This was an interesting round, I think it broke a record for me in the most number of photos selected on my first pass through the gallery! My first pass yielded 35 photos that caught my attention for one reason or another. That list is as follows:
Post# - Photog - Title
2 - PaulThomasMcKee - BIG BANG REDUX
3 - DRabbit - Quietly
8 - JFreeman - Mwa-Ha-Ha-Ha!
15 - urbanaries - easy like sunday morning
17 - jwear - bam
19 - HoofClix - Comet David!
22 - Greensquared - All Tuckered Out
31 - annnna8888 - End of day:
32 - bgaras2001 - Movie Night
33 - tsk1979 - iSoulation
36 - binghott - "rockin out."
37 - Dee - Celebration
38 - pemmett - It's a Pigs Life
43 - Xia_Ke - In The Heat Of The Night
44 - Tessa HD - Dog Days of Summer
57 - k2butter - "Effervescent"
60 - gundermann - A Gentle Threat
61 - davev - Ejection Seat
64 - quark - Resting
74 - Nikolai - Splash
75 - shatch - Orchestrated Display
79 - photogmomma - Love
81 - EnricoS - Fore!
85 - jeeepgirl - Water battle
87 - Harleycowgirl - Nature's Eruption
88 - jkenzie - Shop Dog
91 - snapstacks - SUNSPASM
93 - douglas - Reloading Components
98 - leaforte - Eyes of The Son
103 - saurora - Bursting With Excitement
107 - Sizam - Float On
108 - stuffjunkie - A Pause For The Storm
112 - menebo - Anticipation
113 - drdane - Enduring Peace
114 - anwmn1 - Natural Fireworks

But as you know this needs to be scaled down to a list of ten. It took more than few passes, and the last pass was painful for me as there were a number of photos that I found really exceptional. But this was my final list:
8 - JFreeman - Mwa-Ha-Ha-Ha!
15 - urbanaries - easy like sunday morning
22 - Greensquared - All Tuckered Out
32 - bgaras2001 - Movie Night
43 - Xia_Ke - In The Heat Of The Night
44 - Tessa HD - Dog Days of Summer
79 - photogmomma - Love
103 - saurora - Bursting With Excitement
107 - Sizam - Float On
108 - stuffjunkie - A Pause For The Storm

And now, the feedback on all the entries:
Post# - Photog - Title
2 - PaulThomasMcKee - BIG BANG REDUX
Fantastic!


3 - DRabbit - Quietly
This was screaming for a 10:4 pano crop, that featureless sky could easily have gone and the subject reading would have gained more prominence while still retaining that wide open and spacious feeling.


4 - laraflites - alignment
I like the composition, but the processing is too conflicting for me.


5 - vandana - "Thank you for not smoking"
That's quite a bonfire you got going there ;-) and would probably work very well in a satire magazine of some sort.


6 - rmhoman - The Buck Stops Here
I know you don't have much control of where these things take place, however, the action looks to be about half spent. An explosive frame would show the action at maximum energy and extension.


7 - mycaptures - Energy Of A Child
Very cute. It looks like it was a blurry shot that was over-sharpened though, and competes with the subject too much for me.


8 - JFreeman - Mwa-Ha-Ha-Ha!
I would usually just give a one or two word "I'm not worthy" type of response, but I have to say more. Well done! This does not show th explosion of the bomb, the bomb remains potential energy only, however, with the inclusion of the villain, we see emotional energy, and the hand in the background is curled in a way you can hear the evil laugh. So for me it still communicates explosive.


9 - Tentacion - Soothing Rains
Love the photo, great expression. It just didn't say sedate for me, more like relief.


10 - Awais Yaqub - Message of Patience
The two subjects are competing with each other, the painting and the workers. One is serene the other working, but not actively enough to show "explosive". It doesn't communicate either theme strongly enough for me.


11 - snr - Expression via Spray Paint
Good context, but perhaps too much context. A 10:4 pano crop might draw the viewer more to the message.


12 - traunerk - Nature's Lullaby
Very lovely photo, though for me, flight is an energetic endeavor and that might be why it doesn't speak sedate to me.


13 - Pat664422 - Sugar Rush
Nice peak action, very explosive indeed.


14 - Leonardo Alcantara - Ops..
I like your concept and execution, however, what you are displaying is potential energy, and not th energy itself, there is no explosive moment.


15 - urbanaries - easy like sunday morning
Holy macaroni!


16 - lbphotography - Bombs Away!
Beautiful photo, but perhaps too small in scale to get the feeling of high energy.


17 - jwear - bam
Nice peak action, I can almost feel the stabbing pain myself ;-)


18 - chertioga - Hypnotizing the prey
Without the title, the viewer would have no idea what this photo was about.


19 - HoofClix - Comet David!
Very cool! Love the panned action shot, well done.


20 - flybynight - Belting it Out
Close, but didn't come close enough for me.


21 - VisualXpressions - "Life is Good" (self portrait)
It looks relaxing and peaceful, but didn't cross over into sedate for me. Might be too much energy in the pose?


22 - Greensquared - All Tuckered Out
Love it, and the spilled peas really add to the photo. Love it.


23 - seastack - Final Run
Beautiful! But didn't hit the theme for me. Probably because I know how much energy is in that prop wash of those ferries hehehe.


24 - SaltFork - End of the trail...
Lovely scene. Love the inclusion of the legs, but the camera height seems to tall to make me feel like I am the one lounging there.


25 - Elaine - hog heaven
That middle pig laying on it's side is showing more of a sedate look than the subject pig which is standing in the water. Less energy is better.


26 - kingmamaof2 - Silence
Gorgeous!


