I can tell you right away that this will be difficult, I've just glanced though and have see a lot of quality. Sometime I don't have a good entry on these challenges so I just through something in there to take up space and have an extra entry to make the others look better, give the judge an easy start to eliminate one. There are definitely none of those type photos.
mwilky55: I like this one, I like the way it's composed and the colors are great, almost a painterly effect. You managed to catch a classic full length portrait session in progress. I'd guess this is a better shot that the photographer in the picture is getting, at least more interesting. You initially had another ophoto up too, which was also quite good.
charliezap: A most excellent composition with the line of uniformed men forming the upper border of the frame, but since they are a little out of focus you know the photographer is the subject. I enjoy your dialog about Greg Mironchuk, but you can see that experience and personality in the photo, the gray hair gives his age away, as does the style and length, which adds some personality. The things sticking out of his coat pocket. I enjoyed the other photos too.
atupdate: This one is really interesting Tim, it looks as though the photographer just missed an opportunity, as she seems to be looking away from the camera. You chose an outstanding vantage point seeing some great curves and the faces of both subjects, all of the elements working together. A bonus that you defeated a pretty harsh light that is told only be the shadows.
mecrox: What a fun pic! I don't know if you just caught this or set it, but it's delightful and creative. I'm thinking I would like to see this in black and white too, maybe a high key. Using a wall for a background kept this uncluttered, nice choice.
mattb123: I could go on and on about this beautiful photo. The dramatic sky, the detail in the mountainside., the sunburst, the smooth rock foreground, and the silhouette of the photographer and friend, altogether it's amazing. Fantastic composition job, one where :breaking the rules" was necessary, and really a nice job on the exposure.
SpecialK: I agree with your dialog Kyle, well worth it. This vista would be a nice photo without the couple, but so much better with them. Nice details in the photo, even through the haze in the background.
sealonsf: This is a great find going though the parade to the other side of the street., Nice quickly done composing here, to include the performer's rear and the small flag, which lets you know what's going on. The subjhect photographer is interesting too, I just couldn't shoot steady in a stance like that.. Very colorful too, but what you expect from the 18-135.
rod_grant: I agree with you Rod, it's hilarious, but it's also a fantastic photo to show a slice of time, what will this look like 20 or 30 years from now? I wish I had come up with the selfie stick. I think I may start taking picture of every one of them I see.
noelcmn: Beautiful shot Noel, excellent colors and details, I love the detail in the foamy surf. I'm guessing he may have been in the surf after the next coule of waves.
Annie3410: Welcome to the forums! I'm glad to see a new forum member getting into the challenges, best place to share and have fun, and for me learn. Excellent photo, I really like the composition with your daughter on the move along those slightly diagonal lines, with that high step that just shows an energetic kid having fun. Some may not like that your Dad is cut off a little, but I think if you had included his whole body the girl would have been too much on the edge of the frame. I like the way you did it.
Hattifnatt: Very nice portrait of a pretty photographer. She really stands out with the OOF and hazy/foggy background. The color is excellent as is the light.
Sqideyes: Another pretty photographer pic! She actually looks to have better technique than many more "seasoned" photographers. Nice pic!
RollsUp: Very interesting photo because I ask myself, "what is he doing, what's the pole for" This is one of those photos that make you think, which I like, sometime I'll fing myself staring at them. I like that you include the horizon and those mysterious out of focus objects, but I like also that you included a lot of the rocky surface, and the balck and white gives it an historical look. Col shot!
Arjay Bee: What a beautiful and colorful fireworks photos. I believe a good fireworks pic always has a anchor, something to relate it to the ground or the viewer. The glow of the fireworks does a great job of illuminating the people to create interesting silhouettes. Thank for sharing the pic of you father and yourself!
And now for the judging, this was extremely difficult, all of the photos were good and all conveyed the challenge subject well.
The winning photo was taken by
mattb123, Well done!
2nd place to
SpecialK (Kyle)
3rd to
mecrox