OK, it was tough, but I came up with winners for this week's challenge. First I have to say, it wasn't easy. There were some great entries. Second, anyone who has visited my galleries knows that as a general rule, I don't shoot people. So I was surpised at myself for how much I was drawn to the candid portraits that were entered. Well without further discussion, here we go.
Honorable mentions in no particular order:
A shot from Antelope Canyon submitted by Sandy Whitteker. Great shot of what has become an iconic location among photographers.
Dennis Camp submitted this shot of Custer. OK I've got a soft spot for dogs but this is well done with the fisheye perspective. You can see how close the dog is to the shooter's feet looking up with that expressive face.
This one is from Margaret Lew. Great job of coming up with a different view of two iconic images in one shot, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.
Paris, definately Paris, Maaike Huizer captured it in this simple streetside scene.
This canal scene submitted by Robin Lew is really well done. Great composition with the canal angling through the frame.
Jim Smith submitted this one. Great shot that could represent where the United States or indeed mankind currently stands. Our lives are so dependent on energy and we are in transition from the use of oil to more earth friendly, sustainable sources like the wind. Well composed image.
OK, like I said I surprised myself that I settled on photos of people but these are the ones that grabbed me the most.
Third place, submitted by Jojie Alcantara, this is really a great photo. The lines of experience, the jewelery that no doubt means so much to the wearer, and of course the eyes looking off at what, distance memories? From a technical standpoint, well composed and great colors.
Second place, Marisa's chesnut vendor. I hope you didn't get smacked in the head for this one...
And finally, first place goes to elstan for this photo of a young lady creating sidewalk art. This one could simply be titled "The Artist". I suspect it very well reflects this person's personality. Technically it is well composed with the placement of the art in the frame so that the artist and her work equally share the space. Well done and take it away elstan.