A tear for my bleeding heart...
by Puckzzz

Comment:
Powerful image that definitely appeals to the emotions. I imagine it would have scored very well. Looks sinister and pure at the same time.

Starry, Starry Night in the Italian Alps
by levyj413

Comment:
Jeffrey,
I haven't commented before on this photo, but should have: it is breathtaking. No wonder you did so well in the free study! I wish you much luck in the other contests in which you entered this.

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
by JuliBoc

Comment:
What outstanding focus! Every time I try to capture one of these in the air, I get blur, but you pulled it off. My hat goes off to you :-) The butterfly looks sharp as a tack.

I think you made a great choice in keeping a lot of the natural background here, by the way. The composition works very well.

Elderberry Blossom
by JuliBoc

Comment:
Very pretty and simple, great exposure to avoid blown highlights on those whites! The contrast with the background really helps this photo pop.

Red-shouldered Hawk
by JuliBoc

Comment:
This is a great capture, but I agree it probably would not have passed the advanced editing test with the wing cloning. I was only able to tell because I take a ton of wildlife shots as well, and I suspected that thicker frame up top was due to cloning to finish out those wings.

It looks like you also may have been a little heavy-handed with the shadow/highlight tool here. Although I think it works very well on the hawk (his details are gorgeous), the sky looks a little washed out.

There is no doubt in my mind this will do well in the contest. You should be very proud of these outstanding photos!

Ibis in Cypres with Spanish Moss
by JuliBoc

Comment:
Very interesting framing with the Spanish moss (I find Spanish moss very difficult to photo well, by the way. I think you've done a good job here). I'm trying to decide if I would try a tighter crop on this - possibly - but I can see the rationale in showing the details in the Ibix's surrounding as well. One thing I might consider would be some work around his eye - a little dodging in center, then burning around the iris to make it stand out. Overall great 'environmental portrait'.

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
by JuliBoc

Comment:
Julianne,
I think this is a fantastic photo. It immediately stood out from the others in the thumbnail (I haven't had a chance yet to look closely at the rest yet). It is very sharp, has great bokeh, and a sense of natural framing in the leaves. I also like how the antennae are pointing in at the viewer - adds a personal touch to the photo, I think. Great job!

The Colonel
by siriuscutter

Comment:
This has got to be the most creative photo in this challenge. Where in the world did you find these? Or is it just one, reflected?

Breath's Entrance
by posthumous

Comment:
Shiesse, Don, I almost cost you that coveted brown! I gave you a 5 on this. But that placing - 198 out of 197 - is a stunt only a member of Team Suck could pull off. Congrats, my man!

Emergency exit
by Melethia

Comment:
Oh, Deb! I am so happy for you! Congratulations!!! This is a wonderful shot and this ribbon is richly deserved. The colors and shadow interplay are superb. My favorite part? This is obviously not overly photoshopped. I like it much better with the tree included.