Crystal Drops
by KristjanUnnar

Comment:
I wondered how many would interpret the theme this way. The title was what clued me in that this was your interpretive take, and it was a risky way to go, but the image itself is quite balanced and lovely. I continue to admire your handling of color--especially blues and reds.

Holly Leaves
by MaryO

Comment:
The glow processing works for me. Somehow, I think it actually makes the sharpness of the holly more palpable while also highlighting how attractive the plant is overall. Nice work.

fierce
by PennyStreet

Comment:
A wonderful companion to Tom's piece for this challenge. I rather love both.

IMG_3782DP
by fisherfoto

Comment:
Underrated, I think. I find this to be an incredibly winsome composition that is thematically perfect. It was a challenge favorite for me.

If it were me, I might try experimenting with a slightly "lighter/brighter/cooler" color toning to see if I could lose some of the yellow overcast and really make the colors pop a bit more. But it had no impact on my scoring of this image.

o u c h
by glad2badad

Comment:
See my comments on Nikki's piece. They apply here as well. Very nice composition.

claws of the agave
by tvsometime

Comment:
Awesome work with this one, Tom. Shots like this keep making me want to try to eventually get something compelling with agave plants. It's quite elusive!

Line, Sharply Drawn
by nam

Comment:
I loved this one. Considered trying something similar myself, but glad I didn't. It would never have turned out this compelling.

Don't Mess With Me!
by Refocused

Comment:
Awesome work, as always! Congrats on a well-deserved top three!

Honing the Edge
by markwiley

Comment:
Super well-deserved blue ribbon here. Thematically, technically, and more--just a cut above the rest. Pun intended, of course. ;-)

May #3 - Grebe
by hajeka

Comment:
Gorgeous, documentary-quality shot.