John Retallack, David as Santa. This strikes me as a technically perfect portrait in terms of composition and lighting, but being so obviously posed it somehow seems artificial. The _expression_ on David's face seems to suggest that he's hearing the photographer's instructions, but doesn't quite understand them. Or maybe he's feeling mildly annoyed at how long this sitting is taking.
D. L. Shipman, Cedar point Florida. There seems to be a compositional conflict here between the masses of white on the right, and the tree in the middle. The overall effect is that there isn't a single point of interest.
Thomas Barker, Frozen Bike. It seems contradictory, but there's something warm and pleasing on this snow-encrusted thing. Nice textures and colors, especially the small grace notes of yellow on the seat.
Yoram Gelman, Geese and Gull. Maybe these birds are waiting for their ship to come in. The sense of expectation is strong. Any day now. For sure.
Rene M. Hales, Stepping out of the void. I'm drawn to this image, it grabs me. The gritty texture on the left is like a concrete wall, which morphs into what I presume is a girl's left eye, and then she's transformed into something that looks like the foot of a rooster or a crow. This could represent a woman's descent into madness, or it might be simply a strange dream. So many interpretive possibilities!
Don Roberts, Shinto Wedding. The only person who appears to be mildly enjoying this parade is the bride. The rest of the party seem glum, bored. For those reasons--were the image mine--I'd toss it into the out-take pile, and look for something with more life and interest.Â
Dan Mitchell, Winter Visitor. What takes this out of the banal squirell category is the turbulent whirlpool effect of the nut-seeker's tail against the corresponding greenery in the background. Very lively, very cute.ÂÂÂ
Katerina Kitaeva, Apocalypse. The enormous weight of Russian history is here shown in a visual shorthand. Those who have suffered and survived war acquire a language we comfortable civilians will never understand. The girl appears to be ahead in the game of checkers, symbolic of hope. She may indeed win.
Emily L. Ferguson, Where's The Fire? Subtle, muted warmth. A nice effect.
