the water behind. He doesn't look overly relaxed - the pose may be a little forced - but I think the composition and setting are excellent.

You must let go, she´s gone
by helgi

Comment:
Like the unusual angle, the lines of the fence and the lighting.

"Taking it in"
by Sieruken7

Comment:
Beautiful! The tree provides a perfect frame AND the bench is also perfectly positioned. I wonder if positioning the man a little closer to position, so he's slightly larger within the overall image, would make him more obvious? Just a touch? This is superb! Will surely score well!

Letting Go Is A Journey That Never Ends
by flip89

Comment:
Beautiful! Simple, peaceful, sad but with an air of hope.

Rejection
by glenfoto

Comment:
Nice choice of location - and pose works very well.