I knew this was going to be hard as soon as I saw the first submissions get posted. There were so may images that I loved for so many reasons - Narrowing this down was a feat and I just had to go with my gut.
The images that made me say WOW.
The Honorable mentions are:
Lovely misty morning light, great composition -Thomas Dunn from Texas
Great eye, seeing this reflection. Well executed Maaike Huizer from the Netherlands
Unusual perspective, very creative and well done Brad Claypole from Canada
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Third Place - Pualo Calafate from Povoa de Varzim
Still cant figure this one out, its great I love it even though I have no idea which end is up
Second Place
Magical image capturing a moment in time with precision and artistry. The light on the bird and again in the reflected image is perfect. Tack sharp. Beautiful work!
Jim Smith who may be from Texas too
and...drum roll please
First place goes to Slkorolev from Moscow for this haunting image of the couple in the rain. Loved it when I saw it..the more I looked at it the more I loved and admired everything about it - The composition, the color, the mood, the leaves, even the placement of the feet giving the sense of movement into the frame. This image etched itself in by mind and I kept coming back to it over and over - Just lovely -Great work and good luck with the hosting the next contest!!
Wonderful to have Pbasers from all around the world sharing their images and work, what a pleasure and honor its been to host this contest - Thanks everyone.