Skyward Maple
by Mark

Comment:
Mark, I think you have a good start for this challenge. It would have also fit in the recent perspective challenge. A couple of things to try that may make the photo a little more dynamic:
- The main trunk branches out right in the centre of the photo. While the branches do help to take the eye out from the centre point, an off-centred orientation of the point might make a more pleasing composition. Maybe even combine that with a portrait layout instead of a landscape layout and see what you get.
- Try different lighting. For example, try early morning or near sunset for a warmer feeling photo. The other bonus to that might be a nicer contrasting colour for the sky. The lightin the way it is gives a bit of a washed out sky instead of an eye popping background.

As for the score, don't worry about the score. Ranking high is a great thing, but not the only thing. There are many factors to the score, including peoples perception of how a photo meets the challenge, photo quality and voter mood. Keep clickin'.

Yin Yang
by maryann

Comment:
Nice strong colours and I like the creative use of DOF.

Orange on Blue
by persimon

Comment:
I was thinking of doing this same thing ... in the same colours, but I got too lazy to figure out how to fold the bird. So, I really like the idea and the colours. I think I would have done the lighting a little different to reduce the shadow a bit. Nice composition.

More wine!
by dragor

Comment:
Jason, I really think this is a strong shot, and very creative. I would have thought that this would have ranked higher. I wonder if some didn't look hard enough and missed the reflection.

'Neath a Gerbera
by banmorn

Comment:
Rob, This is beautiful. I think I still prefer your architecture shots, but you have this style down!!! The focus and colour is great. I'm guessing that this will be seen elsewhere!!! Good job. Nice high finish.

No Worries (Sympathy)
by AP

Comment:
Ahhh, if life was actually this care free. Congrats on the top 10 finish!

Miss You
by mandyturner

Comment:
Congrats on the top 10 finish Mandy. I knew this was going to end up on the first page. Good work capturing the mood!!

Another Crappy Birthday!
by JayWalk

Comment:
Congrats on the top 10 finish. A humourous shot indeed. I know I wouldn't have the nerve to try this.

Sympathy
by sprite777

Comment:
Congrats Matthew on your first top 10 finish. This is very nice!

Be My Valentine
by alison05

Comment:
Congrats Alison on your 5th place finish. Good work.