27 - LiquidAir - Pop
Love the single eye peek, but all you have here is potential energy, so not enough to speak explosive for me.


28 - richtersl - A Purrfect Life
Great, the face hanging over the edge shows a minimal energy state for sure :-) and the one little eye peek is great and subtle.


29 - Bud1880 - The "Eyes" Have It
Low energy, but the angle is too high. A lower angle shot like richtersl above makes the viewer feel a similar response as the cat. More empathetic if you will.


30 - nikos - Tropical Pyrodise
Clever play on words, I love the title. Fireworks shots in isolation don't typically wow me though. Having some context with the inclusion of the ground helps put the fireworks in perspective. Though I don't know how that would have effected the idea of this shot, whether it would ruin the the effect or not.


31 - annnna8888 - End of day:
Really beautiful!


32 - bgaras2001 - Movie Night
This could be on a movie house wall. Well done.


33 - tsk1979 - iSoulation
Love the photo, however, a vertical 4x6 crop would have nicely complemented the vertical pose of the subject. And an incandescent white balance might have cooled the shot down down to lower visual levels more in keeping with the theme.


34 - com3 - untitled
Not working for me at all. The subjects eyes can't be seen, and there is no visual clue as to why the shot is being shown. The only clue is the title. But then you look at the pose again, and the forward lean says to me action. So it just feels conflicted and not working for me.


35 - Felicia - Crash!
Nice peak action. That action could be even better represented with a 10:4 pano crop, then the foam/spray would be leaving the frame and the action looks visually more active.


36 - binghott - "rockin out."
Love the B&W and the motion blur. This feels very energetic.


37 - Dee - Celebration
Wow, the only thing hurting the photo for me is the image quality. The shadows are too bright and the sensor noise can be seen all over the place. Bring those black point levels in and darken the shadows to make this look better if possible.


38 - pemmett - It's a Pigs Life
Very low energy indeed!


39 - Dalantech - She let me get close...
The detail on those eyes are amazing. But the closeness I think is working against a sedate feel, it looks too energetic to me.


40 - TheFoodTraveller - Scouting for a prey
Awesome photo, but, scouting is energetic, and at the same time, not energetic enough to be explosive. So it is stuck in theme limbo land for me.


41 - adpace - Contemplating
Leaning on that shovel is perfect. I love the photo, it just wound up having a bit too much energy compared to some of the other sedate entries.


42 - flyingdutchie - Salute to the Parade of Sails
Oh, this had a lot of potential. But the composition is too tight. Half of the explosive nature of the photo is lost, the guy there with the ears plugged and the smoke coming out the end are hinted at but not clearly seen. Context has a big bearing on a photo, and there isn't enough of it in this photo. Close, but no cigar ;-)


43 - Xia_Ke - In The Heat Of The Night



44 - Tessa HD - Dog Days of Summer
Love love love it. I keep wanting to play with the cropping, a vertical, a pano, they all help, but no one suggests itself over the other. But that aside, that paw hanging out there and the half closed eyes look like this animal is at its lowest energy level possible! In keeping with that, perhaps placing it at the lower right corner of the frame may complement that low energy feel and still give room for the semi-gaze.


45 - Madrid - Calm Before The Storm
It feels energetic, but more of a potential energy more than anything. I don't see sedate.


46 - tlee - Summer Fun
Good action, but not much context. The viewer is left wondering why this action is taking place. Is someone or something about to get wet?


47 - Janie - Tranquil Moment
Very cute portrait! A little too much energy for me though.


48 - eoren1 - Our Flag Was Still There...
An incandescent white balance would better show the colors of the fireworks I think and may make the sky around the flag a bit more appealing. Love the composition. Needs just a tad more exposure on the statue, but that might ruin the mood too, so I don't know, I am conflicted.


49 - amy wilburn - chillin'
Very stylized! This could easily be on the cover of a music CD. Very interesting.


50 - Swartzy - Firery Frenzy
Explosive for sure, but needs more context for me. It could illustrate an encyclopedia entry, but it would have trouble standing on it's own in an art context.


51 - nelsonstuff - "I See Sparkler People"
Very cool shot and title. I am getting mixed signals for the theme, but it is a great photo.


52 - rddphotos - Blossom Fire
Nice inclusion of context in the trees and car tops. Maybe a tad more of the cars or less, depending on the scene this might not have been possible. A bit more exposure might help too.


53 - rwells - Big Bang Theory
Interesting angle choice, it does help the photo stand on it's own. Well done.


54 - KMCC - Sedately Explosive
I have to mention that the title simply repeats both words of the theme, something I have been trying to get everyone to avoid for months now hehehe. Now the photo itself is beautiful, but it relies on potential energy, and not the energy itself, and being poised for action doesn't convey a sedate feel to the viewer either.


55 - Cheri Campbell-Godfrey - Buzzard Row
Wow, what a line up! Would be even more perfect if cropped to not show the empty posts. Make the viewer think those birds go on forever! And maybe a 10:4 pano crop too.


56 - GREAPER - Patriotic Pastime
Love the composition. But try an incandescent white balance to better portray the colors of the fireworks and city.


57 - k2butter - "Effervescent"
Pow! Great action. A bit warmer of a white balance might give it a tad more energy.


58 - stirfry - Mom's Milk Bar
Close, but too much energy expended in a meal time to make me feel sedate.


59 - SunsetSailor - Firecracker Sunrise
Lovely! It didn't have as much energy as some of the others, but this was close.


60 - gundermann - A Gentle Threat
So subtle and delicious! Well done!


61 - davev - Ejection Seat
Nice peak action! Very explosive feeling.


62 - KvPhoto - The Calm Before The Storm
The frame is distracting (a mirror?) and the optical distortions don't help either. Just looks very messy.


