Mt. Timpanogos
by fifield

Comment:
Beautiful shot. I'm guessing some kind of lights to illuminate the rocks up front, and being a basic challenge, I'm not going to detract from the really bad blue hot pixel on the rock in front. Does seem to be a bit grainy in the sky and dark shadow of the mountain.

Late night sailing
by gthb

Comment:
I'm guessing that's the moon, and if it is, that is a fantastic shot. I love the silhouette. Good composition. I would probably crop it below the clouds, as the distance that they are separated from the main subject causes them to distract the attention away from the ship and moon which are the focus of the picture. Moon reflection on the water really adds to the picture. Great shot, 9 from me.

...as the night crawls in
by eyjo

Comment:
If this doesn't ribbon, I'm eating my hat. Seriously, the best photo in the challenge in my humble opinion. Location, reflections, symmetry, lights, perfect exposure, all add up to a blue ribbon. Wish I was there.

Daffodils, Washington State
by jbsmithana

Comment:
Just coming back to comment on this photo. To me, this is the best example of Ansel Adams like work. The contrast, the whole spectrum from black to white is there. My only minor nitpick to the picture is the tree intruding on the right side of the pciture. That is minor, but if it hadn't been there, this would be perfect. Still giving a 10, because this picture has drawn me back and seems like it should be in the ribbons or top 10.

Pathway to Pikes Peak
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
I think you hit the contrast and style just right. The two trees on the right just overpower the image and make it seem cluttered instead of clean. Maybe just one of them forming the right border and a square crop would make it seem better.

Plain Perspective
by Simonjw

Comment:
Simple, good lines, good photo

Ansel's Backyard
by love

Comment:
This is one gorgeous picture, from the textures, to the reflections, to the ducks, this has everything going for it. I think you got the exposure almost dead on, except for the one bright spot at the top of the tree, burn that just a little. Also, the twigs and stuff laying on the ground are a little cluttered and do not add to the picture, maybe a little site cleanup before taking the picture (bottom right corner). Even with saying that, I'm still giving this a 9. Good Shot!

Bismuth Crystal
by postoakinversion

Comment:
Fascinating shape on the crystal. Wish there was something in the picture to give me a sense of scale on it. I would also give it a tighter crop.

Lines,Shadows & Needles
by biggood53

Comment:
While the pattern is complex, there is nothing in the picture for me to really focus my eyes on, leaving a somewhat bland combnation of brown colors. Exposure is pretty much right on. It is difficult to get a lot of detail on digital shots that have a lot of intricate patterns (especially when you have to compress the shots), this means that the pinecones don't hold any interest except to make a person wonder if they are droppings or pine cones.

Aloft
by Brad

Comment:
Great lighting on this photo, but I think it leaves me wanting to see the boat itself, if not the whole thing, at least more of the prow.