As interesting as the "Is a Silhouette a subset of Backlighting or not?" is, it should have been done while the challenge is running. I think at the time of voting, all images are to be considered eligible and thus fit for voting. Therefore, my votes are as follows.
Be aware that my post includes open opinion. If you can't stand that or feel you might be influenced in your voting, just vote now and then decide whether you want to read my message.
Main Challenge:
1. (5 points):
Hopper
I like the composition and how the hopper is sharply in focus in front of this nice sunsettish sky.
2. (3 points):
Tea House
Not sure what fascinates me. The geometric shapes, certainly, no people (relax...) and the subdued but effective colours. Well done!
3. (1 point):
End of Days
Just two colours, but so powerful. The subject is in the centre, but still, it works. I like the "technical aperture" creating the rays.
Honourable mentions (not in order):
Dark Side of the Moon:
Let down in the challenge by too much lighting from the front, but stunning as a photo anyway.
Light Hay:
Could have been my winner, but those two people in the frame really destroy 95% of the mood for me.
The Runner:
Great idea and as you can imagine, I like the reduced colours, but it doesn't jump at me as the others did.
Samburu:
Very nice how the rays come down almost perpendicularly, but that motion blur is distracting and I'm not sure the fugure adds to the image in the first place. The light rays and the person are fighting for my attention. Had the person been lighted by one of those rays, then there'd be some connection. But as it is, these are two subjects in one frame for me.
Other comments:
Back Swing - What?
Candid Cutie - There's a difference between Candid and Voyeur, and this has little artistic merit, IMO.
Exhibition Gallery:
1. (5 points):
Glasses
Simplicity at its finest - I'm sure setting this up was a lot more difficult than my comment makes it sound. The sterile impact it has really is impressive.
2. (3 points):
Out of the fog
It's rough, it's noisy, it is overexposed, it is underexposed. But yet/thus this thing has an impact almost knocking me from my seat.
3. (1 point):
Tubed and Shopped
Great. Seems I have an addiction for reduced colour variation, huh? Perfect crop and exposure.
Honourable mentions (not in order):
Monumental
As someone said, hard to think of getting a better shot from this. The winding tree is great for sure. Whether it is backlighting is debateable, IMO. Had the title been "Monument", I'd say it isn't, had it been "Tree", I'd say yes...
On the Summit
Very very nice.
Caress
Very nice idea and greatly seen with a title that brings it to life. But IMO the focus is at the wrong spot and thus no points from me.
Cheers
Jens
--
'Well, 'Zooming with your feet' is usually a stupid thing as zoom rings are designed for hands.' (Me, 2006)
http://www.jensroesner.de/
--=! Condemning proprietary batteries since 1976 !=--
