My Own Prison
by aznym

Comment:
This has got some odd and unsettling aspects to it ... there's one or two strange perspective shifts in there that result in an image that insists on some serious attention and thought from the viewer. It's hard to know exactly how all the elements fit together, or if indeed they DO fit together. The impression created is of disjointedness and opression which, given your title, is likely exactly the impact you were intending. It's a very fine and challenging image, and well worth a few minutes' analysis. Hope it gets it! 9.

doing my night barn chores
by dragonlady

Comment:
Beautifully executed rich B&W ... actually I think it's a duotone? The composition is simple yet stylish, and the combination of shadows & highlights is almost theatrical (I mean that as a compliment). Love the details just visible in the stall on the right; the horse and the light on the bars above the door. The light source is nicely incorporated without overpowering the shot, and the multiple shadows in the lower right foreground are fascinating. Nice image. 9.

My Doorway
by Gatorguy

Comment:
This is a beautifully harmonious composition; the arrangement of the various elements establishes an odd combination of serenity and tension. The fact that the person's attention is directed outside the frame, in the same direction as the leading lines of the partly visible door bracing, seems to suggest wariness or at least watchfulness. Whereas the person's back leaned against the door frame implies security. These two almost contradictory concepts are elegantly combined in your photograph. Interesting and absorbing. 9.

The end is near...
by stare_at_the_sun

Comment:
Terrific apocalyptic vision. Especially love the HIGH VOLTAGE sign in combination with the overhead wires ... I can hear AC/DC quite clearly when I look at this image! The trio of lighted windows suggests some of the neighbours have shut themselves in, perhaps hoping to ride out the coming ultimate event. Anyway, it's great idea, and is composed, lighted and processed brilliantly. 10.

Mountain View of Beach & Ocean
by anthonyczaja

Comment:
Love this. The most intellectually and artistically adventurous image in the challenge. It's a terrific fusion of the abstract (mountain, beach and ocean) with the only too real-world & pedestrian (the feet). I applaud the choice of suitable footwear, and the alignment of the feet with the mountainsides. And to make it even more rewarding for the viewer, you've added the intrigue and interest of the shadow shapes. No option for me here; this is a 10!

Unbound
by Skip

Comment:
Such a pleasure to see your name with a ribbon nestled by it ... one of DPC's true gentlemen and leaders!

Journey
by Longreach

Comment:
Your score for this, with more than 150 votes of 5 or less, is a sad indictment of the dismal level of intellectual and imaginative capacity of most DPC voters. They could not possibly have objected to the technical quality of the image, because it is patently superb. Therefore, your poor showing can only be because these voters saw no connection with the challenge theme, and/or because it was not a sufficiently 'exciting' scene. Pitiful either way.

Puff
by aznym

Comment:
Well ... I should have guessed it was you Aznym! So much of your sublime work lives uncomfortably at DPC, like using a good malt whiskey to make a scotch & coke; sacrilege!

the wakeman signals the start of his watch (every evening since 1604)
by p2jvr

Comment:
Wow! He doesn't look a day over 250.

Towering Giant
by Dseale

Comment:
I've never been there, but I think this is a big arch in a southern US city? Is it St Louis? Anyway, it's terrific. The feeling you've created is of a celestial pathway; light and somehow insubstantial ... sort of 'other worldly'. I'm guessing the designer would approve of your photograph. I do, too.