63 - Archangel - Mesmerized
Limbo territory, I don't get a feeling one way or the other as far as theme.


64 - quark - Resting
Beautiful photo!


65 - polyvios_s - Feather Shui!
Love love love this photo. It didn't hit the theme for me ultimately, but wow.


66 - Travis - Smoke Break
A bit distracting with the processing, I didn't notice the fuel cans at first. Funny, but ultimately relies on potential energy instead of the energy itself.


67 - mwalters - Messing about in Boats
Very vintage looking. Though I would have liked to see the incoming rowboat more fully or not at all.


68 - JettyJ - Energy Transfer
Good feeling of energy, but lacks something. I can't pinpoint it for sure, but I think I expect to see a surfer of some type in that wave.


69 - disqualified



70 - A rose - A rose
Very nice colors and streak definition. Almost stands on its own for me, but I would have loved to see some context.


71 - Boyd - Fire Over The Atlantic
Love the context of seeing the water.


72 - NanaMo - .....serene...
Serene now, but in the morning...hehehe


73 - cabbey - Incoming!
I would have liked to see the clouds that this is exploding from. Without that context it is hard to see the energy.


74 - Nikolai - Splash
Crisp and clean. Could easily be on an ad for a beverage. Great action.


75 - shatch - Orchestrated Display



76 - CookieS - Horsepower DIG IN
Nice action, just a little too concealing though of the bull and the rider. Feels incomplete.


77 - Dusty Sensiba - Man and Nature
Amazing timing, but both elements are too weak to really make the photo feel explosive.


78 - Rhuarc - "Too Much Black Powder"
Nice title, it does feel overdriven like they packed it too full with powder. But after that the photo doesn't have much to offer in the way of color or context.


79 - photogmomma - Love
Sweet mercy!


80 - Green2 - Hi-Power
Nice photo, but what we see is potential energy, and the layout conflicts with the title with the seemly sleeping shells laying down.


81 - EnricoS - Fore!
Love the action! I don't know if it is the angle, white balance color, or what, but something is not under par for me.


82 - pyroPrints.com - Short Fuse
The last shot in the series is best for explosive, the build up for me weakens the impact.


83 - Ann McRae - The Predator
The image quality is really hurting the shot. There looks to be no shadow, no blacks to speak of.


84 - zeveck - Fire in the Sky
I like that you are exploring crops, but ti doesn't seem to work here. A vertical crop may have looked more powerful.


85 - jeeepgirl - Water battle
I am ducking to avoid getting wet :-) An interesting crop to consider is a 10:4 pano cropping out the orange arm floaties. So the boys face and the floating drops are all you see.


86 - Flyinggina - The Professor
This does feel sedate, but it feels a little uncomfortable too which pulls me out of the theme ultimately. It may be the eyes.


87 - Harleycowgirl - Nature's Eruption
This one pained me to end to cut from my list. It is just magical for me. And gets two "I'm not worthies"


88 - jkenzie - Shop Dog
Good low energy look to it, but a little blah for me too. Close.


89 - LazyTJ - untitled
A little dark, but touching. This didn't speak to me of the theme at the end though.


90 - Paintdragon - In Our Silence Let Us Not Be Forgotten
A beautiful scene! With the rounded hill it makes it tough to get a lower angle and still show the number of headstones. This is a tough one to nail for me, it is not working, but I can't find a way to help it.


91 - snapstacks - SUNSPASM
A fun photo to be sure, but the lens flare is opposite of the lighting of the natural illumination and winds up distracting too much for me.


92 - JillG - Never Too Old
Kind of limbo, reading is active, but laying on the couch is not. So ehh, it kinda doesn't work, but is close. If the book were resting on his chest and his arms were hanging down like he fell asleep, that may have been a better theme match ;-)


93 - douglas - Reloading Components
Really love the concept. Taking the elements to make the action come to life like that was fantastic. Consider a 10:4 pano crop for it. Well done.


94 - dlscott56 - Contemplating The Day
Feels right heavy to me. If they were at counterpoint, the steeple to the left and the cloud to the right, the balance would seem better, and the steeple would have more contrast to stand against too.


95 - Agila - She Rest in Peace
The statues show more action and take the attention of the shot. So there is a conflict of what the viewer sees and what the title is suggesting.


96 - Robert - Feeling sluggish
The most energetic looking slugs I have ever seen hehehe.


97 - hurricanesteve - Mind Altering
Interesting concept, but the shot relies on potential energy, and doesn't really work for the theme.


98 - leaforte - Eyes of The Son
Very nice, a great match for the theme. Just a little too dark.


99 - sunita - Tranquility
I think ideally, the focus should be on the first book/chair rather than the one behind it. If the first chair/book were more to the periphery of the shot, then it can handle being out of focus a lot easier, but when it is front a center like that, it needs to take the same focus that its prominence has.


100 - sherstone - Aftermath
Very cool concept. It kinda works for me on an explosive level, and a little on the sedate level. But they don't tip one way or the other for me. But way cool!


101 - Dizzy - What Not To Pack . . .
Pretty busy and not very strong. Potential energy, as mentioned can't pull off an explosive theme.


102 - The Hobbyist - The Hare and the Tortoise, at Play.
Conflicting for me, and not explosive enough to effectively counteract the sedate feeling of the in focus child. A little bit of limbo land for me.


103 - saurora - Bursting With Excitement
MAGIC


104 - Aurora - Whatever you do...don't wake the cat!
Title is odd as the cat looks to be awake already, and so why are we warned not to wake it? Good low energy look though.


105 - arctic-moose - Fire Power!!!
Good action, but feels cropped to tightly. Is the gun self discharging? Who is holding it? Why is it going off? Many questions but no answers.


