The Sapling
by Brad

Comment:
A truly exceptional shot. The way you've desaturated has created a sky with beautiful dark tones that contrasts perfectly with the model's bright sunlit clothes and hat. This is nearly perfect. My absolute favorite for the challenge. Bumping to 10.

Captain George Highlighted.
by graphicfunk

Comment:
Dan, I've been going through your portfolio and had to stop and comment on this shot. What a masterful capture. Reading in your comments how you were trying to recreate a particular moment makes it even more special. Keep writing about your photos. I always learn something from you.

Light at the End of . . .
by Kylie

Comment:
Quite apart from the requirements of the challenge, this is a wonderful photograph, one that I wish I had the imagination and the opportunity to capture. The golden light, the tones of the sky and the ground, the lights in the distance. Amazing work. Now, how does it meet the challenge? I'm frankly not sure I see your point in the title. The lone person walking in the distance adds an element of loneliness to the picture, but I just don't see where the hope theme comes in. In another challenge (patterns, vanishing point(!)), this photo would probably get an 8 or 9 from me, but because the challenge is hope, I have to ratchet it down a few notches.

He loves me...
by Alecia

Comment:
My favorite of the "he loves me" themed photos. The model is beautiful and the pose is perfect. I love the soft focus, grain, and muted tones. Very nicely done.

Hope and Pray
by DougPaz

Comment:
A beautifully expressive portrait. Powerful and emotional. Your angle of attack, crop and lighting are great choices. The crop is excellent. The frame is elegant and nonintrusive. The desat is perfect. Good job all around.

Hope for tolerance
by nico_blue

Comment:
Beautiful photo. It's amazing what can be expressed by viewing part of one eye. It's amazing that you had the vision to "see" this and then make it happen in your composition. Striking and powerful.

I hope it's a girl
by Natator

Comment:
Beautiful job. Brings back memories for me, which makes for a powerful photo. The expression on the man's face is perfectly captured, as is the body language between the two. Very beautiful, expressive photo. 8.

...for that first move.
by gorke

Comment:
Very strong idea. The postures and body language of the subjects speaks loudly. The composition of the scene is lovely too. Very strong entry.

Our hope for the future, our children.
by bobdaveant

Comment:
Of all the "children" entries into this challenge, this is my favorite by far. The crop and composition are very well done. You've caught a moment here, for sure.

Waiting for you
by Alexys

Comment:
An excellent portrait. The mood is powerfully felt. I'd like to see a more de-centered composition though, possibly with more negative space to the left, where she's looking.