The Residence
by AP

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 8/6/6
Composition/perspective/manner: 6/7/7
Aesthetics/Technical:6/6
Presentation: 6
Total: 6.4
Vote: 7

Remarks: I voted 7 instead of simply rounding the number, as I usually do. To my sense, the given aesthetics could be perceived as either gorgeous or horrific in a Hadean sort of way, but stunning in any case, which renders any specific value entered here somewhat meaningless.

Both the near-aerial perspective and grandiose manner appear to have been dictated by the monolithic mass of the central subject. Compositionally, the image is top-heavy -not a bad thing, perhaps, when the main POI is depicted as if floating on molten lava.

Bruegel's winter in Minnesota
by LevT

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 6/7/7
Composition/perspective/manner: 7/7/6
Aesthetics/Technical:7/6
Presentation: 6
Total: 6.6
Vote: 7

Remarks: I can't think of any ways to improve on this aptly titled reminiscence other than having had the cars towed and the snow re-raked. And, perhaps, it is the inclusion of contemporary artifacts in the picture that remind us that even enduring works can be enjoyed with irrepressible freshness.

Cinco De Mayo dancers
by kandykarml

Comment:
As can be easily seen from the comments and challenge score, it's an appealing image. There's motion, a discernible diagonal (the flowing dresses), real feet with ankles and toes and an expressive human face in the middle that has anyone looking on. It's a fun shot, and as such, the tilt only helps it, IMO. I image this taken even closer to the central point of interest, the dancer's face, which would leave the external figures diminished to incidental parts. The blur would likely appear stronger, too, only adding to the pizazz with a little visual music.

Now, you could (play with curves in pp to) bring out those delicious whites and skin tones while darkening the ceiling and some of the wall, perhaps (to hide the fire extinguisher and fixtures), but this would, unfortunately, be controversial in Basic Editing. As I said already, it's a fun shot, and as such, I can appreciate and enjoy it as is. -What I'm thinking, quietly, to myself, is that an even better shot is hiding in the shadows.

Just A Hang Nail
by danderson107

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 6/4/6
Composition/perspective/manner: 6/6/6
Aesthetics/Technical:6/6
Presentation: 4
Total: 5.6
Vote: 6

Remarks: What I admire most is the intricate craftsmanship and material selection invested in the knot. This, to me, is more humourous than any concept. The bent nail (among the spectators), while an effective variation, also works well as a kind of delayed pointe. The well-tempered lighting and the subtractive aesthetics provide an ideal context for the intended pun. Unfortunately, to my sense, the title is too mild and explanatory to, still, charge the image further. While not earth-moving, Hangnail (one word), without the Just as would be better, IMO.

One Nice Morning
by Dufus

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 6/6/6
Composition/perspective/manner: 5/7/6
Aesthetics/Technical: 7/6
Presentation: 6
Total: 6.1
Vote: 6

Remarks: From an old shell to the snow-capped mountains: "The world's askew, but my changing is constant."

piping light
by tase

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 7/6/6
Composition/perspective/manner: 6/6/6
Aesthetics/Technical: 6/6
Presentation: 5
Total: 6
Vote: 6

Remarks: I have no idea what this is (a good thing/I've seen more than I care for). Neither can I tell whether the mystery is one or if it's an ambiguity achieved by effect(s). As a photographer, this would be something I'd like to avoid.

An "intrigue" would have similar connotations. And I'd "buy" the image (without any further explanation).

Ripples in the Sand
by AndyMac24

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 6/7/6
Composition/perspective/manner: 6/6/7
Aesthetics/Technical: 7/6
Presentation: 5
Total: 6.2
Vote: 6

Remarks: This is an immensely and, I think, universally appealing image. The pattern and interest in the upper (background) section is well enough established to consider the composition appropriate and apt.

Being somewhat familiar with photographing similar scenes under similar conditions, I can appreciate the chosen exposure for proliferating the shadows. The myriad highlights (reflected from the sand), however, make for a slightly harsh and gritty texture, especially when sharpened, which is fine at this resolution but likely challenge our appreciative ability at a much higher one. (?)

Binary System
by craigester

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 6/5/6
Composition/perspective/manner: 6/5/6
Aesthetics/Technical: 7/7
Presentation: 7
Total: 6.1
Vote: 6

Remarks: Clinical. Although the structure's inscription is almost worthy of a title, yours is better. The logo next to it, however, should identify both building and location. For prosperity and the unimpaired enjoyment of image and title, I'd consider cloning it out. Otherwise quite fitting.

p a p e r
by yanko

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 7/5/3
Composition/perspective/manner: 7/7/8
Aesthetics/Technical: 6/7
Presentation: 6
Total: 6.2
Vote: 6

Remarks: Variation is a wonderful thing when repetition is the theme. Here it just flows conically in- or declining, through the frame. What's striking is that the pattern is forever changing while maintaining a constant of shape and line (I suspect the foreground green outlines a curve too large to be contained by the margins).

The diagonal perspective is dynamically placed, too, against a measured rhythm of rush and recess. The (apparent} bouquet suggests a similar progression, sans the plastic relief of the fore- and middle grounds.

I converted the image to black and white (gradient map) to see if the colours provided a critical element. My impression was that it held its own, albeit intrinsically like cello in a jazz quartett. It did, however, loose the contemporary sense of the colour version.

The Traditionalist
by e301

Comment:
Energy/Range/Story: 6/7/7
Composition/perspective/manner: 7/6/6
Aesthetics/Technical: 6/6
Presentation: 7
Total: 6.4
Vote: 7

Remarks: The forte here, beyond the quiet amusement it may evoke, is how well the measured givens of the scene are integrated compositionally and aesthetically. This, to my sense and eye, is certainly more than what we'd expect from any found candid and better than a mere capture of (a) subject(s).

The nearly athletic back-bracing of the photographer portrayed here is reminiscent of an archer rather than that of a man with a small pocket camera taking in the sights. The contrast between this posture and any other one we would commonly associate with a man in the attire of the Hasidim is as taut as the imaginary bow he appears to span and just as surprising.

I increased my score of this entry to accommodate the amount of interest this entry stirred in me even after studying it for more than one hour.