106 - 3phase - Music Calms...
Feels incomplete, a listener relaxed and mellow would complete the scene.


107 - Sizam - Float On
So simple, so perfect!


108 - stuffjunkie - A Pause For The Storm
This was neck and neck with one other fireworks shot. While I feel it is too dark, the lone figure of the boy watching the show is so powerful that it hits home stronger and more emotionally. If the shot were a bit brighter, the other viewer hidden by the trees might show up too, and that would make it more powerful still. But the key here for me was the boy. Awesome.


109 - Vizhon - Analogue Booms
Colorful, but image quality seems to suffer and distract for me.


110 - Lex - "Sweet Elixir"
Sweet shot. Consider a 10:4 pano.


111 - chandi - Ignition
Hmm, the shot seems a bit too soon, the match doesn't look to be the cause of the flame. More like the match is sitting in front of a flame graphic. It is a nice and clean shot, but looks odd.


112 - menebo - Anticipation
I would normally warn of potential energy, however, the anticipatory face give the shot an explosive feel for me. A bit too much studio for my taste, the subject farther from the background would help it go black and not sure what to say about the reflections in the balloon other than moving or not using the umbrella. And the holder of the arrow should be wearing dark clothes or be behind a dark screen. But those are technical nitpicks of a fun and emotional photo.


114 - drdane - Enduring Peace
It does feel peaceful. A wonderful setting and photo.


115 - anwmn1 - Natural Fireworks
Very cool, love the setup.

I've been away for this entire round and just had a chance to look at the entries. I am astonished at how many newcomers there are, the number of entries and the amount of great entries!!! Looks like the word's got out

Congratuations to all who entered and my commiserations to the judges - you've got a tough job ahead of you!

I am a newcomer to this round... and am nervous as hell... I am interested in feedback, but just nervous about hearing it...

Here is my list. Lovely round, gang. I enjoyed seeing all the new dgrinners posting. The list reads from L-->R, top to bottom:



ETA Feedback:

1. 108 - stuffjunkie - A Pause For The Storm
I am fairly ambivalent toward fireworks in general, but I loved the way this image conveyed a time of innocence. I remember being this awe-struck by fireworks as a kid.

2. 103 - saurora - Bursting With Excitement
I really liked the colors in this image. The composition and the child's expression play really well together and I love the texture of the colors.

3. 13 - Pat664422 - Sugar Rush
When I saw this image, I actually salivated. Beautifully executed!

4. 33 - tsk1979 - iSoulation
The beauty of humanity juxtaposed with the urban chaos of humanity--I love the dueling imagery and thought this captured "sedate" better than any other image. Calm in the face of chaos, a distinct choice.

5. 5 - vandana - "Thank you for not smoking"
Is this sedate or explosive? Guess that depends on who you are talking to ;) I loved the colors and the overblown quality.

6. 46 - tlee - Summer Fun
This shot is just good fun. Another visceral reaction. I'm a sucker for bright, primary colors and this just screams fun to me. It would have been even more powerful with a child's hand bursting the bubble.

7. 51 - nelsonstuff - "I See Sparkler People"
I. Love. This. Shot.

8. 24 - SaltFork - End of the trail...
Another great example of the image moving beyond a simple calm state--I get the back story of the journey that came before the image. Perhaps its because I was a hiker, but this image really hit theme.

9. 54 - KMCC - Sedately Explosive
Nice shot--the explosive tension of the bird is nearly palpable amid the pristine background. I love that dichotomy. The clean, crisp lines in this shot play against the impending explosion. Great story.

10. 107 - Sizam - Float On
I'd hang this on my wall, you betcha. LOVE the composition and the subtle storyline.

Honorable Mentions
11. 32 - bgaras2001 - Movie Night
Clever and fun--I was hoping for a popcorn shot though I would like to have seen one more actively popping.

12. 18 - chertioga - Hypnotizing the prey
Cool shot, cool take on the theme. Good on ya.

Also on my long list:
9 - Tentacion - Soothing Rains
This was on my short list and eeked off at the last minute. It's a lush shot. In the end, it just didn't engage me like some of the others.

8 - JFreeman - Mwa-Ha-Ha-Ha!
Clever and fun--It didn't quite meet my criteria for explosive so it didn't make my list but points for the idea and execution. Cool shot!

I really took care to understand the theme definitions and when looking at the images, the ones which sparked the most emotion in me were the ones that didn't just capture the theme definition(s), but took it one step further by engaging with the environment or viewer in some way. There were many wonderful images which depicted the theme to the letter but didn't engage me as much as others did.

Originally Posted by indiegirl (...)

thrilled

I am not going to post "my thoughts" on who the top 10 are this time...I want to wait and see what the judges think....

Don't want to influence any opinions or ideas...you never know if the judges peek at what the "viewers" think. (not saying they do, but that is just my opinion)

----------------------------
Ooooo I sounded "tacky"..Sorry everyone, I Didn't mean to sound Tacky....I guess overworked might be the reason...BRAIN FRIED

I do have the 10 I like, but keeping it to myself is what I should have said...

There are ALOT of FABULOUS entries, and as always GOOD LUCK TO ALL !!

Thanks Indiegirl, that means alot to me!!! I have been off-line for a few days due to a flood in my house, and just barely got back on the computer in time last night to use Photoshop. I almost fell out of my chair looking at the entries this round. I just want to say that I am so hugely impressed with the quality and variety of entries this round!!! Absolutely killer stuff.....and I am so greatful not to be a judge for this one!!! Here are some that caught my eye. These are in the order they are posted in thread)

# 01 PaulThomasMcKee - Big Redux
# 13 Pat664422 - Sugar Rush
# 17 Jwear - Bam
# 33 tsk1979 - isoulation
# 46 tlee - Summer Fun
# 47 Janie - Tranquil Moment
# 57 K2butter - Effervescent
# 68 JettyJ - Energy Transfer
# 79 Photogmomma - Love
# 86 Flyinggina - The Professor
#108 Stuffjunkie - A Pause For the Storm
#112 Menebo - Anticipation

So many, many more! Amazing work everyone, you should all be proud!

