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.

Billings Farm (Woodstock)
by melismatica

Comment:
I can understand why you are drawn to this shot as your fave for 2006. It has an ethereal, other-worldly feel that is captivating. Roads to some unknown destination, when captured thoughtfully, always make the viewer want to follow. A couple of minor points - I think the horizon, slightly tilted to right, probably cost you some points. I also think the water on the pavement could be toned down just a touch - but that is an artistic call, and just something I might try. Again, fabulous photo. Love it.

In the studio
by sickdog

Comment:
Chris,
This is extra cool. I agree you should put the story in the comments section. I like the angle, graininess, and obvious candid expressions. So much more interesting than a staid portrait.

Suniferous
by posthumous

Comment:
What a great job of capturing light and smoke together, filtering through trees. Gives a feeling of depth, and a lot of movement in those lines. Might like to see it in a simple frame to help it pop.

It's all in the eye
by Brookied

Comment:
Darren,
Congrats on that killer score! My new goal is to hit 6.5, and you beat me to the punch. Good on ya mate, as I believe your countryman say? Please forgive me if I erroneously borrowed that expression. The sentiment remains the same: super score on an intriguing photo. One of the few instances of someone pulling off selective desat without a lot of backlash. And BTW - look at that average from the commenters! You've got a fan club! :-)

"One cannot look upon nature without being reminded of something peculiar and beautiful"
by quiet_observation

Comment:
Even as I voted, I was reminded of Melethia's abstract pigeons, but thought it surely was a coincidence manufactured by my pointy little brain. But no - it was intentional, after all! Frankly the two photos would look excellent hanging in tandem in a little gallery somewhere. Deb's reminds me of whirling bits of Swedish glass, and yours reminds me of flying pieces of bronze and gold. It's the contrast in seeming weight and heft that make these two photos so interesting to me on a side-by-side basis. Anyway, love them both.

Froggy
by Kelli

Comment:
I was quite taken with this shot - I love the sense of the frog curled up in all that green - it gives me a cozy feeling for some reason. I think this is a very good photo indeed, just a very tough challenge. You should be proud of a great capture like this!