wet dried roses
by imagesloyola

Comment:
Given the sheer bulk of irrelevant and horrific entries to this demanding challenge, I'm awarding extra points to this fitting image. The irony (and a fine one!), IMO, is more contextual than purely interpretative, which does make for an unusual artistic licence.

The photo itself (IMO) would not be able to stand on its own legs outside and beyond the confines of the challenge, both technically and aesthetically. Whatever the particular shortcomings (the extreme soft focus, a near-centred assymetry ((of composition)), actually serve a sense of irony. The idea, however, remains more dominant than the photo itself.

The simple, straightforward title awards a rare sincerity to this entry, which would make a highly unusual attribute to ironic intent.

I wish this image will not get entirely lost in the sea of cretins!

Dolphins
by jmritz

Comment:
Playful, humorous entry, apparently arranged to appeal to the cretin and one tuned to a finer sense. ;-)

The dolphins, particularly as a title, is precisely the kind of ironic filigree which, IMHO, renders the bulk of competing entries irrelevant.

A technically impeccable photo charged with an extreme and unusual topical attention.

Infinity
by Tarbini

Comment:
A little clichee, perhaps, but some things cannot be done often enough.

Very simple and clear image, boldly persuasive. Given the demanding finesse of the challenge topic, this capture does what the bulk of competing entries fails to do: it speaks for itself without any need for a title. The title chosen here only -charges- this fact.

Window Without A View
by backslash

Comment:
Now, what is a beautiful image like this doing in such company? Is the rose in hommage of the restaurator or to appease the hordes? My lonesome choice for blue.

The irony here is not only intact but also cordial. :-)

Photosynthesis
by zeuszen

Comment:
Thanks for all the comments and interest, everyone!

It's a straightforward, handheld macro of some sort of succulent outdoor plant (hey, I'm no botanist). What triggered my initial interest was the translucency of the leaves against the midday sun. In order to capture it, I knelt on the soil (my knees are still dirty from it) and pointed the camera diagonally upward, with the sun at approx. 90 degrees. I'm happy some of you liked this image. I, too, feel, I've been fortunate with this one.

PS: No equipment other than a # 2 ND on my camera was used.

Message edited by author 2003-09-27 22:45:03.

Pears in Wood Bowl
by DennisF

Comment:
Delicious, classic!

The natural colours and tones (ah, what lighting!) are captured impeccably. The arrangement is both simple and strong. The perspective is appropiately conservative and straightforward, encouranging an almost tactile exploration of the image. Due to subtle lighting, the crispness of the shallow dof may be missed by the hurried viewer.

There is no other entry that captivated me more than this one! Thank you.

[A minute note: the background texture (table surface?), although a gorgeous olive/umber, appears as if stained by brush, at one time, perhaps to achieve an antique look. It is the only remotely questionable ingredient in this otherwise so convincingly authentic capture.]

Krestyanka
by kiwiness

Comment:
No technical prowess here, but what a find! Wonderful humanity.

Dreams of a Nut - Absurd
by tarique

Comment:
A perfect photo, requiring a perfect title. "Absurd" alone, IMO, would be sufficient and stronger.

The use of of what appear to be 'commercially produced' props of the gift-shop variety may have a disconcerting effect on the creative purist while reserving a point of delight to the ironically inclined... ;-)

I need some rest...
by photoleon

Comment:
Like most, I'm a lil weary of having to sort one pet shot after the other. This one is not like the others. All I can say is ooh and ah...

What a gorgeous photograph ('cept for the lil teeny highlight at top left)! It's the management of light, especially, which impresses me here.

Taking a break
by Jean

Comment:
Not a stunning image, but a good snapshot.

A crisper focus, given the dof, would perhaps lead the eye better and proliferate the detail better, especially(from left to right) the doweled bench strut, flaked paint, rope holding the door(?) and fish.