Clearing Storm Inner City
by muur88

Comment:
I really loved this shot and came back to see how it did in the challenge (did not vote). Knew that it wouldn't score well with most voters, but sad to see it so low (now I regret not voting)! But, I'm very glad to see that some others felt as I did. It truly does capture a feeling, a place, a moment in time. It reminds me of an impressionist painting--they don't insult you with the details, they just let your mind wonder and wander. Love the lack (or apparent lack) of post-processing. Not sure why, but this struck a chord with me and that is what art is really about. Nice work.

American Bittern bokeh
by snaffles

Comment:
What a beautiful and natural photo (not over-enhanced, saturated, layered, masked, etc., etc., etc.) of a wonderful and unique natural behavior of a hard to see bird in its natural habitat. Congratulations! It's a perfect shot and I'm in awe of how you managed to get the eye of the bird perfectly in focus through the reeds. Would love to peel back that one blade and see the bird's face, but that is nature for you--the bird is doing his job well and it only leaves you curious for more.

Camouflaged
by Haneck

Comment:
Neat!

Man With Cane
by muur88

Comment:
This is a beautiful photo, but I wrestle with it meeting the rule of thirds. As a whole, the man pretty much takes up the whole center of the picture--but you could argue that his face and his cane are the photo's subjects and they are definitely in the thirds of the photograph. Hmmm....I'll think on it.

Shades of Green
by kris11

Comment:
Personally think it would be better without the border. Like how the natural surroundings mimic the bird's colors.

Leaf On The Deck
by clp1000

Comment:
My eyes get so tired of looking at all of these bright, saturated photos that one like this is a welcome repreive. Cool.

So gay a flower bereaved the mind
by posthumous

Comment:
Not that there's anything wrong with that :)

Expectation
by Zigomar

Comment:
I really like this one. I really love the dull earth tones. Interesting locale and great title...and meets challenge! Great photo!

Dragon
by lambie83

Comment:
Looks like it would be a neat photo if it were bigger. Or maybe it's just a weird crop. The background is a tough too grainy as well. Good try.

Waiting for a catch
by shadeeua

Comment:
Beautiful photo! Aren't these guys amazing? I've tried to capture similar subjects, but I can never get a background as nicely unfocused and with a beautiful hue such as this one. And, it meets the challenge! Happy days!