#2 - PaulThomasMcKee - BIG BANG REDUX
#13 - Pat664422 - Sugar Rush
#26 - Kingmamaof2 - Silence
#33 - tsk1979 - iSoulation
#47 - Janie - Tranquil Moment
#56 - GREAPER - Patriotic Pastime
#94 - dlScott - Contemplating the Day
#100 - sherstone - Aftermath
#112 - menebo - Anticipation
#113 - drdane - Enduring Peace

Honorable Mention
#21 - VisualExpressions - Life is Good
#61 - davev - Ejection Seat



...and I could go on and on....and on and on.....

All I know is, you guys made it very, very hard for me to decide on my top ten picks. In my book, you ALL were winners! Keep up the good work!

I also say that this was a fantastik round full of excellent photography. I am truly humbled to be here! Congratulations!

I am not going to put out a comprehensive list like I did last time, but I will say that two photos stand above all of these to me as far as both meeting the theme and being a well composed and finished shot. Those two are Paul McKee's Big Bang Redux and Salt Fork's End of the trail. Other extremely well done photos that I thought either didn't or didn't quite meet the theme include annnna8888's End of day, seastack's Final Run, and Saurora's Bursting With Excitement. But many others.

But these are just opinions, and mine make no more sense than others. Now I've been accused in the past of being a little analytical, and I proved it again this series by keeping a little chart as things went along. I noted if the photo met the theme(24), did not(24), sort of did(22), and if it was fireworks or water based, my own in this one (They don't add up, I know..) In my opinion, only 5 of the fireworks shots met the theme (add 5 to the 24).

My list agrees only a little with those who have so far exposed their opinions, and I see very little agreement amongst those so far (only #33 is listed by all three), so let's all not go get upset about things. Let's learn and then move on to take our own photos!

Kind of like when I hit it bad on the practice tee and shoot 75 later on, maybe it's a good thing that I have no idea what to do for LPS9!

Where did my photo go? Does anyone see #16? I know it was there last night, and the link has not changed. I wonder if the judges saw it?

Update - sharing was turned off last night on the gallery the photo was in. GRRRRRRRR! I guess LPS #9 will be my first posting.


I agree great round, lots of spectacular photography.

Hi, here's my feedback, I know how frustrating it is waiting for feedback and results so this is very much a quick and dirty effort which given time I'll flesh out a bit more.

My top ten in order of submission, title links to image:-

Mwa-Ha-Ha-Ha! - JFreeman

Great fun, a picture I just keep coming back to to look at again and again, the subject matter, the composition the treatment in PP, it all adds up to a very memorable image, I can imagine hanging it on my wall.

Sugar Rush - Pat664422

Bang on theme for me, love the energy, composition and technical aspects of this shot, went straight into my top ten.

Silence - Kingmamaof2

Sweet mercy as Shay might say, again bang on theme, here's someone that appears to be suffering but maintains an air of grace, decorum and dignity, sedate indeed.

Pop - Liquidair

I really like the tight crop on this image, it makes the viewer feel involved, as though your equally at threat from the impending explosion, the look of anticipation, excitement and fear caught in the child's eye is also perfect.

iSoulation - tsk1979

I was drawn to this image by the contrast between the clearly busy and noisy backdrop and the inner silence and grace of the subject, the play off between the subject's ability to find inner calm in the midst of such an environment works well for me.

Sedately Explosive - KMCC

Very cleverly captures the dignity and great beauty of the natural world, a wonderfully graceful and serene moment.

Patriotic Pastime - GREAPER

Of the fireworks entries this one caught my eye, no distracting elements, perfect exposure, clever composition, just a joy to behold.

Splash - Nikolai

I really like the movement in this entry, it really fizzles with energy.

Bursting with Excitement - Saurora

Another image I keep revisiting, wonderful, not only do we have the explosive effect of a sparkler, but an explosion of joy on the child's face, spot on and a wonderful capture, a delight.

Float On - Sizam

Beautiful and very clever, here we are presented with a crisp almost virginal, abstract representation of remaining sedate in the face of great adversity, steering one's way through the trials of life with grace and serenity.


Cont....

And the rest:-


2. Big Bang Redux - PaulThomasMcKee

It's certainly a riot of colour, and I can almost imagine those buds rushing towards me, a lovely image, nearly made my top 10.

3. Quietly - DRabbit

Misses the theme for me, contemplative, maybe even a little sad and there's too much dead space at the top of the image for me, good BW conversion though.

4. Alignment - laraflites

Another image that missed the theme for me, and I'm not sure about the PP treatment, good composition however.

5. Thank you for not smoking - Vandana

This is good fun, I'm not sure if the high key effect works, something about it bothers me.

6. The Buck Stops Here - rmhoman

Captures the explosive energy of the horse well, is it a little dark, might be my monitor and maybe you could lose the rails?

7. Energy of a child - mycaptures

Misses the theme for me and the PP looks a bit odd?

8. Mwa-Ha-Ha-Ha! - JFreeman

Great fun, a picture I just keep coming back to to look at again and again, the subject matter, the composition the treatment in PP, it all adds up to a very memorable image, I can imagine hanging it on my wall, made my top ten.

