the dog in the man
by jmritz

Comment:
Epic human landscape. So here's a Thumb in your eye!

cheeky
by Giles

Comment:
Excellent picture where the grain plays a supporting rather than dominating role. You've used a piccolo rather than a tuba, and so the effect is light, beautiful and melodious - rather than just a loud and dissonant fart. Thank you.

3
by RKT

Comment:
Good thought you had to use grain in a context where perfection of rendering is the norm. And to such very good effect, too! It's lovely. Thank you.

The cat who was enjoying the view, until I came along
by Neat

Comment:
Lovely, rebellious, anti-photography kind of photograph. What a relief! Thank you.

Transit Thought
by Magnumphotography

Comment:
Beautifully constructed picture. All the lines, smears and vapors make strange connections, as if we're seeing things here that are normally not visible. I'm moved to imagine a guardian angel in the form of a long-deceased grandmother, or something along those lines. And the oblivious fellow on the right is perfect; he's there, but this small scene is not for him. He doesn't even know it's happening. An absorbing photograph. Thank you.

The Awful Rowing toward God
by tnun

Comment:
Awwww, I didn't look at the Free Study till now, so I missed out on getting full surprise value for this gorgeous 3-dimensional-2-dimensional paradox. What a beautiful thing it is, and how perfect for the irreconcilable madness implied by the title. But at least now I can make my first approach to Anne Sexton full of an eager hunger. Thank you.

Edit to add:
In a recent forum thread posthumous reflected on the fact that, inter alia, the interaction between title and image was often an opportunity for experiencing a heightened appreciation. This picture and title is a signal example of that. There are many folks who insist that every photograph must be able to stand without its title, presumably taking the view that a 'proper' photograph needs no words to achieve its potential. This picture exposes that view for the dismal bloody defeatism that it is. Without the titular nudge, it's an interesting and lovely thing. With it, the veil is lifted and the viewer is irresistibly invited inside.

Message edited by author 2011-11-10 00:17:38.

The Fall of the House of Usher
by mariuca

Comment:
Beautiful, complex and absorbing. And, for all of its apparent simplicity, a very sophisticated vision. 7. Thank you.

the cask of amontillado
by posthumous

Comment:
This is my top choice. Lovely, thoughtful (it's beautifully conceived, and executed with uncommon restraint), and just wonderful depth of imagery & rich with quiet symbolism. It's just superb. 10. Thank you, and please accept an "Order of the Thumb' which, together with just 5 bucks in cash, will entitle you to a cup of coffee.

Alone
by MAK

Comment:
Beautiful. The curled toes are especially inspired. Top three for me, which means you must now carry the awful burden of an 'Order of the Thumb'. Sorry for you! But thanks for a lovely photograph.

"Dreams"
by Neat

Comment:
The inversion is the thing here. Plus there's just enough of everything, not too much of anything. 7. Thank you.