Best Of

I tried to leave this challenge theme open to interpretation, at least a little. Basically, I decided to take the position of “If you think it fits the theme, it fits”. I am very happy with the entries. Of course, that makes the judging a bit more difficult. But that’s part of the fun. As usual, I try to comment on some of the entries from each participant. So, here goes.

@grandmaR, while all your photos were right on theme, my favorite of your entries is the bird. He’s so cheeky, and I think he’s trying to whisper in my ear (or maybe nibble it a bit).

Gretchen @sapphire73, I really like the Night Blooming Cereus, but my favorite is the Alaska glacier. I’ve used a lot of words in this post, but I don’t think I have the words for that one. I think it's just stunning.

Jeff @jwear, I hadn’t thought of a lunar eclipse when I posted this challenge, but it’s right on theme. I really like that you posted a shot with the moon still partially illuminated. Sadly every time I try for a lunar eclipse I go outside, say “Darn clouds” and go back in. You had better weather and got a great shot.

Shawn @shawnc, as requested I will not consider your photos for judging, but I did want to include a comment. All your photos are on theme but I think my favorite is the cardinal. That pop of red against the soft, out of focus background is lovely. Also, the peacock is just too cool.

Jo @Cavalier, I really liked your entries. Those birds with the wings outstretched are really awesome. But hands down my favorite is the foggy day. The mood of that photo is wonderful, and the hints of color are perfect.

Sherry @slpollett, your solar eclipse shot gives this challenge a complete set along with the lunar eclipse. But my favorite is the portrait with selective color. The pink suits the young girl very well, and I’m sure she must have loved the shot.

@npdemers, I really like the Anna’s Hummingbird. That splash of magenta really stands out against the muted body. I haven’t seen an Anna’s, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen any hummer just sitting on a branch. Cool shot.

So, now for the hard part.

Honorable Mentions:
@grandmaR – You talking to me?
@jwear – Lunar Eclipse
@slpollett – Selective Color Portrait

3rd Place: @npdemers – Anna’s Hummingbird

2nd Place: @Cavalier - Foggy Day

1st Place: @sapphire73 - Glacier in Alaska

Thank you, everyone, for participating. Gretchen, the next challenge is yours.

I don't think we've had anything like this for a while, so here goes. What I am looking for are photos with just a hint of color. That can be a photo with overall pale, dilute color or a photo with just a small area of color (doesn't have to be dilute in this case) and the rest is neutral. For neutral I'm thinking black, white, gray, or beiges/sandy colors. The beige can either be the neutral or it can count as the hint of color. I'm pretty flexible here. While conceiving of this topic I mainly thought of naturally occurring subjects, but I will also include photos that have been modified (i.e. selective color or desaturation).

This challenge will run until Sunday 27 October at 8PM Eastern Daylight Time. Rules are located here: https://dgrin.com/discussion/248032/mini-challenge-un-official-rules#latest

Here are a few examples.

Life in a lava field

Pale yellow in the center of a white rose

Shadow, posing like a good cat

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's take on this theme.

I enjoyed seeing the photos people shared for this mini! @npdemers, many thanks to running this mini and coming up with a short list noting favorites from all three participants. @bfluegie - Barbara - congratulations on the win! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the next mini!

As you may guess, I am now back from traveling in Europe. Many thanks to @denisegoldberg for keeping an eye on things for me with the Challenges!

It was fun to see lots of bridges on my travels (as Sherry's mini challenge was wrapping up) and to photograph other subjects that have potential as "best" of the last 12 months or favorites. But I didn't have time to process and share anything for this last mini or look through my archive.