9. Soothing Rains - Tentacion

Beautiful model enjoying a refreshing, cleansing moment, but doesn't catch either theme for me.

10. Message of patience - Awais Yaqub

There's some powerful imagery here but I don't understand the inclusion of the foreground subjects, I don't know what they are digging, am I missing the message?

11. Expression via Spray Paint - snr

An interesting subject and that rare thing, a good use of selective colour.

12. Nature's Lullaby - traunerk

A pleasing scene that misses the theme for me, seems a bit noisy.

13. Sugar Rush - Pat664422

Bang on theme for me, love the energy, composition and technical aspects of this shot, went straight into my top ten.

14. Ops.. - Leonardo Alcantara

A nice idea but I preferred the other balloon shots.

15. Easy like Sunday morning - urbanaries

A difficult one this, a stunning portrait but I'm seeing anguish, concern or worry in the models eyes and this missed the theme for me, an extraordinarily beautiful image however.

16. lbphotography

This didn't make my top ten but I can't seem to view it now so I can't give feedback.

17. bam - jwear

Bam indeed or more of a thwack, or a thump but not an explosion, nice capture however.

18. Hypnotizing the prey - chertioga

I don't get it, explosive or sedate, sedate the prey, sorry?

19. Comet David - HoofClix

Well caught water bomb, good fun.

20. Belting it out - flybynight

Great capture but doesn't quite convey the explosive theme enough for me.

21. Life is Good - VisualXpressions

It certainly looks like it is, I'd like to join you for a glass. Says calm, relaxed, chilled out to me, but not sedate.

22. All tuckered out - Greensquared

Gorgeous, what an adorable portrait, but says tired, sleepy, exhausted to me, not sedate.

23. Final Run - Seastack

Love the colours and the calm, serene nature of the scene, but speaks of goodbyes or farewells to me.

24. End of the trail... - SaltFork

A very picturesque and calming scene, relaxing, beautiful, but not sedate.

25. Hog Heaven - Elaine

I love this image, it really makes me chuckle but I'm not sure how dignified a pig in muck can be.

26. Silence - Kingmamaof2

Sweet mercy as Shay might say, again bang on theme, here's someone that appears to be suffering but maintains an air of grace, decorum and dignity, sedate indeed, made my top ten.

27. Pop - Liquidair

I really like the tight crop on this image, it makes the viewer feel involved, as though your equally at threat from the impending explosion, the look of anticipation, excitement and fear caught in the child's eye is also perfect, made my top ten.

28 . A purrfect Life - richtersl

Fantastic capture of a sleeping cat, doesn't hit the theme for me.

29. The 'eyes' have it - Bud1880

As Above

30. Tropical Pyrodise - nikos

It's a good firework shot, but not my favourite of those submitted.

31. End of day - annnna8888

Nice textural contrasts and very inviting blue waters but misses the theme for me.

32. Movie Night - bgaras2001

Great image, I love the energy, seriously considered this but in the end it failed to make my top ten.

33. iSoulation - tsk1979

I was drawn to this image by the contrast between the clearly busy and noisy backdrop and the inner silence and grace of the subject, the play off between the subject's ability to find inner calm in the midst of such an environment works well for me, made my top 10.

34. the calm before the storm - com3

A nice portrait that doesn't seem to have any connection to the theme.

35. Crash! - Felicia

Certainly captures the explosive power of waves meeting rocks but lacks a clear focal point for me, my eye darts around the image continuously and never settles anywhere.

36. Rockin Out - binghott

A little spooky but doesn't say either theme to me.

37. Celebration - Dee

A nice attempt at fireworks, but the smoke obscuring the main explosion and the messy bottom of the frame spoil it for me.

38. It's a pig's life - pemmett

That's one relaxed pig, I like the composition and the high saturation but ultimately it doesn't fit the theme.

39. She let me get close... - Dalantech

Wowser, another of Dalantech's extraordinary images, but I'm not seeing the relation to the theme.

40. Scouting for prey - TheFoodTraveller

Subject is too obscured and lost in the frame to draw any feeling from the image for me.

41. Contemplating - adpace

What a great image, I like the composition but not seeing the themes.

42. Salute to the parade of sails - flyingdutchie

Now that's what I call an explosion, well captured, it's a shame that the two most striking elements of the shot, the explosion and the recoiling soldier are at either side of the frame, it feels unbalanced.

43. In The Heat Of The Night - Xia_ke

Well captured and exposed lightning shot, but the lower part of the frame is too messy, looks as though it was taken out of a window when a more favourable location could have been sought.

44. Dog Days of Summer - Tessa HD

I absolutely love this shot, everything works except its relation to the theme, I can't see it.

45. Calm Before the Storm - Madrid

What a gorgeous sky, I didn't find it menacing enough to suggest the onset of a storm.

46. Summer Fun - tlee

Very nice, this almost made my top 10, a very well captured moment.

47 . Tranquil Moment - Janie

Wonderful portrait, but misses the themes for me.

48. Our Flag Was Still There - eoren1

Very clever use of the firework and a good exposure, but ultimately for me the firework is a secondary element of the shot, when given the theme it should have been the main.

49. chillin' - amy wilburn

It's certainly an interesting shot, but misses the theme for me.

50. Fiery Frenzy - Swartzy

Another firework shot, spoilt slightly by the partial obscuring by the smoke.

51. I see sparkler people - nelsonstuff

I really liked this image, it almost made my top ten.

52. Blossom Fire - rddphotos

Another fireworks shot spoilt by a messy foreground.

53. Big Bang Theory

This didn't make my top ten, but it's not displaying for me now so I can't comment.

54. Sedately Explosive - KMCC

Very cleverly captures the dignity and great beauty of the natural world, a wonderfully graceful and serene moment, made my top ten.

