Pencils
by Mitonski

Comment:
I think it's cool that you redid the shot (or at least the post processing. I've done that with a few of my photos and its true--I learned a lot, too. Isolating the pencils works for me. It has more clarity in terms of knowing what we should look at. Nice work Alan! I still wonder though...why did you include the coffee cup? If you wanted that element, it may still work to put it in here . . . somewhere. Another thought: put links to both versions in the Forums and see what others think. I'm just one guy with weird ideas!

Unfurled
by jillz

Comment:
Well, I happen to like the stalk on the left, which adds a certain feeling of the randomness of nature to the image (no offense, Karen!), especially combined with the other out of focus shapes and lines in your effective background. This works well to me because your image is so off center, and this leads my thoughts and assumptions beyond the frame of the image and into its world beyond, so I don't mind seeing extra shapes and lines because they give me more clues to the world of the photo. I love the shape of the iris, and the lines it creates, but I wish it had sharper focus--those lines on the iris, IMHO, should be clear and sharp as a tack. So this is a very nice photo with a soft, gentle feel to it. Nice emotions!

CC twice! You lucky gal!

Hope to see more of your good work in the future!

David

Exhibit A
by Annida

Comment:
I'm puzzled, but that's the point, right? Very intriguing lines and textures. Well lit.

...
by kosmikkreeper

Comment:
Oh man, how depressing! I love it. Nice tilt of the camera! Lighting and focus are superb. 9

Bountiful Temple
by Yomi

Comment:
I wonder if folks didn't realize that Bountiful is the name of a city? This should have done much better, Jeremy. If they thought it was just an adjective that started with B...

Busy Bees
by jerrft

Comment:
You must have been busy as a bee to get this shot! Congrats on your ribbon!

Battle for the Ball
by arnit

Comment:
Oh yeah! Good photography wins again--with a creative approach to the challenge. Nice work and congratulations!

Bugophobia
by Shiiizzzam

Comment:
This year especially-these guys are getting huge! My friend in Kansas says he found one 8 inches long! Now that's fish bait! Congrats on a super image!

boyfriend!
by sanandan

Comment:
Marvelous compositoin and candid capture make this photo soar for me. 9

Blue Skies, Beach Sand - Colorado Sand Dunes
by K-Rob

Comment:
Cool point of view and I love the camera tilt. Contrasts and colors are SOOO nice here. 10