First Crocus of Spring
by Citadel

Comment by sulamk:
lovely soft floer but there is too much space to the right

"Holgafied" Holga
by Citadel

Comment by Moose408:
Image is a little too soft

"Holgafied" Holga
by Citadel

Comment by rob_smith:
Not sharp enough.

"Holgafied" Holga
by Citadel

Comment by Jaker:
Great job recreating the "Holga" look. I'll be checking back to see how many "dark and blurry" comments you get. 9

"Holgafied" Holga
by Citadel

Comment by Jammur:
A week late for soft focus...... nice job of recreating the look.

First Crocus of Spring
by Citadel

Comment by ELLIPS:
Excellent. Conveys perfectly a feeling of cold, wind, fragility. Nice pastel colors and harmonious composition - a little regret for the bright white lines, one too much. Still superb.

"Holgafied" Holga
by Citadel

Comment by SaraR:
You have certainly captured the esence of Holga here - a more interesting back/goreground would have generated a higher score from me though.

"Holgafied" Holga
by Citadel

Comment by tpbremer:
now, I'm guessing by the title that this is purposfully out of focus, odd contrast and hints of light leaks.... if not, then it could use work cleaning it up. Unfortunately for you, I bet most voters will not get it.

First Crocus of Spring
by Citadel

Comment by photosmart:
nice picture, but I see minor distractions

First Crocus of Spring
by Citadel

Comment by Awakening:
This is I think my favorite in this challenge. 10

The technical merits are many, but since I'm poorly qualified to judge them I will relate my subjective impressions.

This blossom evokes in me a mixture of love, admiration, and pity. It is alone and vulnerable, yet enshrouded by some mysterious ethereal veil. It does not boldly proclaim its glory, but has intrinsic beauty, of which it is childishly and mercifully unaware. It is blissfully dependent on its maker for the short period of perfect natural balance in which it must live. One hot day, one summer wind, and it will be gone forever, unless by it's charms it captures your fascination and focus.

Here is the verse I would use to caption this, say on a calendar, or in a framed photo:

"All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
But the word of the Lord endures forever."
1 Peter 1:24-25