WINNERS - 97th Show and Tell Competition

[seeannimage]

I watched, observed and thought about each entry all week long. While I initially really thought the choice might be “easy”, it was not. Many of your entries made me re-examine what an abstract image is about and why an abstract image is made.

With photography we are sometimes limited to reality and documenting of things (except of course, when we seriously render them). We are at a loss sometimes, to express how we really feel about a subject. Abstractions are one of the ways we, as photographers can emote; and can appeal to the primeval instincts in all of us.

This has been a wonderful learning experience. The entries chosen here, in no way should reflect on those NOT chosen.
There really were a lot of excellent submissions!
Thank you for taking the time to choose an image and trustfully submit it.


Honorable mentions:

Chuck Maceda “Someone’s Absent”


Peter Stubley - Pstubley “Dewdrops”


Hiero - Jeroen Bosman – “Piano Grande, Italia”


Aldeca “Mist and Fog”


Eric_Herbelin – “Tribute to the Elders”


Michael Burlak – “Snow Abstracts. Blue”


Marisa D.L. – “The Fairies Pond”


Slowboat – David Pitcher – “Muscular Sand”


Noel Saratan “Fern Leaf Shadows”



AND
THE WINNERS:

THIRD:

Nick Vivian – “Frozen in Time”


The leaf encased in crisp, clean ice looking up to the sky first drew my attention. The contrasting colors, contrast in focus, and the contrast in viewpoints were so well done. Then I started seeing symmetry in shapes of the leaf, ice and clouds, those extra little things helped me pick this image.


SECOND PLACE:
S Robertson “Nature in Monochrome”


This image for me, is all about use of the graphic elements and of symbolism. Symbolism is a very effective form of communication for any image, and has special significance in abstracts.

My impressions: the circle of life, sliced by reality of the diagonally placed stem. Hopes and dreams strongly represented by diagonal light and shadow, complimented by the DOF. This is a strong, brilliant image.


FIRST PLACE:
Enrico Martinuzzi –Drops on Swan”


This was my choice overall of the 3 top images, because it came the closest to what an image of any kind should do– regardless of subject matter – it attaches itself to your psyche.

This image has so many subtle elements that were so right.
The soft, light and shadow created intimacy and shapes; while the soft, gentle texture captured the essence of subject. I love the teeny water droplets and the minimalist colors. Showing the head as a counterbalance of tone and shape, leads the eyes downward to the substance of this winner.

Enrico, congratulations! You have the honor of hosting the 98th Show and Tell competition, so have fun!

[dominiccantin]

Congrats Enrico and others too

Dom

[mardoli]

It was a very accurate selection and subtle choice, Ann.
I fully agree with your views about the winner,
an excellent photo and all my congratulations to Enrico.

I’m obviously very glad that you have liked one of my photos as well.

Marisa

[nickviv]

gr8 competition... tough judging !

I took a number of versions of "frozen in time" as I lay on a frozen rock holding the ice sheet up with a rapidly freezing hand... tks for the placing, makes it worth it.

[ee66]

Thanks Ann!
It must have been difficult as there were so many great shots...

I will post the new subject sooner.

Cheers

E.

[michaelburlakphotography]

Thanks for the Honorable Mention!
Congratulation to all the winners!

[eric_herbelin]

Thank You!