A moment alone.
by Geocide

Comment:
A strongly expressive portrait which evokes more questions than answers, despite an apparent context.

The contradictory subject, while demonstrating reasonable comfort in his environment, radiates an intensity which betrays his casual gesture and overall demeanor. A haggard, unshaven appearance clad in shirt and fish-bone jacket suggest a gritty character both at ease and at odds with social conventions. The title does little to clarify either subject or the circumstances of the encounter. It does, instead, suggest a somewhat contained reaction to an intrusion on part of the photographer.

Yet, it is precisely via the contradictory nature and the tension conveyed in this well-timed capture, that it comes alive. The journalistic manner and close proximity of the photographer add both credibility and a certain kind of flair found among the best examples of the genre.

I value this photograph for a convincing realism and an oddly commoting quality I cannot define.

> 8

Final Passage
by ellamay

Comment:
A wonderful, accomplished macro without faults and an amazingly shallow depth of field, which provides both emphasis onto the crispness of focus and introduces a degree of ambiguity to the image. I take this as a plus and a charme, other may miss a context.

The unusual, obscuring perspective vs. the incredibly precise detail visible here conjures a dynamic into this photo, which is astounding with a subject that appears to be dead plant matter.

Examplary and commotive, quite unusual for the genre.

Found Moment
by unknowndeath

Comment:
If Michelangelo and Salvador Dali would collaborate, the result, I image, would look something like this. :-)

Despite some evidence of noise (sky, sand) and a slightly spongy focus (especially from the subject's toes to torso), this is a strong and profoundly satisfying image with a considerable range of interest.

The perspective givens of the photo reveal a classical balance reinforced by an s-curve along the line of view. The colours (especially the browns, greens and near-greys) are rich, boldly contrasted without squelching the tonal range where critical.

The subject's natural, almost meditative pose and focus are captured very credibly, while his physique correlates forces evident from the rubble of his immediate environment. The subject, via pose, expression, built and presence radiates a pensive confidence, which, IMHO, commands an existential interest beyond the pleasure of aesthetics that can be so easily had from this image.

The somewhat straightforward and, apparently, uncomplicated manner and treatment (by impression) of this shot provides great ease and access to what I consider a potentially complex interpretation.

I consider this a photograph of human value, in that it points out qualities of human existence rarely shown, i.e. the merits of dissociation. And it does this simply.

Adrift in a Shallow Field of Snow
by mariomel

Comment:
If I were pressed to criticize this wonderful photo, I'd wish for a less distinct background (greater DoF) and a greater expanse for the three invisible graces (or winter fairies) to view. I do feel the exposure is quite good considering the difficulty under such conditions. The blowing snow, undulating shadows as well as the brightly lit padding on top of the chairs, each, are poignantly there.

Overall, the capture is unique, alive with wind and air (despite the dead of winter) and artistically satisfying. It is one of my two favourite choices in this challenge. God help those who fail to be stirred by it. ;-)

Hoar Frost and Holly
by dsidwell

Comment:

Exquisite, simple, elegant, distinct, and -
critical for this genre- outstanding image quality.

Lonely
by loboz33

Comment:
A gorgeous shot, immaculately and sensitively rendered, which (o so unfortunately!) is presented with an extremely distracting border, redundant and, to my senses, inappropiate for such a fine image. The horizon suffers from a marked, albeit correctable, counter-clockwise tilt (which, oddly, contributes balance via the increased weight on the lower right of the image).

Yet, the filigrée lines, which outline and order this deliciously lighted, sepia-hued expanse, the leaning old tree with its wicker of branches, the, apparently, pure snow under a changeable sky, the minute distinctions...

are exquisite.
Everything one would expect from a great photo is here. It's undeniable faults are easily correctable.
Needless to say, to rate this entry is not an easy matter. ;-)

Spanish Pasture
by andywightman

Comment:
This is quite an unusual and lovely idyll and not a bad capture at all. This and the image of the climber (Isle of Skye) are a delight!

While the preference for a 'natural' feeling via minimal process is quite evident and clearly enjoyable, my senses would welcome some additional sharpening.

Dancing Alone
by ellamay

Comment:
The judges came before the guests could feast, ella. You have been mobbed.

grain.jpg
by cmangis

Comment:
Fine perspective, what a great natural world to explore.
Filigrée stems like longitudes and latidues.
Simple, light and airy.

I feel like a cicada.

" I don't have a garage"
by ellamay

Comment:
Priceless irony, wonderful shot. Did she sing to you or did you inflict her state?

In lieu of words > 9