Ballistic
by casualguy

Comment:
What a delight!

I cannot imagine another photograph that conveys so much within the narrow limits of this challenge. It is so searingly 'modern', it should render anyone's critical faculties obsolete...

The balance, especially top to bottom > black vs. lighted, is immaculaty 'tuned' as if dictated by the piece itself, as opposed to any rules derived from the outside... (in lieu of words). >10

Fountains Abbey
by BobsterLobster

Comment:
Although I find this image quite dark (leaving the eye preciously little textural detail to feast on), it remains one of the most striking ones in the challenge.

The chosen (or found) subject alone is without doubt worth more than a fleeting look. I like the simple adaption of the architectoral structure (i.e. the form of the arch) into the composition and the skillfull balancing of relative weight in the foregound (the expanse of the dark on the left vs. the but 'riveting' light inside the smaller, perspective gate as well as in the stepped up shutters toward the viewer). The light and the dark, again, are linked perfectly in respective one and two thirds, but this time leading the eye back instead forwards. Definitely a piece fit for exquisite pleasure 'and' study.

Thank you.

When all has been said and done
by jjbeguin

Comment:
I'm returning here after viewing all entries.
This remarkable photograph is my decided choice for blue ribbon.

It appeals to me very strongly, most of all for the human interest and the sense on the part of its author to 'see and freeze the moment' with such sensitivity and precision. The technical elements (the sensitive and sparse side light highlighting little more than is necessary, the eye-level perspective and 'conversational' distance, the composition dynamic 'left in' the picture by allowing for a wider shot etc.) given here are entirely subordinated to the 'gist and whole' of the picture, which, it appears, cannot be incidental.

The title is simple and poetically apt to a degree I would never expect in the context of this challenge.

I commend the photographer for such a rare 'transport'.

self portrait
by jkiolbasa

Comment:
This photo seems more concerned with psychology (from an art therapy point of view) than pure artistic merit.

Artistically (I'm not qualified to address the therapeutic), I would find this capture quite 'stark', almost drab, if it weren't for the near random arrangement and choice of fridge poetry magnets and the 'fleeting' placement of the 'sceam'. The colours, to me, communicate conflict, anger or despair, the authenticity of which I'm inclined to question, partly because of a light and 'easy' manner of the attached image (the screamer) and partly because of the playful or careless arrangement of words on the fridge door.

The composition, overall, is capable, IMO (rule of thirds), although I could imagine a slight shift in perspective for a minimally greater distance between image and door handle.

It hold, nevertheless, some interest.

To be one with nature
by arri

Comment:
What appeals to me about this portrait is the cool lighting, the natural hues and... the title. Particularly because of the title choice, I 'feel' that I might extract a sense of intent.

I would have loved to see the subject 'subordinated' to its environment, i.e. by increasing the focal distance (small figure - expansive greens) to emphasize an order of things. The shot, as is, also feels to me a little 'timid' with such 'partial' nudity. I would have preferred a bolder approach, which, considering the (given) integrity of the facial expression, would have made a powerful 'proliferation' of the title , and one in good taste as well.

"SELF Matter"
by tfarrell23

Comment:
Bold, ambitious!

The bold silhouette against the two (three?) converging/intersecting planes lends this shot a wonderful and luminous spatial quality. The treatment of the shadow (left and top) seems to vary significantly in the way it either 'steps' down (left bottom) and fades into the white in a much finer and more subtle manner and tonality (top and top right). The reasons for this remain ambiguous to me.

All in all, not your 'average' photograph. Thanks for having given me something to look at I don't see every day. Love the range and depth from flat to sublte detail and depth particularly.

> 8

a lengthy look
by ellamay

Comment:
The unassuming descriptive title stands out.

It is one elegant giraffe of an image you've found lying around here. The light, although obviously natural, truly 'radiates'. I wonder if this capture could have been improved on with the ground swept clean of leaves prior to taking this shot... > 5

Me, Myself & I
by jonpink

Comment:
Both subject ( interesting, appealing features) and manner (conservative framing/focal distance and subdued sharpness, side-lit, b & w)) make for a sensitive and very satisfying portrait.

Congratulations, also on your looks! ;-)

Hand on my heart
by Kavey

Comment:
All sensual, tastefully done.

Me-Myself
by justine

Comment:
I find this portrait difficult to rate and challenging to comment on.

What appeals to me most, really, is the subject. The unassuming approach and fairly straightforward (except for the very appropiate soft focus) rendering delivers features of remarkable beauty and conscious expression. If seasons had a face, I imagine, this one would suit them very well. It speaks, to me, of both joy and the trials of life.

> 9