Thanks to everyone who entered
Project 52-4-18 Subject - Forest, and it's great to have some new participants in P52 -- welcome, and come back often! Everyone posted excellent interpretations of the theme, so as always it's difficult to choose winners. I'll comment first in order of submission...
Tess/tessfully: You're making a study of blurred motion photos and this is a lovely example of the forest on your run. The lighting, the composition, the colors, and the smoky-streaky snow on the branches gives this abstract an etherial quality which I quite like, the essence of a forest in a way.
Norm/normhead: You've combined three of my favorites -- forests, hills, and a river -- for a well composed photo. The dusting of snow makes each tree stand out, and the carpet of snow draped over the riverbank rocks softens them in a pleasing way. I hope your cold passes quickly so you can enjoy being out IN the cold.
Tom/ramseybuckeye: A low sun, ephemeral pool, and bare limbs all speak of a forest in transition between seasons. I can just smell the rich woodland aroma and the wetness from snowmelt and rain. Well portrayed.
Torben/Zorglub: The textures and subtle colors really enhance your study of vines clinging to a tree trunk. A well composed and appealing photo which I enjoy very much.
Joe/jmschrei: The trail through this mixed stand pulls me right in and makes me want to linger to see what there is to see. Monochrome suits this winter scene and is well executed. This forest looks like a rich habitat, and that only enhances the attractiveness of the location and the photo.
Xjjohnno: What's a forest without residents? A sad place, that's what, but your shot of one of the forest's denizens shows that the place is thriving. Very pleasing bokeh of the woods around the bird -- a species of dove or pigeon? -- which provides him (her?) sustenance. Well done.
Arnie/Arn: I absolutely love the perspective in your photo, and have often thought about climbing trees to shoot the woods below. Your photo makes the path seem an organic part of the forest, and the cropping lends mystery -- makes me want to step into the photo and roam outside the boundaries. Very appealing.
John/Jools: Such a compelling setting and capture, John. The addition of the pine and willow(?) in the photo really enhances this shot of a forest. So does the dusting of snow, which emphasizes every limb and twig. Terrific shot.
And now for the time you've all been waiting for, the winners. As I said, it wasn't easy, but here goes:
Third Place: John/Jools for "Snowy Monday"
Second Place: Tess/tessfully for "Forest on the Run" (great title!)
First Place: Joe/jmschrei's "The Forest in Midwinter"
Thanks again to everyone for venturing out to shoot for this contest. Rep points all round!