Intelligent Design
by Army of nOne

Comment:
I dislike macros, but I can't dislike this. It has a remarkable beauty that derives partly from the jewel-like structure of the subject, and partly from your masterful treatment and understanding of it. It's good to see an insect shot that is more than a tribute to the skill of the lens maker. 8.

Harley fan
by GinaRothfels

Comment:
"Best Portrait in Challenge" prize from me. Wonderful subject, and beautifully executed photograph. I'm no expert on this subject, but I believe that the tonal control here is masterful. As I look at it, I can see all the nearly-suppressed detail in the hair and background, but if I tilt my monitor a little then all that detail is swallowed up, and the character of the portrait changes astonishingly. I actually prefer this second, more minimalist version, but either way it's a terrific work. 8.

Charging...
by Elmakias

Comment:
Terrific photograph. A wonderful illustration of how the simplest ideas can be the strongest. Especially when they are executed with this level of confidence. 9.

Tricks
by Pixelstate

Comment:
Really terrific image. Everything that is the picture is there, everything that's not is not. 9.

Nowhere
by Troll

Comment:
The best landscape in the challenge. Beautiful combination of forms, textures and colours. Plus there's the wonderful echo of a "sleeping woman". 9.

Memories of Summer
by jimmythefish

Comment:
Best B&W in the challenge, no question. Meticulous in every detail, from composition to processing. It's a beautiful, evocative tribute to summer holidays. It has a pure, even distilled look to it ... a lovely work. 9.

Loneliness
by Painiel

Comment:
A thoughtful photograph that challenges the viewer. The imagery is absolutely brilliant ... unambiguous, but nevertheless leaving some work for the viewer's imagination (so good to be permitted to be a participant in the work, rather than just a spectator). It would be easy to have slipped into self-indulgence with this theme (especially as the photographer is probably a younger person), but you have avoided that. It's a mature and intelligent image. 10.

Poster Girl
by mrmorris

Comment:
Sensational street photograph. It has the combination of wit and whimsy that characterises the very best examples of that genre. The contribution of every element (the poster, the girl, the guy, and the trio at right) is so perfect that it's hard to believe it wasn't staged ... but I'm sure it wasn't. It's also technically excellent, not that that matters a damn in this case. Anyone who cannot get at least a couple of minutes of entertainment and stimulation from this is brain dead. 10.

Moth in the Window
by stare_at_the_sun

Comment:
Without question the best photograph of an insect I've seen at DPC. Instead of the usual tedious entomological super-detail, it actually says something about the moth. It's also a very beautiful, artistic image. 9.

truro-motels-IMG_1577.jpg
by Bear_Music

Comment:
Bear, I am reminded of the winter marsh cabin. Same elegance through understatement. But this one is even better because the cabins form a gentle parody of a suburban street. The cheerful uniformity, the hint of anthropomorphism hidden in the facades, and the immaculately groomed "grounds", completes the illusion of an idealised suburbia. All of this prepares the restless viewer to sooner or later begin to wonder about the rock at front right. The only significant organic form in sight ... its presence must speak of a quiet non-conformist residing at Number 1. As for the big chevron of fresh asphalt, I don't know what it might mean, but I've tried to visualise the scene without it, and my conclusion is that I'm glad that it's there. It establishes a theatrical feel that I like. The light is sublime, naturally. I'm guessing this is the old Nikon ... it has a whiff of that lens.