Cardinal Bracing Against the Storm (National Geographic Challenge - Drake - 1/12-18/2004)
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by Bilberry:
I like this type of picture that tells a story. This bird has more important things to think about than having its portrait taken.

Windswept
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by Kylie:
This was one of my 10's. Below the radar I guess.

Windswept
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by damelzakelly:
nice.

Windswept
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by banmorn:
Very nice contrast between the foreground and background, good choice of location. Fine detail and I very much like the muted tones.

Windswept
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by Bilberry:
Great simple colour range.

Cardinal Bracing Against the Storm (National Geographic Challenge - Drake - 1/12-18/2004)
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by TLL061:
the orignal shot is one of my favorites , you did it justice 8

Cardinal Bracing Against the Storm (National Geographic Challenge - Drake - 1/12-18/2004)
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by Kylie:
I can't believe that lightning struck twice and we got to have this treat for the eyes twice! Wonderful, lush, exciting capture.

Cardinal Bracing Against the Storm (National Geographic Challenge - Drake - 1/12-18/2004)
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by ahaze:
Excellent!

Cardinal Bracing Against the Storm (National Geographic Challenge - Drake - 1/12-18/2004)
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by e301:
Either the most enormous luck, or the most enormous patience :-) Have you used a sharpening brush around the crest, and the eyes/beak area? The way that little grainy patches have emerged is a pity. For the same impact you'd need more snowflakes passing - but that really is taking the copying idea too far - but my point is that 'bracing aginst the snow storm' isn't communicated here as well as in the original. Hope that doesn't sound harsh judgement, but you have set yourself a very hard task here.

Cardinal Bracing Against the Storm (National Geographic Challenge - Drake - 1/12-18/2004)
by Judith Polakoff

Comment by Artifacts:
Personally, I think this one is better than the one that won. :)