Given up
by oskar

Comment:
Chess photos are difficult to take effectively so that they grab the attention of non chess players. I think you succeeded very well here. The grain is effective in this situation.

The Horse of Fog
by UNCLEBRO

Comment:
Bumping from 7 to 8. Interesting optical illusion with the horse - keep double-checking to make sure it isn't real.

Fast Life, Short Life
by M_West

Comment:
This one certainly grabs attention. It is very well done.

And the wind take the thoughts away, to a journey without return
by onar

Comment:
Beautiful. Bumping from 7 to 8. The motion in the scarf really makes this special.

Windows at sunset
by flavioalima

Comment:
I think this is an exceedingly artistic photo. Love the simplicity. I can honestly see this one hanging in a gallery or even MOMA.

The Lighthouse
by salmiakki

Comment:
I really like the simplicity and small relative scale of the lighthouse here. I think the grain is quite effective in this photo.

white grainy noise
by korpen

Comment:
One of my faves in challenge. So simple, yet so effective.

Front Street
by charmayne

Comment:
Very cool. Almost looks like a combo of HDR and grain (realize you can't do HDR in basic). Great effect!

Days of Yesteryear
by 4trtone

Comment:
This is one of the stronger entries in this challenge IMO. I think the grain suits the subject well, and the sepia toning gives the feeling of an old postcard. Very well done!

Timeless union
by libitum

Comment:
This fits the challenge fine. The rock is certainly grainy, and the title carries the photo fairly well. However, I'm not sure it hold enough interest to make me want to learn more or to associate it with a story. Without an emotional element that speaks to me, I am forced to make a score decision based on technicals. The technicals seem okay, though a little flat. The full range of b/w tones aren't present, which knocks it down a little. The composition is neither strong nor weak. Not terrible, by any means, just not awe-inspiring for me (and please keep in mind, that is only me. Others may be blown away).