Opting for Flight
by Bear_Music

Comment by Bear_Music:
For those who said they "could not see a decision" here, and for the record, I crouched witht he camera trained on these gulls for nearly 15 minutes as they bickered and sparred with one another, until finally the one made the deision to take off and be done with it. The image is the actual instant when he implemented that decision. The "head down" pose is the giveaway, they drop their heads as they are lifting off.

Entering this was a no-brainer, as I had no other "decision" images from which to choose. In fact I had not intended to enter, but I was out shooting for "beauty" this particular dawn and this opportunity presented itself.

Thanx, all, for commenting.

R.

Opting for Flight
by Bear_Music

Comment by lentil:
nice one robert. :)

Clearing Storm, Dawn — Truro
by Bear_Music

Comment by samtrundle:
Hehehe... bear- This is a great shot - but I don't know that you've achieved your aim of showing beauty in the mundane (I recall from pre-challenge discussions). A beach at sunset is inherently beautiful :).

Whatever the case this is a really beautiful shot - I'm sure the 640 size doesn't do it justice.

Cheers

Anders

Opting for Flight
by Bear_Music

Comment by Arcanist:
The coloration of this image is beautiful. I like the choice of crop to position the birds and the levels of detail that remains in the dimming light. Even the border adds to the finesse. It is an image that should grace a wall.

That said, without the title, I would see no link to the concept or keyword of decision. Is the gull stretching the wings for flight or for balance or is it landing? I cannot rate this in the same category as the images that have told me a story of decision simply from the photo, however must give very high marks for interest level and technicals. A (4)

Opting for Flight
by Bear_Music

Comment by JunieMoon:
The light was very nice, but for me I am not seeing a decision.

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

Comment by dragonlady:
I don't know if you'll see this comment, but I just read the above comment concerning your self portrait, and for some reason I read it today.. a heck of long time afterward..but your words moved me to say that I agree with you..because I have experimented a lot with photographs and also perhaps because I paint, the urge to try different types of photos appeals to me...a lot of diversity from the norm is difficult here...people do not seem to see photographs as art in many cases; I like to use soft photos many times but I have been marked down harshly for use of soft images or unusual images, but it doesn't bother me, I pursue my own vision anyway..as you must pursue yours, but I am open minded about all forms of art...the photo you entered was indeed beautiful but perhaps people just aren't ready to see our minds, only our faces.

Reflections Through the Pines — Hinckley Pond
by Bear_Music

Comment by saracat:
The purply red just doesn't work for me. I would have preferred less intense, more natural colors. I like the clarity on the silhouettes.

Reflections Through the Pines — Hinckley Pond
by Bear_Music

Comment by JPR:
beautiful image. I feel the frame is a little too complex to be a frame, but it is gorgeous nontheless and I will give you a most excellent score. Oh, and I would have cloned out the branch sticking out on the bottom left. It's advanced editing so it's ok. I never think of doing things like that on my own photos until it's too late so I hope you don't mind the suggestion.

Clearing Storm, Dawn — Truro
by Bear_Music

Comment by elsapo:
This should have done even better! congrats on a beautiful image anyway ;)

Reflections Through the Pines — Hinckley Pond
by Bear_Music

Comment by muggle_girl:
stunning pic, would have been great for silhouette challenge