55. Buzzard Row - Cheri

It's certainly quite a sight to behold but it's not giving me a strong impression of either theme.

56. Patriotic Pastime - GREAPER

Of the fireworks entries this one caught my eye, no distracting elements, perfect exposure, clever composition, just a joy to behold, made my top ten.

57. Effervescent - k2butter

Wonderful, a well captured moment, almost made my top ten.

58. Mom's Milk Bar - stirfry

A very intimate and wonderful moment to capture, a gorgeous image and conversion but ultimately fails to meet the themes for me.

59. Firecracker Sunrise - SunsetSailor

Wonderful colours, I appreciate the attempt to use the branches to frame the image but I feel like I want to be closer to the structure, however, ultimately I'm not sure this image meets the theme.

60. A gentle threat - gundermann

I don't know what I'm looking at without the textual explanation, that's fine but it then needs to shout explosive or sedate to me and it does neither.

61. Ejection Seat - davev

It's a good action shot, a bit tightly cropped for me, when a subject is moving I like to leave them some room to move into, however I did consider this image for some time.

62. The Calm Before the Storm - KvPhoto

This image doesn't really work for me, if there is an impending storm the sky doesn't suggest it to me.

63. Mesmerized - Archangel

I really liked this image and it nearly made my top ten, this looks like one dignified dog and I love the lighting, gorgeous.

64. Resting - quark

Another relaxing and picturesque scene, very nicely composed and exposed in pretty difficult conditions but again fails to meet the theme for me.

65. Feather Shui! - polyvios_s

Oooh, I really like this, beautiful, but not tied in closely enough with the themes for me.

66. Smoke Break - Travis

An interesting, if somewhat unnerving concept, but the PP doesn't work for me.

67. Messing about in boats - mwalters

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, misses the theme again and I can't discern if it's been intentionally softened or is just out of focus?

68. Energy Transfer - JettyJ

I like this, however somehow it lacks strong enough form to really stand out as it verges on abstract.

69. Disqualified

70. Independence Day! - JohnC

Another cracking fireworks shot which ultimately lost out to another entry.

71. Fire over the Atlantic - Boyd

OK, but not the strongest fireworks shot.

72. ...serene... - NanaMo

This made me chuckle, I like it as an image but, clearly it's not explosive, and arguably it's the opposite of sedate, maybe sedated was what you were after.

73. Incoming - cabbey

This doesn't work for me.

74. Splash - Nikolai

I really like the movement in this entry, it really fizzles with energy, made my top ten.

75. Orchestrated Display - shatch

Very nicely captured fireworks, but I find myself more interested in what the people at the bottom of the frame are up to, too many distracting elements.

76. Horsepower Dig In - CookieS

I was hoping someone might capture the explosive power of a beast such as a horse, but to me this horse looks as though it's braking and turning hard, rather than exploding forward, would a second later have been the moment?

77. Man and Nature - Dusty Sensiba

It's quite a pleasing image, but something doesn't hang right for me, can't put my finger on it.

78. Too Much Black Power - Rhuarc

There's simply to much lost detail to the blown highlights for this to compete with the other fireworks shots.

79. Love - photogmomma

I adore this entry, it's so simple yet so effective, it works on every level, except one, it doesn't fit the theme, but what a great image.

80. Hi-Power - Green2

I don't know what to say about this, it just leaves me cold, technically it's fine but it does nothing for me.

81. Fore! - EnricoS

A nice attempt at capturing an explosive moment, but it doesn't quite convey for me the energy involved.

82. Short Fuse - pyroPrints.com

I liked this concept and it was hovering around my top ten for a while but in the end it didn't quite make it.

83. The Predator - Ann McRae

The image seems to suffer from some technical deficiencies, there's certainly some explosive power on display.

84. Fire in the Sky - zeveck

Not strong enough to compete with some of the other fireworks shots.

85. Water Battle - jeeepgirl

This is an excellent image and very nearly made it into my top ten, gave me nightmares, but ultimately lost out.

86. The Professor - Flyinggina

I though this was a strong attempt at the theme but it's a little too formal and stiff for me.

87. Nature's Eruption - Harleycowgirl

What a breathtaking image, wonderful, but the trouble with dandelions is that the parachutes usually break off easily and then waft away quietly which doesn't say explosive to me.

88. Shop Dog - jkenzie

What a lovely mutt, you've caught his/her eyes beautifully, a lovely image.

89. LazyTJ

I'm not seeing either theme here.

90. In our Silences Let Us Not Be Forgotten - Paintdragon

I do like this image, it's well composed, exposed but it didn't make my top ten.

91. Sunspasm - snapstacks

Beautiful, but I don't see the relation to the themes.

92. Never Too Old - JillG

It's a very well executed portrait but it wasn't strong enough for me to make my top 10.

93. Reloading Components - douglas

It does what it says on the tin, but it doesn't move me in any way.

94. Contemplating the Day - dlscott56

A very peaceful and calming scene, but doesn't hit the themes for me.

95. She Rest In Peace - Agila

Very, very powerful imagery and technically beautiful but says grief, loss and sorrow to me, not sedate.

96. Feeling Sluggish - Robert

Ewwww! as they say, good fun but not on theme for me.

97. Mind Altering - hurricanesteve

I like the composition and use of narrow depth of field but it doesn't move me in any way.

98. Eyes of the Son - leaforte

I'd like to be sitting around that fire telling old tales but it misses the theme for me.

99. Tranquility - sunita

This one gave me problems, I really like it, strong composition, interesting lighting, technically well done, but does it fit the theme, it was certainly up there in my thoughts but lost out in the end.

