The Boilermaker
by aimeethetoo

Comment:
Wow, this hurts my eyes as if I was actually watching a welder. I think you have done a good job on the exposure. The fact that you can actually see details on his mask and it is not too dark is impressive to me.

I honestly don't know why this didn't score a lot higher, but then, c'est la vie.

Fall Colors
by jfwolpert

Comment:
I really like the off centered composition. I think it add dynamics to the shot and interest. Also, I love the contrast between the blue and yellow. There' something kinda odd about the leaves to me though. It looks like they are lying flat instead of on a tree like you would "feel" like they should be.

Under the Weather
by scalvert

Comment:
Yep, those Christmas and birthday presents just keep getting bigger . .. :)

Bad Weather, Badlands
by tfarrell23

Comment:
Nice landscape! The clouds really add to this.

I Can Only Imagine...
by talj

Comment:
This shot finds its power in its simplicity I think. I could comment on the "technical" aspects, but, that, to me, devalues this shot, as it seems to be an emotional one.

I don't know a lot about you, other than what you have posted about your loss, but this shot seems to mirror that. The darkness is large in the shot, but yet is still overpowered by the light. There is hope, and it comes with the sunrise.

Another song I thought of when I saw this is one by Casting Crowns called "Praise Him in the Storm." A highschool classmate died of brain cancer in June (he was 35), and it just doesn't make sense. I think God understands when the darkness is so prevalent that all we can do is "hope" that we are hanging on. And, while he is crying with us, He doesn't want us to turn away from him, but I think He understands that that is how we feel.

On another thought -- I wonder if Moses had stood where you were? i would love to visit Egypt, and the middle east in general, just to see the "history" that lives there.

Anyway, thanks for sharing the picture with me. I hope what I said made some sense.

Here are the lyrics for "Praise Him in the Storm"

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

SP2-Day-21.Heartbroken
by idnic

Comment:
Awww man. I'm so sorry. But, yeah, life sucks sometimes. Hang in there. And thanks for showing us how "raw" life can be.

Holy Week
by Mambe

Comment:
I love the blues in this shot and think this is a great capture. Such an angelic looking little thing. Great work.

Aftermath
by morg002

Comment:
I love simple shots like this. The shallow depth of field really works for me to add interest. The *drab* colors help to reinforce the theme of rain, and sets a tone or mood for the shot.

The Apprentice
by scalvert

Comment:
I hope your daughters get some fantastic birthday/Christmas presents!!!!

You're my hero. :)

STRIKE!
by melismatica

Comment:
I didn't vote in this challenge, and you are right, the frog probably would have scored much higher, but I kinda like the quirkiness of this shot. Nirvana and bowling, who wudda guessed? :)