"The woods are lovely, dark and deep..."
by Bear_Music

Comment by bmartuch:
This has an evil feel to it. I love it. You should hang this on your wall at halloween.7

B L I Z Z A R D
by Bear_Music

Comment by cgino:
I love the curvature of the horizon and how the blowing grasses seem to follow the same curve. Looks very bleak and yet beautiful, the snow flakes add a nice touch of motion.

B L I Z Z A R D
by Bear_Music

Comment by ErinM:
This gives such a palpable sense of the forces of nature. Well done.

B L I Z Z A R D
by Bear_Music

Comment by trevytrev:
I can feel the wind whipping the side of my face as I view this shot. The curvature of the horizon only adds to the feeling that the wind from the blizzard is really causing everything in it's path to yield to it's power. Excellent picture, happy new year!

The Overpass
by Bear_Music

Comment by trevytrev:
It is strange that this shot is compelling but it does work. I have, on numerous occasions, taken shots like this while driving, never with my lensbaby(yet) and they always seem interesting to me. I agree with Julie that this is probably how most people see the everyday world around them, just a blur.

I Am My Work -- the Thorn that Weeps, & Holds the Sky Entire...
by Bear_Music

Comment by bspurgeon:
This is a wonderful photograph, and I'm intrigued by the use of it for a self-portrait. I was not around in 2005 to vote, but I'm sure I would have given it a 4, which is what I give to all technically sound, etc., photographs that don't meet my expectation of the challenge. Now if it was late at night, and I was enjoying a nice stout, then I would have stopped to consider why the photographer entered this photograph. So, I'm embarrassed to say that I would ordinarily considered this a DNMC. I think I will reconsider that practice. This a beautiful photograph, that in the context of an abstract self portrait, is contemplative and emotive. Well done. Cheers! Ben

B L I Z Z A R D
by Bear_Music

Comment by ubique:
Can't do that in Photoshop! Well, I suppose someone could, but wouldn't they feel a right plonker after they'd emerged from 2 hours at the keyboard only to see this, made by a dignified (if cold) old gent in 1/640 sec?

There's a lot I love about it, and nothing I don't. Perhaps I'll remark in particular about the way the horizon, the very earth itself, is being bent down before this tempest.

This is among the very best of LB images here, using selective focus to genuine purpose. I could look at it again, and for a long time too. And I will, because I am declaring it a fave and awarding it the Order of the Thumb:

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
by Bear_Music

Comment by Jedusi:
Good use of a lensbaby and very nice shot.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
by Bear_Music

Comment by krnodil:
Beautiful tunnel effect here, whisking us towards that lone figure. There's a bit of sadness and solitude in this dream.

B L I Z Z A R D
by Bear_Music

Comment by krnodil:
You get the feel of the wind and snow strongly here, probably accentuated by the LB bend effect.