PBase

So, I do indeed have a tough choice to make. As a result, I have learned a bit more about what I think of as beautifully simple. There were some very fine entries that don't fit my arbitrary notions, and there were some that I would not have expected to fit, but turned out to. And when I went to comment on some of my favorites, I noted I had already commented on some of them: at least I am consistent

But I have to pick a winner, so here goes:

Honorable mentions:

I love Brad's cropped portrait (and especially the story behind it). Very nice light, and definitely expressive. I find the focus a little soft, though. It is the sense of light and the tight cropping that makes it qualify as beautifully simple (I claim).


John's street scene from Portugal is stunning: beautifully sharp, and awesome tonal range, but, while it is peaceful, there is a little too much going on for it to be "beautifully simple" (but I like it so much, I gave it an HM anyways):


Bernd's image of the couple on the beach definitely qualifies as beautifully simple, and has also tells a story. I like the antique feel as well:


Nick's footprint is another one I enjoyed:


Third place:
There were a few foot-related entries, where the crop focused on feet. My favorite is M Hauss' Relax. The composition is excellent and there is a great sense of story:


Second place:
Walter's shot of the pier in the fog is spectacular: there is a simple geometric feel to it, and great light and tonal range. The composition draws the viewer into the image.


And the winner:

I found myself constantly coming back to Kirsten's high key portrait. I had not expected portraits to fit, but the high key treatment takes away many of the distracting details, leaving a nice sense of light and those incredible eyes.


Thanks to everyone for participating: I really enjoyed the opportunity to look carefully at all of your entries. I pass the torch to you, Kirsten!

Peter

Very nice contest Peter and great selection of winners! Congratulations to Kirstenmary and all of the other winners!!!!

thanks for the mention... some really great entries...

All good choices Peter, congrats to the winners.

Wow, third place! Thank you very much and congrats to the other winners

Thank you so much!!! I am honored! I will have a new contest up this afternoon!

Congratulations Kirsten and other winners - great competition Peter!

Congrats to the winners.

Neat contest with lots of inspiration! Congratulations to the winners!

Thanks for Second Place Peter. There were a lot of great submissions this time. "Beautifully simple in black and white" was good choice.