The Gymnast
by vawendy

Comment by mariuca:
I never look at an image first to see if it met the challenge but this is just far from a being portrait, at least by any dictionary definition:

"portrait: a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders"

You definitely have an investment in the sitter - charming face by the way - but there are a few details that to me do not look right independently of the challenge (her left hand so bright and looking so big with the painted nails, the black engulfing part of her body...)
I gave it 4 and feel that I have to explain myself

The Gymnast
by vawendy

Comment by spencelg:
My favorite in this challenge.

The Gymnast
by vawendy

Comment by tanguera:
I wish there was more separation between the girl's legs and the bg.

The Nursery
by vawendy

Comment by roz:
gotta love a good wasp nest .. love the cells .. :)

Wishing for a Friend
by vawendy

Comment by digifotojo:
Fascinating image.. am curious how and where you shot this, maybe include some details.

Wishing for a Friend
by vawendy

Comment by roz:
another amazing and wonderful photo Wendy .. you really have such a great talent ..
congratulations on the ribbon .. :)

Wishing for a Friend
by vawendy

Comment by jomari:
Lovely photo, Wendy, beautifully composed. From a design point of view, I like the way the birds, for the most part, occupy their own panel, but importantly for the story aspect, they encroach upon 'the neighbourhood' and interact with the woman. Congrats on the ribbon.

Wishing for a Friend
by vawendy

Comment by Lydia:
You really have a way with birds (and neighborhoods!), Wendy!

Congratulations on your RIBBON!

Wishing for a Friend
by vawendy

Comment by IreneM:
Great shot well captured, Wendy.

Wishing for a Friend
by vawendy

Comment by tate:
I really appreciate this so much. Bummer that I didn't vote =(

The bird formation; the color; the simplicity combined with the somewhat bleak, rigid urban composition. It's a true "this is life" image where we see everything is man-made, cold, and yet somehow temporary - and we reach out for life, nature, beauty and the peace of other life-forms to make us a part of something that has some sort of meaning - perhaps the hand presents a small gift representing love, perhaps an apology for humanity - perhaps just a symbol of loneliness, as your title hints at.

Definitely a beauty and a big favorite.