100. Aftermath - Sherstone

An interesting concept, and there's certainly an eye for composition here with the way the spent matches have been arranged, I like the image but it didn't make my top ten.

101. What not to pack - Dizzy

A nice dose of humour but the picture doesn't work for me as an arresting image.

102. The hare and the tortoise at play - The Hobbyist.

A nice idea, but not strong enough for me in light of the competition.

103. Bursting with Excitement - Saurora

Another image I keep revisiting, wonderful, not only do we have the explosive effect of a sparkler, but an explosion of joy on the child's face, spot on and a wonderful capture, a delight, easily made my top 10.

104. Whatever you do.. don't wake the cat! - Aurora

Another nice feline portrait but doesn't capture the theme for me.

105. Fire Power!!! - Arctic Moose

Undoubtedly explosive, but somehow the gun looks too static to have just released that amount of energy.

106. Music Calms... - 3phase

A nice enough portrait but doesn't hit the theme for me.

107. Float On - Sizam

Beautiful and very clever, here we are presented with a crisp almost virginal, abstract representation of remaining sedate in the face of great adversity, steering one's way through the trials of life with grace and serenity, made my top ten.

108. A pause for the storm - stuffjunkie

Not the strongest fireworks shot, the body language of the boy in silhouette with his hands in his pockets suggests apathy or disinterest sucking the energy out of the whole image.

109. Analogue Blooms - Vizhon

Another fireworks entry that's not strong enough to compete with the better shots.

110. Sweet Elixir - Lex

This image is too busy and lacks a focal point, my eye floats around the image looking for somewhere to land but never rests at ease, also I fail to see the connection to the theme.

111. Ignition - chandi

Good capture, strong composition and exposure, really like it but it didn't make my top ten.

112. Anticipation - menebo

Very nice, great lighting (as evidenced in the reflection in the balloon) beautiful model, good use of selective colouring, so nearly made my top ten, very difficult choice.

113. Enduring Peace - drdane

Beautiful scene, cleverly created, I gave this one some serious thought but it didn't quite make it into my top 10.

114. Natural Fireworks - anwmn1

A strong image, but not related closely enough to the themes for me.


Phew, judging is tough!

Charlie

Originally Posted by thebigsky ...43. In The Heat Of The Night - Xia_ke Well captured and exposed lightning shot, but the lower part of the frame is too messy, looks as though it was taken out of a window when a more favourable location could have been sought....

Dang, I knew I should have gone with my other shot I was worried about exactly what you pointed out. This was a 20 second exposure, and with the wind from the storm, it created a lot of blur in the trees in the foreground. I tried burning them out a bit and hoped the lightning itself would be enough to make up for it. The shot was taken from my porch and as much as I wanted a winning shot, I wasn't about to go running around in the open with a metal tripod...LOL Thanks for the feedback Charlie. Much appreciated

Aaron

These are the ones that spoke the theme to me the most and made me want to stay and linger on them:

#79 - Love by Photogmomma
#114 - Natural Fireworks by anwmn1
#66 - Smoke Break by Travis
#46 - Summer Fun by tlee
#48 - Our Flag Was Still There by eoren1
#27 - Pop by LiquidAir
#26 - Silence by Kingmamaof2
#13 - Sugar Rush by Pat664422
#2 - BIG BANG REDUX by PaulThomasMcKee
#9 - Soothing Rains by Tentacion

I must say I don't envy the judges one bit! I started out writing down my top 10 and had to start over when I reached 20... I love these contests. As the lurker I was, it was addicting to check out the new entries and get my photography art fix. Thank you everyone for braving rejection and sharing your talents with the world! Keep showing your stuff! I must feed my habit...

TheBigSky, thank you so much for your feedback! Always helpful!! Thanks again...

Originally Posted by photogmomma TheBigSky, thank you so much for your feedback! Always helpful!! Thanks again...

Yes, thanks for going through every photo with a critique. Your opinion helped me understand why certain photos weren't sticking with me like others.

Thanks for the feedback bigsky!

I think my image is going to be misinterpreted quite a bit. it wasn't meant to be just another fireworks shot. It was meant to be over blown, in the sense that to me it showed true explosiveness and the chaos that ensues.

But hey, live and learn right?

Originally Posted by thebigsky And the rest:- 9. Soothing Rains - Tentacion Beautiful model enjoying a refreshing, cleansing moment, but doesn't catch either theme for me. Phew, judging is tough! Charlie

Thanks for your feedback Charlie, it is much appreciated!! in regards to my picture...

You apparently did see the theme:
'Etymology: Latin sedatus, from past participle of sedare to calm" also means "tranquil" "relaxed"

To me water is as you said refreshing, cleansing, and it also calms and tranquilizes the mind, body and spirit, which is another method of portraying "sedate", but I also liked her sensuality in this photo it expresses "explosive" in a demure way.

Again, thanks so much for your time and effort, it is very hard being a judge, and trust me I did not envy you. Thanks for the compliment too!!

Take Care
Donna

Ok, feedback taken in stride, it's only one shot, one contest, no biggie. But Charlie, RE 110, these butterflies don't look SEDATE to you? Ok, I guess I see something you don't then. But they sure look fairly sedate to me. All sitting there, not moving to speak of, except for one coming in for a landing. Do you have to see their eyes catatonic to think they are sedate?, It seems that the image as a whole is sedate, because it's quite, it's peaceful, it's just butterflies, they make no noise, they just flutter. Seems sedate to me. Thesaurus.com lists some synonyms for Sedate as:

gentle, laidback, placid, relaxed, restful, satisfied, sedate, serene, still, temperate, unexcitable, unexcited

My entry was more to test what response I might get than anything, so I'm interested to know it didn't relate... There are many great entries. thank you.