Here we go. It is in my opinion that this is the finest collection of photos for one of these contests and many entries that are very good will go unmentioned here. It was very difficult for me to pick between the winner and 2nd place.
I will start with a selection of three honorable mention photos which are in no particular order.
Honorable mention
Chasp
Sunrise Through the Willows. I admire the reflection of the rays of sunlight and the detail in the shadows. Excellent!
Honorable Mention
Michael Prichett
Boy on Walden Pond. I like the composition here. It stirs the inner child in all of us. Living in a carefree world and the perfect skipping rock.
Honorable Mention
Susan T
Sunset at Sky Harbor Airport. I love the blood red tones here. This is what a sunset is all about. If the light pole was absent this photo would be in the running. Excellent capture.
3rd Place
Danny Barton
Sunrise in the Desert. This photo needs to be seen in a large size. I am impressed with the delicate detail of the brush and the shades and tones of the light. Nothing better than a sunset in the desert. Very well done.
2nd Place
Bryan Bennett
El Matador Beach Boiling Sea As I mentioned at the start of this, it was very hard to select between the 1st and 2nd place finishers. Both are excellent. Bryan has several excellent photos on his main page as well and should not be missed. The composition and sense of depth here are superb. You can almost hear the serf. Well done.
1st Place
Al Jones
Silhouetted Beech Trees in November. As I was judging this fine collection of photos I found myself time and again just fixated on this photo. It has such a beautiful simplicity to it. The composition is spot on and the tones are magnificent. I would be proud of this photo Al, its this weeks winner! Back across the pond to you now.